Eating the right foods can help relieve piles naturally. A diet rich in fiber, fruits, and whole grains promotes smooth digestion and reduces discomfort. Discover the best foods for piles, what to avoid, and simple diet tips to support healing and prevent future flare-ups.
Often termed as ‘piles’, haemorrhoids refer to inflamed, swollen veins surrounding the anus or in the lower rectum area, where the waste is stored before it passes as stool. Piles are something that is very annoying and plays a major part in affecting the daily routine of a lot of people. Even when it comes to the estimation of the global prevalence of piles, or haemorrhoids, it is around 4.4%, and around 50% of people are at risk of getting piles by the age of 50.
These swollen veins in the anus and the lower part of your rectum can do worse than you think, as signs such as pain, bleeding, tenderness, or swollen veins in the anus or lower parts of your rectum can clot or bulge if they are left untreated; however, the best diet food for piles can do a lot.
A proper nutrient-loaded food is a major contributor to managing piles. Various foods can be added to your diet that boost the digestion rate, avoid pain in the piles, and lower the constipation level. Hence, here we are presenting the list of foods for piles that your gut will thank you for!
High Fibre Foods for Piles
Fibre is much needed for smooth digestion, to deal with constipation, and to reduce haemorrhoid pain. A diet made with the fibre-rich foods for piles aids to keep the stool soft and aids in getting rid of further irritation. The high-fibre food items you can include are whole grains such as brown rice, oats and whole wheat. Other than that, chickpeas, beans, pears and berries should be consumed for a balanced diet while suffering from piles, as they are considered the best food for haemorrhoids.
Leafy Green Foods for Piles
If you are searching for the best food for piles, Leafy greens are the ones to go for. As these come packed with the essential vitamins, minerals and fibre that take care of digestive health to keep it in check. These leafy green, nutrient-rich foods also soften the stool to reduce the digestive issues you may be facing. The leafy greens that you can include in your diet are spinach and kale, which are gentle on the digestive system, and fenugreek leaves when they are cooked lightly and added to your meals.
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Hydrated Foods for Piles
Staying hydrated is very important, especially if you have piles, and water-rich fruits add the required moisture to the stool to reduce the constipation complications. The hydrating fruits you can try to support better bowel movements and reduce inflammation are watermelon, cucumber, oranges and citrus foods.
Fermented Foods for Piles
Improving your gut health is a first step when all you want is to get rid of recurring piles again and again. Fermented foods that can assist you to improve gut health are yoghurt and buttermilk, which are probiotic-rich and soothing, ideal for both digestion and preventing constipation. Other than that, kimchi and sauerkraut may also help, due to their rich gut health benefits.
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Essential Fluids for Piles Management
Adding watery fruits alone is not enough; you need to have proper hydration if you want to manage piles, as the right proportion of hydration in your body prevents the hard stool and makes passing it easier. Fluids that you can include in your diet are:
- Coconut Water: Being rich in electrolytes, coconut water is a natural hydrator.
- Drinking Water: Plan to drink at least 8-10 glasses every day the manage and correct your digestive issues.
- Herbal Teas: Chamomile or ginger tea can also help to reduce inflammation and support digestive health.
Fibre Supplements for Piles
While a balanced diet rich in fibre-packed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes is ideal, it’s not always enough to meet daily fibre requirements, especially for those with dietary restrictions or busy lifestyles. In such cases, fibre supplements can play a valuable role in supporting digestive health when you are planning a food diet for piles.
One widely used supplement is psyllium husk, a soluble fibre that helps soften stool and relieve constipation by absorbing water and promoting regular bowel movements. It’s particularly effective for those struggling with irregular digestion or mild constipation.
Another helpful option is inulin, a prebiotic fibre found in chicory root. Inulin not only supports digestion and focuses more on the healthy gut. You can easily mix it along with other fibre powders into your smoothies, protein shakes, or just water, making it a simple and effective way to boost your daily fibre intake.
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Healthy Fats for Piles
Healthy fats for piles act like natural lubricants that help food move through the digestive system easily and take care of constipation. The food you can add to your diet is:
- Avocado: Packed with healthy fats, fibre, and essential nutrients, avocado is a creamy fruit and tastes good to eat. You can spread it on toast, blend it into smoothies, etc. Try to eat a portion of 1/4 to 1/2 of an avocado daily.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds – these nuts and seeds are packed with healthy fats, fibre, and protein. It can also be added to salads, yoghurt, or oatmeal for a satisfying and gut-friendly crunch, so better aim for a handful (1/4) daily.
