Diet and food guidance for piles

Diet is the most important home treatment for piles, because soft, easy-to-pass stool reduces straining.

Aim for 25 to 30 grams of fibre a day

• Fruit: papaya, guava, banana, apple, pear, orange, prunes
• Vegetables: leafy greens, carrots, beetroot, bottle gourd, ridge gourd, beans
• Whole grains: oats, wholewheat roti, brown rice, millet (ragi, jowar)
• Pulses and legumes: dal, chickpeas, rajma
• Seeds: flaxseed and chia, soaked
• Isabgol (psyllium husk): a spoon in water or milk at night, with plenty of fluid

Fluids

Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, more in hot weather. Buttermilk and lemon water help too.

Foods to limit

• Very spicy and fried food, which may irritate in some people
• Refined flour, white bread and fast food, which are low in fibre
• Red meat and cheese in large amounts, which can cause constipation
• Alcohol and too much tea or coffee, which can dry the stool

Tips

• Increase fibre slowly over a week or two to avoid gas and