Hemorrhoids, which are also commonly known as piles, generally occur when veins in the lower rectum or around the anus become swollen and inflamed. So, in such instances, they can cause pain, itching, discomfort, and bleeding during bowel movements. To address this, most of the doctors recommend certain changes in your dietary routine, especially to increase fiber intake.

When you switch to a high fiber diet, it helps you to soften stools, reduces straining during bowel movements, and supports overall digestive health, which is highly essential for managing hemorrhoids.

How a High-Fiber Diet Helps with Hemorrhoids  

You might be wondering how a high fiber diet can help you get rid of this? Here is how! Fiber plays a pivotal role in improving bowel movements and reducing pressure on rectal veins. According to dietary guidelines, people should consume around 14 grams of fiber per 1,000 calories, which is equal to about 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day for a typical adult.

Fiber helps by: Increasing stool weight and bulk, retaining water in the colon, making stools softer, reducing colon transit time (how long waste stays in the colon), and making stools easier to pass and reducing straining.

There are basically two types of fiber:

One is called the soluble fiber, which dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance that softens stool.

The second comes from insoluble fiber that adds bulk to stool and helps move waste through the digestive tract.

Most high-fiber foods contain both types, making them ideal for hemorrhoid management.

Best High-Fiber Foods for Hemorrhoids  

1. Whole Grains and Cereals  

Whole grains are rich in insoluble fiber, which helps add bulk to stools.

High-fiber bran cereal (½ cup): up to 14 g fiber

Shredded wheat cereal (1 cup): 6–9 g fiber

Whole wheat bread, pasta, and cereals

Barley and oats (rich in soluble fiber)

2. Fruits  

Fruits also provide fiber, water, and natural compounds that help ease constipation.

Pear (with skin): ~6 g fiber

Apple (with skin): ~4–5 g fiber

Raspberries (1 cup): ~8 g fiber

Prunes (½ cup): ~3–4 g fiber

Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruit)

Kiwis and berries

When you keep the skin on fruits, it increases insoluble fiber intake.

3. Vegetables  

Vegetables add both fiber and hydration to the diet.

Green peas (1 cup): ~8–9 g fiber

Sweet potatoes (with skin): ~3–4 g fiber

Potatoes (with skin): ~3–4 g fiber

Broccoli, tomatoes, collard greens, winter squash, artichokes

Brightly colored vegetables also contain compounds that may help reduce hemorrhoid bleeding.

4. Beans, Lentils, and Pulses  

Legumes top the list among the best sources of fiber.

Lentils (1 cup cooked): ~15–16 g fiber

Navy beans (½ cup): ~9–10 g fiber

Kidney beans (½ cup): ~5–6 g fiber

Chickpeas, peas, lima beans

These foods significantly increase stool bulk and reduce the time waste spends in the colon.

5. Nuts and Seeds  

Almonds or pecans (20 pieces): ~3 g fiber

Edamame (½ cup): ~3 g fiber

Additional Tips to Support a High-Fiber Diet  

◈ Increase fiber gradually to avoid gas and bloating.

◈ Make sure you drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily to help fiber work effectively.

◈ Avoid too much straining during bowel movements.

◈ Use over-the-counter treatments under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

◈ Take sitz baths to relieve any type of discomfort.

◈ Further, make sure that you maintain regular meal timings to support bowel regularity.

◈ Also doctor or registered dietitian can help create a fiber-rich diet plan that is best suited to your health needs.

Summary  

A high-fiber diet is one of the most effective natural and proven ways to treat and prevent hemorrhoids. Besides, foods such as whole grains, fruits with skin, vegetables, beans, lentils, and berries help soften stools, improve bowel movements, and reduce strain on rectal veins. At the same time, avoiding low-fiber, processed, and fatty foods can prevent symptoms from worsening.