Root Vegetables for Piles
Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and potatoes are filling and high in fibre (3–5 grams per serving), which supports digestion and may help with haemorrhoids. Keep the skin on for extra fibre. Cooked and cooled potatoes also contain resistant starch, which feeds good gut bacteria and eases constipation. Enjoy them roasted, steamed, mashed, or baked with the skin on.
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Apples for Piles
Apples carry dietary fibre, vitamin C, and various antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols, which help in fighting the discomfort associated with the haemorrhoids. For example, one medium red delicious apple comes with 5 grams of fibre. Some of its fibre is pectin, a soluble fibre that creates a gel-like consistency in the digestive tract. This process helps to soften and bulk up your stool to ease straining and prevent issues with haemorrhoids.
Cucumbers and Melons
Cucumbers and melons belong to the Cucurbitaceae family. Just like bell peppers and celery, cucumbers also provide fibre, water and beneficial antioxidants to your digestive tract. If you do not peel off the skin, you will get the most fibre.
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Stewed Prunes
As per studies, eating a moderate amount of prunes, up to 120 grams, in your daily diet can improve the consistency of stools, stool frequency, and digestive motility among people with constipation. Also, stewed prunes are not only about fibre but also about sorbitol, which is also a sugar alcohol that your intestines do not digest well. Stewed prunes draw water into your digestive tract and soften stools.
Squash for Piles
The squash fish brings colour and fibre to your dinner plate as per the season. There are many varieties of Squish, including:
- Zucchini
- Acorn Squash
- Butternut squash
- Pumpkin
- Yellow Squash
The most fibrous food from the above-listed items is acorn squash, which carries 9 grams of the haemorrhoid-fighting nutrient in every cup of baked cubes.
In Conclusion, managing piles doesn’t have to be a painful journey, especially when your plate is packed with the right foods. By adding high fibre foods for piles, veggies, healthy fats, and gut-friendly fluids to your daily diet, you’re not just easing discomfort but actively supporting long-term digestive health.
Whether it’s the soothing power of stewed prunes or the hydrating benefits of cucumbers and melons, these top 12 foods offer natural, effective relief. Remember, consistency is key. With smart food choices and a fibre-rich, well-hydrated diet, your gut and your entire body will thank you.
How does diet affect piles or haemorrhoids?
Diet plays a major role in piles management. A high-fibre, water-rich diet softens stools and prevents constipation, reducing strain during bowel movements. This helps prevent irritation, swelling, and bleeding of haemorrhoids, while unhealthy or low-fibre diets can worsen symptoms.
Can certain foods make piles worse?
Yes, foods low in fibre, such as fried, processed, or spicy items, can worsen piles. These foods slow digestion, cause constipation, and increase pressure on rectal veins, aggravating pain and swelling. It’s best to avoid junk food, red meat, and heavily spiced meals.
How much water should I drink daily to prevent piles?
Aim for at least 8–10 glasses (2–2.5 litres) of water daily. Proper hydration helps keep stools soft and prevents constipation, which is a leading cause of piles. Warm water and fluids like coconut water or buttermilk are especially helpful for digestion.
Can eating spicy food cause piles to flare up?
Spicy food doesn’t directly cause piles, but it can irritate the digestive tract and worsen symptoms like burning, itching, or pain during bowel movements. Reducing spicy, oily, and fried foods can help ease discomfort and prevent flare-ups.
How much fibre should a piles patient consume daily?
A piles patient should consume around 25–35 grams of fibre per day from fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Fibre helps in smooth bowel movements, prevents straining, and supports faster healing of haemorrhoids.
Which is better for piles — soluble or insoluble fibre?
Both are important, but soluble fibre (found in oats, apples, and flaxseeds) helps soften stools, while insoluble fibre (in whole grains and vegetables) adds bulk. A balanced combination of both supports healthy digestion and relieves piles symptoms effectively.
Do oats and whole grains help in piles recovery?
Yes, oats and whole grains are rich in soluble and insoluble fibre, which promote healthy bowel movements and prevent constipation. Regular consumption of oatmeal, brown rice, and whole-wheat bread can significantly reduce piles discomfort.
Are bananas good for piles?
Absolutely. Bananas are rich in fibre and act as a natural laxative. They aid digestion, soften stools, and prevent constipation—making them one of the best fruits for piles patients to include in their daily diet.
Is papaya good for piles patients?
Yes, papaya is excellent for piles. It contains digestive enzymes and plenty of fibre that support bowel health and prevent constipation. Eating ripe papaya regularly helps ease piles symptoms naturally.
