What Not to Eat When You Have Hemorrhoids: Your Diet Guide

January 10, 2026 •

5 min read

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, hemorrhoids affect approximately 1 in 20 Americans. A key way to manage and prevent flare-ups of this common condition is to understand and control your diet. Knowing what not to eat when you have hemorrhoids is essential for easing discomfort and promoting recovery.

Quick Summary

This guide details the specific foods and beverages that can worsen hemorrhoid symptoms and provides explanations for why these dietary choices should be limited. It explains how low-fiber, processed, and irritating foods contribute to constipation, straining, and inflammation, and outlines healthier alternatives to incorporate into your diet for better management.

Key Points

Avoid Refined Grains: Cut back on white bread, pasta, and bagels, which are low in fiber and can cause constipation, a major trigger for hemorrhoids.
Limit Dairy Intake: Products like cheese, milk, and ice cream lack fiber and can lead to harder, more difficult-to-pass stools.
Reduce Red and Processed Meats: These meats are low in fiber, slow to digest, and high in sodium, all of which worsen hemorrhoid symptoms.
Steer Clear of Spicy Foods: While not a cause, spicy foods can irritate inflamed hemorrhoids, leading to a burning sensation and increased discomfort.
Cut Down on Alcohol and Caffeine: Both can cause dehydration, which leads to hard stools and worsens hemorrhoid pain and swelling.
Say No to Fried and Greasy Foods: These are hard on the digestive system, low in fiber, and can contribute to constipation and bloating.
Choose Ripe Over Unripe Fruits: Unripe bananas and other fruits can be constipating; choose ripe, high-fiber options instead, like prunes or berries.
Beware of High-Salt Foods: High sodium content in chips and processed snacks causes water retention and dehydration, making stools harder.

The Core Problem: Constipation and Straining

At the heart of most hemorrhoid issues is constipation. Straining during bowel movements puts immense pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus, causing them to swell and become painful. The foods and drinks you consume directly impact the consistency of your stool, either making it soft and easy to pass or hard and difficult. Avoiding foods that lead to constipation is the single most important dietary change you can make.

Low-Fiber Culprits: Refined Grains and Processed Foods

One of the biggest diet offenders is the consumption of low-fiber foods. When the bran and germ are stripped from grains, you are left with a product that does little to promote healthy bowel movements. These foods move slowly through the digestive tract and can cause stools to become hard and difficult to pass.

Refined Grains: Products like white bread, bagels, and white pasta are low in fiber. While a quick source of carbohydrates, they lack the bulk needed for smooth digestion. Opt for whole-grain alternatives to increase your fiber intake.
Processed Foods: Many packaged snacks, chips, frozen dinners, and fast foods are low in fiber and often high in sodium and unhealthy fats. The lack of fiber and high salt content contribute to dehydration and constipation, compounding your symptoms.

The Impact of Dairy on Digestion

While dairy products are a good source of calcium, they can also contribute to constipation for many people. They contain no fiber and can slow down digestion, leading to harder stools. During a hemorrhoid flare-up, it is wise to limit your consumption of these items.

High-Fat Dairy: Full-fat milk, cheese, and ice cream can be especially problematic. The fat content and lack of fiber can worsen constipation and bloat.
Avoid: Cheese, milk, and ice cream, especially during a flare.
Consider: Switching to low-fat or non-dairy alternatives and ensure you are still getting enough calcium and protein from other sources.

The Role of Red and Processed Meats

Red meat takes longer to digest than other foods and contains no dietary fiber. This can exacerbate existing constipation and make hemorrhoid symptoms worse. Processed meats, like sausage, hot dogs, and deli meats, are also problematic because they are high in sodium and preservatives, further dehydrating the body and hardening stools. A vegetarian or flexitarian approach may be beneficial during a flare.

Irritants and Dehydrators: Spicy Foods, Alcohol, and Caffeine

Certain substances can either irritate the sensitive tissues around the hemorrhoids or lead to dehydration, both of which worsen symptoms.

Spicy Foods: While not a direct cause of hemorrhoids, spicy foods containing capsaicin can cause burning and pain during bowel movements, especially if you also have anal fissures. It's best to reduce the heat until your symptoms subside.
Alcohol and Caffeine: Both of these substances are diuretics, meaning they cause your body to lose water. This can lead to dehydration, which hardens stools and makes them more difficult to pass. Drinking plenty of water is essential, and limiting or avoiding alcohol and caffeinated drinks is recommended.

