What Foods Not to Eat with Hemorrhoids

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, hemorrhoids are a common condition, affecting about 1 in 20 Americans. The painful swelling and inflammation can be exacerbated by diet, specifically by consuming foods that lead to constipation and straining.

Quick Summary

Eliminating certain foods is crucial for managing hemorrhoid symptoms. Avoiding processed snacks, low-fiber refined grains, and dairy products can prevent constipation and reduce irritation. Additionally, limiting spicy foods, excessive caffeine, and alcohol helps minimize inflammation and dehydration, promoting smoother digestion and healing.

Key Points

Refined Grains: Avoid white bread, pasta, and baked goods, as their low fiber content causes hard stools and straining.
Dairy Products: Limit cheese, milk, and ice cream, which can slow digestion and contribute to constipation.
Processed Foods: Stay away from high-sodium, low-fiber processed snacks, fast food, and cured meats that promote dehydration and constipation.
Spicy Foods: If you have active symptoms, avoid spicy foods, which can irritate sensitive hemorrhoid tissue and increase pain.
Alcohol and Caffeine: Reduce or eliminate these diuretics, as they can cause dehydration and harden stools.
Increase Fiber Gradually: When adding more fiber to your diet, do so slowly to avoid gas and bloating, and increase your water intake to support its function.
Prioritize Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep stools soft and easy to pass.

Understanding the Link Between Diet and Hemorrhoids

Your diet plays a pivotal role in managing hemorrhoids, also known as piles. The primary goal is to promote soft, regular bowel movements, which reduces straining and pressure on the rectal veins. Conversely, a diet high in low-fiber, processed, and inflammatory foods can trigger constipation, exacerbating hemorrhoid symptoms like pain, swelling, and bleeding. A focused approach to what you eat—and what you should avoid—is a key component of relief and prevention.

Low-Fiber and Refined Carbohydrates

Foods made from refined flour are one of the most significant culprits for worsening hemorrhoids. The process of refining removes the bran and germ, stripping the food of its essential fiber content. Without sufficient fiber, stool can become hard, dry, and difficult to pass, which forces you to strain during bowel movements.

White bread, bagels, and non-whole-grain pasta
Baked goods like cakes, pastries, and white flour crackers
White rice and many pre-packaged cereals

Dairy Products

For many individuals, dairy products can cause or worsen constipation. While a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamin D, most dairy items contain no dietary fiber. This can lead to harder, thicker stools that are more challenging to pass.

Cheese (especially hard cheese varieties)
Milk and ice cream
Heavy cream and cream sauces

Processed and High-Sodium Foods

Heavily processed foods and snacks are notoriously low in fiber and packed with fat, sodium, and preservatives. High-salt intake can cause water retention throughout the body, including in the blood vessels near the rectum, which can make hemorrhoids more sensitive and painful.

Fast food and fried foods
Chips and other pre-packaged, salty snacks
Processed meats such as hot dogs, bacon, and cold cuts

Spicy Foods

Though not a primary cause of hemorrhoids, spicy foods can intensify discomfort, especially during a flare-up. The compound capsaicin in peppers is not fully digested and can pass through the system, irritating already swollen hemorrhoidal tissue. This can cause a burning sensation and increase pain.

Alcohol and Caffeine

Both alcohol and excessive caffeine act as diuretics, promoting increased urination and dehydration. Dehydration is a leading cause of constipation because it pulls water from your stool, making it harder and more painful to pass. While moderate intake might be fine for some, it's best to limit or avoid these beverages during a flare-up.

The Negative Effects of Low-Fiber Meat

While a source of protein, red meat and processed meats are devoid of fiber and can significantly slow down your digestive system, leading to constipation. It's better to opt for lean, plant-based protein sources like beans and legumes when dealing with hemorrhoids.

Comparison Table: Worst Foods vs. Better Alternatives


Worst Foods for Hemorrhoids	Reason to Avoid	Better Alternatives	Why It's Better
White Bread	Low in fiber, leads to hard stools	Whole-grain Bread	Rich in fiber, promotes soft and bulky stool
Processed Meats	High in sodium and fat, low in fiber	Lean Protein (e.g., Fish, Chicken Breast)	Easier to digest, provides needed protein without excess fat
Spicy Foods	Can irritate inflamed hemorrhoid tissue	Mild Seasonings	Adds flavor without causing rectal discomfort
Dairy Products	Can cause constipation and bloating	Plant-based Milks (e.g., Almond Milk)	Fiber-rich alternatives that don't cause digestive slowdown
Alcohol/Caffeine	Dehydrating, which leads to harder stools	Water, Herbal Tea	Hydrates the body and aids in softening stool
Fried Foods	High in fat, difficult to digest	Baked/Grilled Foods	Lighter on the digestive system, promotes smoother digestion

A Better Diet for Hemorrhoid Management

Rather than focusing solely on what to avoid, it is important to build a diet rich in high-fiber foods to prevent and manage hemorrhoids. Consuming plenty of water is also critical, as it helps the fiber absorb moisture and perform its function effectively. Increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains gradually can improve digestion without causing excessive gas or bloating. Small changes, like swapping white rice for brown rice or adding beans to a meal, can make a substantial difference in promoting regular bowel movements and reducing straining.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Managing hemorrhoids requires a holistic approach, and dietary adjustments are a cornerstone of this strategy. By understanding what foods not to eat with hemorrhoids, you can proactively prevent flare-ups and find relief from painful symptoms. Eliminating low-fiber processed foods, excessive dairy, spicy items, and dehydrating beverages like alcohol and caffeine can significantly improve your digestive health. Combined with a consistent intake of fiber-rich foods and plenty of water, these changes can lead to smoother, more comfortable bowel movements and a better quality of life. Always listen to your body, and consult a healthcare provider for persistent or severe symptoms. For additional guidance, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases offers extensive resources on digestive health issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Refined grains like white bread and pasta are stripped of their natural fiber, which is crucial for forming soft, bulky stool. A low-fiber diet leads to hard stools and straining, aggravating hemorrhoids.

It is best to limit or avoid large quantities of cheese, as dairy products, especially full-fat varieties, are low in fiber and can contribute to constipation, worsening hemorrhoid symptoms.

Spicy foods do not cause hemorrhoids, but they can worsen symptoms like pain and burning during a flare-up due to the irritant compound capsaicin passing through the digestive tract.

Yes, alcohol can worsen hemorrhoids. It acts as a diuretic, leading to dehydration, which results in harder stools and increased straining during bowel movements.

You don't need to avoid all meat, but it is wise to limit low-fiber red and processed meats that can cause constipation. Opt for lean protein sources like poultry or fish instead.

Fiber helps by adding bulk and softness to your stool, which prevents constipation and the straining that aggravates hemorrhoids. A high-fiber diet promotes more regular and comfortable bowel movements.

It is best to avoid drinks that cause dehydration or digestive irritation, such as caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and carbonated drinks, especially during a flare-up.