Food & Hemorrhoids: While having a nutritional diet of balance and moderation is important at all times, the following is a list of foods to avoid AT ALL COSTS during a hemorrhoid flare-up.

Failure to do so will lead to further inflammation, increased discomfort and a tougher road to recovery. Avoiding those types of food will make Hemocyl even more efficient.

Refined Grains — Refined grains have been milled to soften the texture of the grain, removing the bran or germ which contain all of its nutrients and fiber. Without these nutrients, proper digestion and elimination will not take place and often, refined grains will sit in the stomach or intestines, contributing to pain and swelling at the hemorrhoid site.

Dairy — Dairy including milk and cheese, promote constipation and make hemorrhoids worse. Dairy products do not cause constipation on their own but contribute to constipation discomfort during hemorrhoid outbreaks. Dairy also causes gas production, which can contribute to pain and cramping if already constipated. Some research proves heavy dairy consumption can leads to the accumulation of bulk called “soaps,” which contribute to constipation and harder stool. Soaps occur as fatty acids in the intestines bind to calcium deposits from the diary.

Salt — Excessive amounts of salt can slow the digestive system, making bowel movements more painful. Additionally, a build-up of salt in the blood can cause bloating, which may make swollen hemorrhoids worse and more sensitive. Limiting salt intake during hemorrhoid flareups will lead to pain decreasing.

Deep-Fried Foods — Fried foods are full of bad ingredients like unhealthy oils and a high fat content, heavy and hard to digest. These fats and oils cause inflammation in the intestinal walls causing severe damage. This will exacerbate existing hemorrhoids, making them bigger and more sensitive. During hemorrhoid flareups, always avoid any inflaming foods.

Coffee — Like alcohol, caffeinated beverages, especially coffee, can cause dry stool that may exacerbate hemorrhoids. Because of this, hemorrhoid sufferers may want to switch to decaffeinated teas or coffee alternatives.

Unripe Fruit — Unripe fruit may contribute to pain as it is difficult to digest, and some fruit, like bananas, contain constipating compounds until the fruit is fully ripened. Any fruit consumed during a flareup should be fully ripe. Ripening can be expedited by placing fruits in a warm location inside a paper sack for one to two days.