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By Hemorrhoid.com | November 19, 2025
Most people don’t realize that straining on the toilet for just five minutes can be the start of years of hemorrhoid pain. What you eat today directly determines how much you’ll struggle tomorrow, yet the biggest culprits are often hiding in plain sight. This guide will show you exactly what foods cause hemorrhoids and how to make simple swaps for lasting relief.
I once spoke with a man named Mark who was at his wit's end. He was doing everything "right," or so he thought. His diet consisted of yogurt for breakfast, a turkey sandwich on white bread for lunch, and a lean steak with potatoes for dinner. He thought he was eating clean and couldn't understand why his hemorrhoids kept coming back with a vengeance.
He felt defeated, thinking he was just doomed to deal with the pain and discomfort forever. He’d tried creams and other remedies, but the flare-ups were relentless. He was missing the one crucial piece of the puzzle that was sabotaging all his efforts.
Your daily food choices directly influence the pressure on your rectal veins.
Mark’s meals weren't "bad"… they just lacked fiber. That simple nutrient is the key to keeping stool soft and bowel movements smooth, eliminating the need to strain. His "healthy" diet of refined grains and low-fiber protein was creating hard, difficult-to-pass stools, forcing him to bear down and making his hemorrhoids worse day after day.
This pattern is incredibly common. The real problem isn't always about eating junk food… it's about missing the essential fiber found in whole foods. Spotting these hidden triggers is the first step toward relief. For the full picture on how diet fits into the puzzle, check out the causes of hemorrhoids.
To take action and start feeling better, you need to:
That moment of realization for Mark wasn't about demonizing his food choices… it was about understanding the powerful connection between fiber and pressure. Once he made those simple swaps, his years of chronic flare-ups finally started to disappear.
Think of fiber as your digestive system’s secret weapon. It’s the single most important nutrient for preventing the hard stools and straining that ultimately lead to hemorrhoids. When your diet is low in fiber, your whole digestive tract slows down, setting the stage for constipation.
This forces you to strain during bowel movements, which puts a ton of pressure on the delicate veins in your rectum. Over time, that pressure is a primary reason hemorrhoids develop. But not all fiber is created equal… there are two key types you need to know about.
Soluble fiber dissolves in water and creates a soft, gel-like substance in your gut. Just imagine a sponge soaking up water. This process adds bulk and, more importantly, moisture to your stool, making it much easier to pass without any straining.
Foods rich in soluble fiber include:
By adding these to your diet, you're actively preventing the straining that makes hemorrhoids worse.
Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, doesn’t dissolve in water. A better way to think of it is as a gentle broom that sweeps everything through your intestines. It adds bulk to your stool and helps move waste through your system more quickly.
This sweeping action is crucial for keeping you regular and preventing the very constipation that leads to hemorrhoids. When your diet lacks this kind of fiber, waste sits around longer, getting harder and drier.
You can find insoluble fiber in:
A healthy gut needs a good balance of both. The combination of softening (soluble) and sweeping (insoluble) is what creates perfect, easy-to-pass stools.
The link between low-fiber diets and hemorrhoids isn't just a hunch… it's a well-documented fact. This idea gained major traction in the 1970s thanks to the work of Dr. Denis Burkitt, who observed extremely low rates of hemorrhoids in rural African populations who ate 30–40 grams of fiber daily.
Compare that to the average American adult, who gets only about 15 grams of fiber per day… well below the recommended 25–30 grams. Research confirms this gap matters. Studies show that simply increasing dietary fiber can reduce hemorrhoid symptoms by up to 50% for many people. You can read the full research about these dietary findings to see the real-world impact.
Making a conscious effort to eat more fiber is the most effective dietary change you can make to prevent and manage hemorrhoids. It gets right to the root cause of straining and offers a clear path to lasting relief.
Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to eat when you’re dealing with hemorrhoids. Certain foods can kickstart a cycle of constipation, inflammation, and irritation, turning a minor issue into a major pain. Let's walk through the main culprits so you know what to leave on the shelf.