Comparative Look: Foods to Avoid vs. Foods to Embrace

To better illustrate the dietary changes needed, here is a comparison table outlining foods to avoid and the high-fiber alternatives that help with hemorrhoid management.


Foods to Avoid	Reason to Avoid	High-Fiber Alternative	Reason for Alternative
White Bread & Pasta	Lack of dietary fiber contributes to constipation	Whole-Wheat Bread & Pasta	Rich in insoluble fiber for bulkier, softer stools
Red & Processed Meat	Low in fiber, slow digestion, and high in fat/sodium	Lean Poultry, Fish, Legumes	Easier to digest, provides protein, often higher in fiber
Full-Fat Dairy (Cheese, Ice Cream)	Contains no fiber and can cause constipation	Low-Fat Dairy, Non-Dairy Alternatives	Less likely to cause constipation, some contain probiotics
Fried & Greasy Foods	Hard to digest, low in fiber, and can cause bloating	Baked, Steamed, or Roasted Foods	Easier on the digestive tract, healthier cooking method
Spicy Foods	Irritates existing inflamed hemorrhoid tissue	Mild Herbs & Spices	Flavor enhancement without the risk of irritation
Alcohol & Caffeine	Dehydrates the body, leading to hard stools	Water, Herbal Tea, Clear Soups	Keeps you hydrated for softer, easier-to-pass stools
Unripe Fruits (Bananas)	Higher in resistant starch, can be constipating	Ripe Bananas, Prunes, Berries	High in fiber and natural laxative properties

How to Transition Your Diet Effectively

Making a drastic change to your diet can be a shock to your system. Instead of cutting everything out at once, gradually increase your fiber intake. A sudden increase can cause bloating and gas. Start by incorporating one high-fiber food into your diet each day and slowly increase your consumption. Remember to also increase your fluid intake alongside your fiber consumption, as fiber without sufficient water can worsen constipation. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day.

Lifestyle Adjustments Beyond Diet

While diet is crucial, other lifestyle factors play a significant role in managing hemorrhoids. Regular exercise helps prevent constipation by keeping your digestive system moving. Avoid sitting for long periods, especially on the toilet, as this increases pressure on the rectal veins. When you feel the urge to have a bowel movement, do not hold it in, as this can cause stool to back up and harden.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices for Relief

Managing hemorrhoids requires a holistic approach, and making informed dietary choices is a cornerstone of this effort. By minimizing or eliminating low-fiber foods, dairy, red and processed meats, and irritants like spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine, you can significantly reduce constipation and straining. Pairing these changes with plenty of fluids and a gradual increase in fiber from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can lead to substantial relief and a lower risk of future flare-ups. Always consult a healthcare professional for a personalized treatment plan, especially if symptoms persist. Understanding what not to eat when you have hemorrhoids is a powerful step toward a more comfortable and pain-free life. A balanced, fiber-rich diet is your best defense against this uncomfortable condition. For more information on hemorrhoid treatment options, including the role of diet, consult the official website of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spicy foods are not a direct cause of hemorrhoids, but they can irritate already inflamed hemorrhoidal tissue, leading to increased burning and discomfort during bowel movements.

Dairy products like cheese and milk contain no fiber and can contribute to constipation, leading to straining and worsening hemorrhoid symptoms. Choosing non-dairy alternatives can help.

Yes, caffeine acts as a diuretic, which can cause dehydration. Dehydration can lead to hard stools and constipation, exacerbating the pain and discomfort of hemorrhoids.

Red meat is low in fiber and takes longer to digest, which can worsen constipation. Limiting red meat and opting for lean, plant-based proteins is often recommended for better digestive health.

Fried and greasy foods are typically low in fiber and difficult to digest, slowing down bowel movements and promoting constipation. This can increase straining and cause a hemorrhoid flare-up.

Yes, alcohol can cause dehydration, which hardens stools and can lead to constipation. It can also irritate the digestive tract, increasing inflammation and worsening symptoms.

It's best to avoid white bread, white pasta, and other refined grains. They lack the fiber necessary for healthy digestion and can contribute to constipation. Opt for whole-grain versions instead.

Consuming one food on the 'avoid' list as a treat won't necessarily cause a major issue. The concern is with the overall pattern of eating a diet high in low-fiber, processed, and irritating foods. Staying hydrated is key to mitigating potential effects.

While nuts are generally high in fiber, eating too many at once or not chewing them properly can cause digestive issues for some people. If chewing is an issue, consider options like ground flaxseed or smaller servings.

It is best to limit these foods until your symptoms improve. Adopting a long-term, high-fiber, and well-hydrated diet is the most effective way to prevent future flare-ups.