Can I eat eggs if I have piles?
Eggs are safe in moderation, but excessive intake without enough fibre can lead to constipation. Pair eggs with fibre-rich foods like vegetables or whole grains to balance digestion and avoid flare-ups.
Are dairy products safe for piles?
Plain dairy products like milk and curd are generally safe. However, processed or full-fat dairy can cause constipation in some people. Always pair dairy with fibre-rich foods and adequate water intake.
Can curd or yoghurt help relieve piles?
Yes, curd and yoghurt contain probiotics that support gut health, improve digestion, and reduce constipation. Including a bowl of plain curd daily can help soothe piles symptoms and promote regular bowel movements.
Are dry fruits like almonds and raisins good for piles?
Yes, almonds, walnuts, and soaked raisins are fibre-rich and improve digestion. They help soften stools and prevent constipation. However, consume them in moderation and always stay well-hydrated.
Should piles patients avoid red meat?
Yes, red meat is hard to digest and low in fibre. It can cause constipation and aggravate piles symptoms. It’s better to replace red meat with plant-based proteins like lentils, beans, or tofu.
Are pulses and lentils good for piles?
Definitely. Pulses and lentils are rich in dietary fibre and protein, promoting smooth bowel movements. Including moong dal, masoor dal, and lentil soups in daily meals helps relieve piles naturally.
Can I eat rice if I have piles?
Yes, but choose brown rice over white rice. Brown rice contains more fibre and helps digestion, while white rice can cause constipation if eaten in excess without vegetables or lentils.
Are green leafy vegetables beneficial for piles?
Absolutely. Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and fenugreek are high in fibre, magnesium, and antioxidants. They keep the digestive system healthy, prevent constipation, and aid in piles recovery.
Can coffee or tea cause constipation and piles?
Yes, excessive coffee or tea can cause dehydration, leading to hard stools and constipation. Limit caffeine intake and drink plenty of water to prevent piles from worsening.
Should piles patients avoid alcohol?
Yes, alcohol dehydrates the body and disrupts digestion, which can worsen constipation and piles symptoms. It’s best to avoid or limit alcohol during piles treatment.
How does constipation contribute to piles?
Constipation causes hard stools and straining during bowel movements, putting pressure on rectal veins. This pressure leads to swelling, pain, and sometimes bleeding, increasing the risk or severity of piles.
Does exercise help in piles recovery?
Yes, moderate exercise like walking, yoga, or pelvic floor strengthening improves blood circulation, digestion, and bowel regularity. Regular activity helps prevent constipation and supports piles healing.
Is sitting for long hours bad for piles?
Yes, prolonged sitting, especially on hard surfaces, increases pressure on rectal veins, worsening piles. Take short breaks every hour to stand or walk to relieve pressure.
Can Ayurvedic foods help in piles treatment?
Yes, Ayurvedic foods like ghee, buttermilk, triphala, and fibre-rich plant foods help improve digestion and reduce inflammation. Ayurveda emphasises a sattvic, high-fibre, and hydrating diet for piles management.
Are juices or smoothies good for piles?
Yes, fresh fruit and vegetable juices or smoothies provide hydration and fibre. Juices made from papaya, beetroot, cucumber, and carrot help ease digestion and relieve piles discomfort naturally.
Can herbal teas reduce piles symptoms?
Yes, herbal teas like chamomile, ginger, or green tea have anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. They soothe the digestive tract, reduce swelling, and support healing from piles.
Can dehydration cause piles?
Yes, dehydration leads to hard stools and constipation, which strain rectal veins. Drinking enough water and fluids throughout the day helps prevent piles from developing or worsening.
What are the best drinks for piles patients?
The best drinks include water, coconut water, buttermilk, aloe vera juice, and herbal teas. These keep the body hydrated, improve digestion, and ease bowel movements naturally.
Should I drink lemon water if I have piles?
Yes, lemon water aids digestion and helps detoxify the body. Its vitamin C content supports vein health and immunity, which can help in piles recovery. Drink it warm in the morning for the best results.
How long does it take for a Piles diet to show results?
With consistent dietary changes—high-fibre meals, hydration, and avoiding irritant foods—most people notice improvement in 1–3 weeks. Severe cases may take longer, depending on lifestyle and treatment.
Can a proper diet prevent piles surgery?
Yes, a healthy, fibre-rich, and balanced diet combined with proper hydration and lifestyle changes can prevent flare-ups and, in many cases, avoid the need for surgery by keeping symptoms under control.