The biggest offenders are often the most common foods in our kitchens. It's no wonder so many people suffer from hemorrhoid symptoms, completely unaware that their diet is the root of the problem.
Think white bread, bagels, white rice, and your standard pasta. They might feel like comfort food, but they've been stripped of nearly all their natural fiber during processing. This makes them much tougher for your digestive system to handle.
Without that fiber to add bulk and moisture, stool becomes hard and dry. This leads directly to straining on the toilet… one of the primary causes of hemorrhoid flare-ups.
While we all need protein, some sources are better than others. Processed meats like hot dogs, deli slices, and sausages are notoriously low in fiber and usually loaded with sodium. That extra salt can lead to dehydration, making stools even harder.
Even unprocessed red meat is very low in fiber. If you eat a big steak without a side of high-fiber veggies, you’re setting the stage for sluggish digestion and constipation.
For many people, full-fat dairy is a major problem. Foods like cheese, ice cream, and whole milk are known to slow down digestion, which can easily back you up.
If you find your symptoms get worse after a cheesy meal or a bowl of ice cream, you might have a sensitivity. Try switching to lower-fat options or plant-based alternatives and see if it helps.
Processed foods, which often combine refined grains and unhealthy fats, are statistically linked to a higher risk of hemorrhoids. In the United States, these foods make up over 60% of the average person's daily calories. Items like packaged snacks and white bread often contain less than one gram of fiber per serving. Research has shown that individuals who consume less than 15 grams of fiber daily are 1.5 times more likely to develop hemorrhoids than those who get 25 grams or more. Discover more insights about these food findings on GoodRx.com.
Fried chicken, french fries, and most fast-food meals are a double whammy. They’re usually made with refined flour and packed with unhealthy fats, both of which gum up your digestive tract.
They also offer almost nothing in the way of fiber or hydration. A diet heavy in these foods is a fast track to the kind of chronic constipation that fuels hemorrhoid development.
To make it easier to spot the trouble-makers, here’s a quick-reference table of the most common trigger foods.
| Food Category | Specific Examples | Why It Worsens Hemorrhoids |
|---|---|---|
| Refined Grains | White bread, white rice, regular pasta, bagels | Stripped of fiber, leading to hard stools and straining. |
| Processed Meats | Hot dogs, deli meats, sausage, bacon | Low in fiber and high in sodium, causing dehydration and constipation. |
| Red Meat | Beef, pork, lamb (in large quantities) | Lacks fiber, slowing digestion when not paired with fiber-rich foods. |
| High-Fat Dairy | Cheese, whole milk, ice cream, sour cream | Can slow the digestive system and lead to constipation for many people. |
| Fried & Fast Foods | French fries, fried chicken, chips, burgers | High in unhealthy fats and refined carbs that slow digestion; low in fiber. |
| Spicy Foods | Hot peppers, curries, spicy sauces | Doesn't cause constipation but can severely irritate existing hemorrhoids. |
Keeping this list in mind when you're grocery shopping or planning meals can make a huge difference in managing your symptoms and preventing future flare-ups.
This last category is a bit different. Spicy foods don't cause hemorrhoids by making you constipated. Instead, they can cause intense irritation for someone who already has them.
The compounds in chili peppers can make bowel movements burn, significantly increasing discomfort, especially with inflamed or external hemorrhoids. If you're in the middle of a flare-up, it’s best to stick to a milder diet to give the area a chance to heal. By figuring out what foods cause your hemorrhoids to flare up, you can make smarter choices to calm things down.
When you're trying to manage hemorrhoids, what you drink is just as important as what you eat. A high-fiber diet is a great start, but certain beverages can sabotage your efforts by draining your body of the hydration it needs. Dehydration is a fast track to constipation and straining.
