Is liquid diet for hemorrhoids good? It is very common and almost everyone knows that simple dietary changes can help you get rid of the symptoms. Add more fiber in your diet or stay hydrated.
Piles or external hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels that cause pain, inflammation, discomfort, and bleeding during bowel movements.
It has been known that your diet really influences the impact of causing or preventing piles/hemorrhoids.
People who eat a high-fiber diet regularly are less likely to get hemorrhoids, while those people consume a diet that is high in processed foods are at higher risk of hemorrhoids.
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What is a liquid diet?
Why do doctors suggest a liquid diet for hemorrhoids? Liquid diet doesn’t mean that you are allowed to consume only liquids. The entire purpose of a liquid diet in any medical condition is to ensure that bowel movements are on track and natural.
A liquid diet has proven effective in various medical conditions and sometimes a doctor can prescribe a liquid diet before surgery.
A clear liquid diet majorly includes fluids and foods that turn into clear liquids at room temperature. So, it easy to digest and recommended after surgery of the digestive tract.
Food choices in a liquid diet for hemorrhoids include apple or cranberry juice, gelatin, fruit ice, and broth.
Clearly, a liquid diet has low calories and lack in a number of essential nutrients. Which is why it generally suggested being followed for a short period of time.
Liquid diet before hemorrhoid surgery
A liquid diet helps reduce the risk in case if the patient has difficulty digesting or chewing solid foods. Constipation can be a problem if the patient eats before surgery. It is important to ensure safety and liquid diet helps reduce the risk.
If the digestive system of the patient undergoing surgery is slow or damaged from illness, disease, or surgery, being on a liquid diet while you heal can help manage pain and prevent complications, like a blockage in your intestines.
Sometimes, your surgeon may give you permission to have other foods, such as strained purees or yogurt. If you have a medical condition that’s due to what you eat and drink, you may have additional dietary restrictions. Therefore, closely follow the instructions given by piles surgeon before surgery.
Liquid diet after hemorrhoid surgery
Most people get hemorrhoids and they go away within a week or 10-15 days, however, for many, hemorrhoids last and sometimes they don’t go away on their own.
The ongoing pain is extremely common in people over the age of 50. There is pain in the anal region, blood in stool and discomfort in sitting. In some cases, pain from hemorrhoids returns years after treatment. Therefore, doctors suggest liquid diet after hemorrhoid surgery also, that too on a regular basis.
You may or may not be able to follow the below food items before the surgery:
- Fruit and vegetable juice (no pulp)
- Sports drinks, electrolyte-replacement drinks
- Coffee, tea
- Milk or dairy-free milk alternatives (soy, almond)
- Milkshakes, malts, smoothies
- Clear or creamed soups
- Honey, syrup, sugar
- Ice pops, ice cream, frozen yogurt (no nuts, candy, solid toppings/coatings)
- Yogurt a regular or Greek
- Melted cheese
- Powdered protein, dry milk, other nutritional supplements
- Liquid dietary supplements
Usually, doctors deny below food items before hemorrhoid surgery:
- Meat (unless pureed, thinned, and strained)
- Tofu, meat substitutes
- Nuts and seeds
- Raw fruits and vegetables
- Solid cheese
- Soft or mashed food (e.g., potatoes)
- Soups or stews with noodles, meat, or vegetables
- Bread
- Whole pasta or rice
- Cereals, granola, oats
- Applesauce
- Potato chips, crackers, pretzels, popcorn
- Muffins, cakes, cookies, pastries
- Hard or chewy candy
- All other solid foods unless specifically approved by your doctor
Say Yes to High Fiber!
Consuming more fiber in your diet during piles or hemorrhoids improves bowel function and eases constipation, which is a risk factor for hemorrhoids.
According to studies, it was found that women require 20 to 25 grams of fiber per day, whereas men need 30 to 40 grams per day.
Here is a fact that while increasing the fiber in your diet, do it slowly to prevent abdominal pain and discomfort. Ensure you drink ample amount of fluid, recommended liquids are water, 100 percent fruit juice, unsweetened tea, and broth.
Some additional facts you’d wish you knew!
Smaller hemorrhoids do go away in just a few days. It’s also a good practice, along with improvement in diet, to avoid irritating your rectal area by keeping the area as clean as you can.
Progressed hemorrhoids may not go away even after trying many home remedies and over-the-counter options without success. Surely, you will need to talk to your doctor and discuss the advanced laser piles treatment to be 100% sure.
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