Is rice ok for hemorrhoids? A guide to making the right choice

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

Studies show that a high-fiber diet can significantly reduce the symptoms of hemorrhoids by promoting regular bowel movements. When it comes to managing this condition, a common question arises: is rice ok for hemorrhoids? The answer is nuanced, as the type of rice you choose can have a major impact on your digestive health.

Quick Summary

The type of rice consumed greatly impacts hemorrhoids. Brown rice is beneficial due to its high fiber content, which softens stool. In contrast, white rice lacks fiber and may worsen constipation. Making the right dietary choice can help manage symptoms effectively.

Key Points

Brown Rice is Beneficial: High in fiber, brown rice helps soften stool and promote regular bowel movements, which is crucial for preventing hemorrhoid flare-ups.
Limit White Rice: Refined white rice lacks the fiber needed for digestive health and can contribute to constipation, worsening hemorrhoid symptoms.
Fiber is Key: A high-fiber diet, including whole grains like brown rice, is the most effective way to manage hemorrhoids by preventing straining.
Hydration is Crucial: When increasing fiber intake with brown rice, be sure to drink plenty of water to prevent bloating and aid in the digestion process.
Consider Preparation: How rice is cooked and what it is paired with can affect its digestive impact, with gentler preparation recommended during flare-ups.
Prioritize Whole Grains: For long-term relief and prevention, consistently choose whole-grain options like brown rice over their refined counterparts.
Balance Your Plate: Ensure your meals include a variety of fiber sources, such as brown rice, vegetables, fruits, and legumes, for comprehensive digestive support.

The Importance of Fiber for Hemorrhoid Management

Hemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen veins in the rectum and anus that can cause discomfort, bleeding, and itching. One of the most common triggers for flare-ups is straining during bowel movements, which is often caused by constipation. A diet rich in fiber is the primary defense against constipation, as fiber helps to soften stool and increase its bulk, allowing for easier passage. This reduces the pressure on the delicate veins and can alleviate or prevent symptoms.

Soluble vs. Insoluble Fiber

There are two main types of dietary fiber, and both play a role in digestive health. Soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance, helping to soften stool. Insoluble fiber, or 'roughage,' adds bulk and helps move food through the digestive system. Many high-fiber foods contain both types. Increasing your fiber intake should be done gradually to allow your digestive system to adjust and avoid gas and bloating.

Brown Rice vs. White Rice for Hemorrhoids

The most important distinction when considering rice for hemorrhoids is the type you choose. Brown rice is a whole grain, meaning it retains its nutrient-rich outer bran layer, which is packed with insoluble fiber. This makes it an excellent choice for promoting healthy digestion. White rice, however, is a refined grain that has had its bran and germ removed, leaving it with significantly less fiber.

The Problem with Refined Grains

Consuming a diet high in refined grains, like white rice, white bread, and pasta, can contribute to constipation because these foods lack the necessary fiber to promote regular bowel movements. For someone with hemorrhoids, this can exacerbate symptoms and increase discomfort. By swapping out refined grains for whole grains like brown rice, you can support a healthier digestive tract and reduce the risk of straining.

Comparison: Brown Rice vs. White Rice


Feature	Brown Rice	White Rice
Fiber Content	High	Low
Nutrients	Rich in nutrients (bran, germ)	Stripped of most nutrients
Impact on Bowels	Promotes regular, soft stool	Can contribute to constipation
Symptom Management	Beneficial	May worsen symptoms
Digestive Speed	Slower digestion due to fiber	Faster digestion, higher glycemic index
Best for Hemorrhoids?	Yes, excellent choice	Limit consumption

How to Incorporate Rice into a Hemorrhoid-Friendly Diet

If you have hemorrhoids, focusing on brown rice is the best strategy. For those who find brown rice difficult to digest or too heavy, especially during a flare-up, a softer option like white rice can be used in moderation. However, it should be paired with other high-fiber foods to offset its low fiber content.

Tips for Cooking and Consumption

Soak Brown Rice: Soaking brown rice for at least 30 minutes before cooking can aid digestion and ensure a softer, more palatable texture.
Add Fiber: When eating white rice, be sure to serve it with plenty of fiber-rich vegetables, legumes, or a side salad to compensate for the missing fiber.
Stay Hydrated: Always increase your water intake when consuming more fiber. This helps the fiber do its job and prevents gas and bloating.
Add Healthy Fats: Mixing in a teaspoon of ghee after cooking can help lubricate the digestive tract and reduce dryness.

Other Dietary Considerations for Hemorrhoid Relief

Your diet is a powerful tool in managing hemorrhoids. In addition to choosing the right kind of rice, focus on a variety of fiber-rich foods.

Recommended High-Fiber Foods

Legumes: Lentils, black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas are excellent sources of both soluble and insoluble fiber.
Whole Grains: Beyond brown rice, consider oats, barley, quinoa, and whole-wheat bread.
Fruits: Pears, apples, bananas, and berries are loaded with fiber. Eating them with the skin (where appropriate) boosts fiber content.
Vegetables: Leafy greens like spinach, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, are rich in fiber and other nutrients. Sweet potatoes with the skin are also a great option.

Foods to Limit or Avoid

Low-Fiber Foods: Limit intake of refined grains like white rice and white bread, as well as processed and junk foods.
Spicy Foods: For some, spicy foods can cause irritation during bowel movements and should be consumed in moderation or avoided.
Excessive Protein: While protein is important, excessive consumption of low-fiber sources like red meat can lead to constipation.

Conclusion

In short, whether rice is good for hemorrhoids depends entirely on its form. Brown rice, with its high fiber content, is a beneficial and healthy choice that supports digestive regularity and helps manage hemorrhoid symptoms. White rice, lacking this essential fiber, should be consumed sparingly and balanced with other high-fiber foods to prevent worsening the condition. By prioritizing whole grains, vegetables, and other fibrous foods while staying hydrated, you can effectively use your diet to alleviate and prevent hemorrhoid discomfort. Always listen to your body and consult with a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice. For more information on dietary fiber, consult reliable health resources like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website.

Frequently Asked Questions

White rice, a refined grain, is low in fiber and can contribute to constipation, which is a major factor in causing or worsening hemorrhoid symptoms. It is best to limit your consumption and opt for higher-fiber alternatives like brown rice.

Brown rice is recommended because it is a whole grain that retains its fiber-rich bran layer. The fiber helps to soften stool and promotes regular bowel movements, reducing the need to strain and alleviating hemorrhoid pain.

During a flare-up, you can eat rice, but it's best to stick to soft, well-cooked white rice to be gentle on your digestive system. Pair it with other easy-to-digest, high-fiber foods to still get the benefits of fiber.

Brown basmati rice is a high-fiber option that can be very beneficial for hemorrhoids, similar to regular brown rice. White basmati, while easy to digest, has less fiber and should be balanced with other fibrous foods.

To make brown rice easier to digest, soak it in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can also use a 1:2 ratio of rice to water to achieve a softer, more mushy consistency, and add a small amount of ghee after cooking to reduce dryness.

In addition to brown rice, other beneficial foods include fruits (apples, pears, bananas), vegetables (broccoli, leafy greens, sweet potatoes), and legumes (beans, lentils). These foods are rich in fiber and aid in maintaining soft, regular bowel movements.

White rice, especially when consumed without other high-fiber foods, can contribute to constipation due to its low fiber content. However, brown rice actually helps prevent constipation because of its high fiber levels.