Hemorrhoid Prevention: 5 Foods To Add To Your Diet Right Now

It is believed that roughly 60 to 70 million Americans suffer from some form of digestive disease with roughly 8.5 million of those individuals suffering from hemorrhoids specifically. Hemorrhoids are not fun, as they can cause discomfort, itching and even bleeding. In severe cases, hemorrhoids need to be removed surgically. The key to preventing hemorrhoids is regular exercise and maintaining a healthy digestive system. In addition to drinking plenty of water, here are five foods that you need to start eating today to help your gut:

1. Blueberries

When it comes to your health, blueberries are one of the most powerful foods that you can eat. Blueberries contain a variety of nutrients that include dietary fiber, vitamin K, vitamin C and anthocyanins. These nutrients work together to regulate bowel movements, fight free radical damage and even prevent hemorrhoids.

2. Okra

Okra is a rich source of dietary fiber, which helps with faster digestion and regular bowel movements. Since bowel movements are more frequent, gas, bloating and constipation are all significantly reduced. To get the most out of okra, you should cook it as little as possible. If you can eat it raw, such as in a salad, then you'll get the full benefits of the nutrients and enzymes.

3. Papaya

Papaya is another strong, nutrient-packed food that helps keep your gut healthy and undisturbed from various digestive disorders. In fact, studies show that papaya is effective in reducing constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

4. Beets

As a rich source of folate and dietary fiber, beets make an excellent addition to your digestive-friendly diet by helping to make stool softer and easier to pass. Beets also contain a nutrient called betalain, which serves as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and detox agent. It has been shown in lab tests that betalains can help prevent colon cancer. Beets work nice in a salad or combined with other vegetables to create a tasty side dish.

5. Barley

Barley contains both insoluble and soluble dietary fiber, which can help promote a healthy digestive tract. The insoluble fiber can bind with water to help promote more frequent bowel movements, which then helps to reduce the risk of hemorrhoids. The soluble fiber works to create short-chain fatty acids that can promote better health of the bowel.

All of these foods mentioned here work together to help decrease the risk of colon cancer, rectal problems, digestive issues and hemorrhoids. If you suspect that you have a problem, it's imperative that you seek help from a medical professional sooner rather than later. If necessary, a rectal surgeon can remove hemorrhoids with new, minimally invasive procedures.