The Importance of Fiber in Preventing and Managing Piles: A Lady Doctor's Perspective

Piles are more common than most of us think, and ignoring them only makes things worse. Known medically as hemorrhoids, piles can make everyday life really uncomfortable. From pain while sitting to bleeding during bowel movements, they come with a range of symptoms that are not only unpleasant but also sometimes alarming. And if you are a woman, it adds to your agony of finding a lady doctor to discuss the problem without feeling embarrassed.

One key factor that can make a big difference, whether you’re trying to prevent piles or manage existing ones, is consuming a fiber rich diet for piles. Yes, something as simple as what’s on your plate can seriously impact your gut health and ease your symptoms. So if you are confused about which foods to eat and avoid to help relieve the symptoms or manage piles, here are some handy tips on the best fiber for piles.

What you eat can help ease the symptoms of hemorrhoids. But if piles are affecting your quality of life, it's advisable to seek medical treatment. At Felix Hospital, we have a lady doctor in Noida for piles treatment. For an appointment, contact us! +91 9667064100.

What Are Piles?

Piles, also called haemorrhoids, are swollen veins in your rectum or anus. Sometimes, they stay inside (internal piles), and sometimes they bulge out (external piles). Both can be annoying. Some people don’t even realize they have them until there’s blood on the toilet paper or pain while passing stools. Others have it worse, itching, swelling, burning, or even a lump that won’t go away.

Common Symptoms

• Bleeding during or after bowel movements

• Pain or pressure in the anal area

• Itching and constant irritation around the anus

• A visible lump or swelling near the anal opening

• Feeling like you didn’t finish your poop (even when you did)

Causes

Piles aren’t always about genes, most often, it’s how we eat, move, and our lifestyle. Some major triggers include:

• Straining too hard on the toilet

• Chronic constipation or even repeated loose motions

• Sitting on the toilet for too long

• Low fiber diet

• Not drinking enough water

• Pregnancy 

• Being overweight

• Long hours of sitting, especially desk jobs

Piles Treatment & Management

With piles, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Piles treatment depends on how bad the piles are. In most mild to moderate cases, it’s possible to manage them with non-surgical treatment options.

Non-surgical Treatment

●   Warm sitz baths  for 10–15 minutes, 2-3 times daily
●   Over-the-counter creams or suppositories
●   Ice packs to reduce swelling
●   Avoiding dry toilet paper; try wet wipes instead
●   Staying active, it could be walking, stretching, or moving
●   Most importantly consuming more fiber and more fluids

If it’s more serious, doctors might suggest surgical options, such as:

• Rubber band ligation: During banding, a small rubber band is placed around the base of a hemorrhoid. The band stops the flow of blood into the hemorrhoid and eventually the hemorrhoid will fall off. This usually takes 10 to 12 days. 

• Sclerotherapy: A chemical solution is injected directly into the hemorrhoid. This causes it to shrink and to form scar tissue.

• Stapledhemorrhoidopexy: The hemorrhoidal tissue is placed back inside the anus and held in place using surgical staples.

• Hemorrhoidectomy: It is a surgical procedure to remove hemorrhoids and is often recommended for severe hemorrhoids or when there are complications, such as multiple hemorrhoids or hemorrhoids that have prolapsed.

• Laser Treatment: It is a minimally invasive therapy that uses laser energy to shrink hemorrhoidal tissue. When compared to standard surgical procedure, this causes less pain, recovers faster, and has less bleeding.
  Prevent Piles With Fiber

Fiber isn’t just some health fad— it helps to pass stools easily. Because when you’re not straining, you’re not putting extra pressure on those sensitive veins.

Fibre Helps By:

    •    Preventing constipation
    •    Reducing the need to push or strain
    •    Increasing water retention in colon, therefore keeping the stool soft
    •    Decreasing the pH levels in the colon

Soluble vs. Insoluble Fiber

If you are looking for a fiber rich diet for piles, here’s a tip: you need both kinds of fiber as they work together to keep your digestive system healthy.

• Soluble fiber: It is best fiber for piles as it absorbs water and turns into a gel-like substance. Besides, it slows digestion, and keeps you full longer. It’s commonly found in oats, apples, beans, barley, etc.

• Insoluble fiber: It adds bulk to your stool and is found in whole wheat, carrots, nuts, seeds, cauliflower, and green leafy veggies, etc.

How Much Is Enough?

Most adults need to consume fiber somewhere between 25 to 35 grams a day. Start simple. You don’t have to overhaul everything. Add one fib-rich food at each meal. Here are some of the best foods that you can consume to prevent piles with fiber:

• Morning: Oats with flaxseed and banana/apple

• Lunch: Quinoa with mixed vegetables or brown rice with dal. You can also include broccoli, sweet potatoes, potatoes and tomatoes.  

• Evening snack: Handful of almonds/prunes/berries/ pear (with skin)

• Dinner: Whole wheat roti with spinach or beans or whole wheat pasta and bread

Fiber won’t help without water, therefore make sure to stay hydrated.

Foods to Avoid

Processed foods and those rich in fats, sugar, or refined carbohydrates should be avoided. These foods increase the risk of constipation that causes hemorrhoids. Try avoiding:

●    Fried and salty foods
●    Chips and other packaged snacks
●    Full-fat dairy products
●    Processed foods
●    Red meat
●    Soda, sports drinks, energy drinks, etc. 
●    Excessive caffeine intake
 

Conclusion

Consuming a fiber rich diet for piles, such as pulses (beans, lentils, chickpeas), whole fruits and vegetables, and whole grains, can help ease symptoms of hemorrhoids and prevent them.

However, if you’re already dealing with symptoms, change your diet and also seek medical treatment from our lady doctor in Noida for piles. At Felix Hospital, we provide both non surgical and surgical treatments for piles.

Fibre isn’t a magic cure. If you have severe hemorrhoids or those that do not improve with dietary changes after a week or two, do not delay and consult our piles specialist.

FAQs

Q: Can fibre completely cure piles?
Ans: Not exactly, it can reduce your symptoms and help prevent flare-ups. But piles that have already formed and are severe may need medical treatment.

Q: What foods are rich in fiber for piles patients?
Ans: Whole grains, fruits (with skin), vegetables, lentils, beans, flaxseeds, and oats are some great options.

Q: Is fibre safe during pregnancy-related piles?
Ans: Absolutely! In fact, it’s recommended. Just ensure you’re drinking enough fluids along with it.