When you don't have enough water, your body has to get it from somewhere. It starts by pulling moisture out of your colon to keep other vital systems running. This leaves your stool hard, dry, and incredibly difficult to pass. Even with all the fiber in the world, without water, that fiber can’t create the soft, bulky stools you need for relief.
Alcohol is a diuretic, which is a fancy way of saying it makes you pee more often, leading to a net loss of fluid. One night of drinking can leave you surprisingly dehydrated, undoing all the good from the water you drank earlier in the day. This dehydration is a direct cause of harder stools, forcing you to strain and making hemorrhoid symptoms much worse.
Studies have shown that individuals who consume more than two alcoholic drinks per day are 1.8 times more likely to experience hemorrhoid symptoms than non-drinkers. This is largely because excessive alcohol intake leads to dehydration and harder stools, which is a major factor in hemorrhoid development.
That morning cup of coffee might be essential for getting your day started, but it can be a double-edged sword for anyone dealing with hemorrhoids. Just like alcohol, caffeine is a diuretic and can cause you to lose fluids. While a single cup isn't likely to cause a problem for most people, relying on several caffeinated drinks throughout the day can lead to chronic dehydration.
On top of that, caffeine can stimulate the muscles in your intestines. For some, this is a welcome effect that promotes regularity. For others, however, it can trigger irritation or spasms that make bowel movements uncomfortable. It's all about knowing your body. For a deeper dive, you can learn more about how coffee can cause hemorrhoids in our detailed guide.
Sodas, sweetened juices, and sugary sports drinks also work against you. A high sugar intake can throw off the balance of good bacteria in your gut and contribute to low-grade inflammation throughout your body. When your system is already in an inflammatory state, existing hemorrhoids can become even more swollen, tender, and painful.
For better digestive health and hemorrhoid relief, try making these hydrating swaps:
By swapping out these troublemakers for more beneficial options, you’re giving your high-fiber diet the support it needs to work its magic. Proper hydration is a simple but powerful step toward beating constipation and finding lasting relief.
Switching to a diet that helps prevent hemorrhoids doesn't mean your food has to be boring. It’s really just about making smart, simple swaps that boost your fiber and water intake without losing all the flavor. Instead of thinking about what you can't eat, focus on upgrading your plate.
This is how you build habits that actually stick. A small change, like choosing brown rice over white, can make a huge difference in your stool consistency and prevent the straining that leads to flare-ups. You're not just avoiding problem foods… you’re actively choosing ones that help your body heal.
Making better choices is much easier when you have a clear plan. The goal is to replace low-fiber, processed foods with whole-food alternatives packed with the nutrients your digestive system needs to run smoothly. This isn’t about being perfect; it’s about making progress.
Think of it this way: every time you pick a high-fiber option, you’re taking a step toward easier bowel movements and long-term relief. To help you get started, we put together a simple "eat this, not that" guide.
This table makes it easy to replace common problem foods with hemorrhoid-friendly alternatives that are rich in fiber and nutrients.
| Instead Of This (Low-Fiber/Processed) | Try This (High-Fiber/Whole Food) | The Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| White Bread Sandwich | Whole-Wheat Bread or a Large Salad | Increases insoluble fiber to keep waste moving. |
| White Rice | Brown Rice, Quinoa, or Barley | Adds significant fiber and nutrients for better digestion. |
| Sugary Cereal | Oatmeal with Berries and Chia Seeds | Provides a powerful dose of soluble fiber to soften stool. |
| Potato Chips | A Handful of Almonds or Baby Carrots | Offers fiber and healthy fats instead of empty calories. |
| Processed Deli Meat | Grilled Chicken Breast or Lentil Soup | Reduces sodium and increases protein without slowing digestion. |
| Full-Fat Cheese | Avocado Slices or Hummus | Swaps saturated fats for healthy fats and extra fiber. |
| Soda or Sweetened Juice | Water or Unsweetened Herbal Tea | Boosts hydration without adding inflammatory sugars. |
These swaps are designed to be easy to work into your daily routine. Each one is a small victory for your digestive health. For an even more detailed list, you can explore our guide on foods good for hemorrhoids.
Putting it all together can be simple and satisfying. A diet that helps with hemorrhoids is full of color, texture, and flavor.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Just as important as adding good foods is avoiding drinks that dehydrate you and harden stool, like alcohol, too much caffeine, and sugary sodas.
This infographic highlights the top three types of drinks to limit for better digestive health.
Choosing water and herbal teas over these dehydrating beverages is a simple swap that directly supports softer stools and prevents straining.
By making these mindful substitutions, you’re not just managing symptoms… you’re building a diet that actively helps your body’s healing process. You're taking control of your health one meal at a time.
Knowing what foods cause hemorrhoids is a huge step toward relief, but your daily habits play an equally important role. A perfect diet can be undermined by a lifestyle that puts constant pressure on your rectal veins. Lasting relief comes from a holistic approach that addresses both what you eat and how you live.
It’s not just about food… it’s also about how you move, sit, and even how you use the restroom. Simple adjustments to your routine can dramatically reduce strain and help your body heal.
Sitting for hours on end, whether at a desk or on the couch, is one of the biggest non-dietary culprits behind hemorrhoids. When you sit for long periods, you increase the pressure on the veins in your lower rectum, much like the pressure from straining. This constant stress can cause blood to pool, leading to swelling and inflammation.
On top of that, a sedentary lifestyle slows down your entire digestive system. When you're not moving, your bowels aren't moving either, which can lead to constipation even if you’re eating plenty of fiber.
The solution is pretty simple: get moving. Regular physical activity, even gentle exercise, helps stimulate your intestines and keeps everything moving through your system efficiently. This helps prevent the constipation that forces you to strain in the first place.
Try to incorporate these gentle activities into your week:
Moving your body is one of the most effective ways to move your bowels. Think of it as an internal massage for your intestines. Consistent exercise helps establish a regular, predictable bowel pattern, which is key to avoiding flare-ups.
What happens in the bathroom matters… a lot. Many people unknowingly make their hemorrhoids worse with poor toilet habits.
The biggest mistakes include:
When you combine a smart diet with healthier lifestyle habits, you create a powerful system for relief. But for those times when flare-ups still happen, having a reliable treatment on hand is crucial. Products like Revivol-XR Hemorrhoid & Fissure Cream offer multi-symptom relief from pain, itching, and swelling, providing the support you need as you make these positive lifestyle changes. It’s the perfect partner in a complete approach to managing your digestive health.
When you’re trying to pinpoint what foods cause hemorrhoids to flare, questions are bound to pop up. Knowing the answers can give you confidence in your meal choices and speed up your path to relief. Below are the most common queries… and what you really need to know.
Spicy dishes won’t create new hemorrhoids, but they can light up existing ones. The capsaicin in hot peppers often turns a routine bowel movement into a burning challenge.
During a flare-up, it’s wise to put spicy sauces and chilis on hold. Once your symptoms calm down, reintroduce them slowly… so you can gauge your own tolerance.
Everyone’s body reacts differently, yet many people feel a shift within a few days of upping fiber and water intake. Typical early wins include:
For deeper, long-lasting relief, consistency is crucial. In most cases, sticking with a high-fiber, well-hydrated diet for 1–2 weeks leads to noticeable improvement.
Yes… and ramping it up too fast often backfires with:
Pro Tip: Introduce extra fiber over 7–14 days, giving your gut flora time to adjust. And remember, every extra gram of fiber needs extra water to do its job smoothly.
By following this gradual approach, you’ll enjoy the benefits of a hemorrhoid-friendly diet without the unpleasant side effects.
For immediate relief from the pain, itching, and swelling of hemorrhoid flare-ups, trust Revivol-XR. Our doctor-trusted formulas support you while dietary changes take effect. Find the right solution for your needs at Revivol-XR at Hemorrhoid.com.
