Which drink is best for hemorrhoids? A Guide to Soothing Beverages

December 26, 2025 •

4 min read

Approximately 1 in 20 Americans experiences hemorrhoids, making it a common condition. Choosing the right beverages can play a crucial role in managing and finding relief from hemorrhoids by promoting better digestive health and hydration.

Quick Summary

This guide covers the most effective beverages for alleviating hemorrhoid symptoms, focusing on proper hydration, high-fiber options, and anti-inflammatory drinks. These drinks work by softening stools and reducing the straining that often causes hemorrhoid flare-ups.

Key Points

Plain Water is Key: The most critical drink for hemorrhoids is plain water, as it softens stools and prevents constipation effectively.
Choose Prune Juice: Prune juice is a natural laxative, rich in fiber and sorbitol, that helps promote regular and comfortable bowel movements.
Soothe with Herbal Tea: Teas made from ingredients like chamomile, ginger, or dandelion root offer anti-inflammatory and soothing properties for digestive relief.
Blend High-Fiber Smoothies: Smoothies incorporating fiber-rich fruits, greens, and seeds provide bulk to aid in easier stool passage.
Avoid Dehydrating Drinks: Limiting alcohol, excessive caffeine, and sugary sodas is crucial, as they can worsen dehydration and constipation.
Pair Hydration with Fiber: Water and fiber work together, so increasing fluid intake is essential when adding more fiber to your diet to avoid gas and bloating.

Understanding the Connection Between Hydration and Hemorrhoids

Proper hydration is one of the most straightforward and effective ways to manage and prevent hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the rectum and anus, and straining during bowel movements is a major cause. When you're dehydrated, your body pulls more water from your stool, making it hard and difficult to pass. This leads to constipation and increased straining, which puts pressure on the anal veins and worsens hemorrhoids. By drinking plenty of fluids, you can keep your stools soft and bulky, making them easier to pass without excessive pushing.

The Top Beverages for Hemorrhoid Relief

Plain Water: The Gold Standard

Nothing beats plain water when it comes to hydration. Experts recommend drinking between 1.5 and 2 liters (50 to 68 ounces) of water daily for hemorrhoid relief, though individual needs can vary. Water works hand-in-hand with fiber to soften stool, ensuring smooth and regular bowel movements. A good tip is to start your day with a glass of water to kickstart your digestive system and to carry a reusable water bottle to remind you to sip throughout the day.

Fiber-Rich Juices

Certain fruit and vegetable juices are excellent choices for hemorrhoid relief due to their fiber content and natural laxative properties. Drinking these juices can help supplement your fiber intake and aid digestion.

Prune Juice: Known as a natural laxative, prune juice contains sorbitol and fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements and soften stools.
Aloe Vera Juice: This beverage is recognized for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm irritation in the digestive tract. Be sure to choose a pure, high-quality aloe vera juice without added sugars.
Apple Juice: Apple juice contains pectin, a type of soluble fiber that can help improve bowel regularity. It's best to opt for a natural, unfiltered version to maximize the fiber content.

Soothing Herbal Teas

Herbal teas offer a warm, comforting way to stay hydrated while also providing potential anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits. Unlike caffeinated teas, they don't contribute to dehydration.

Chamomile Tea: Known for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties, chamomile can help soothe the digestive system and reduce inflammation.
Ginger Tea: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can support healthy digestion and circulation.
Dandelion or Marshmallow Root Tea: These traditional herbal remedies may offer anti-inflammatory effects that can provide relief from hemorrhoid symptoms.

Fiber-Packed Smoothies

Making smoothies is a fantastic way to combine hydrating liquids with high-fiber fruits and vegetables. Blending these ingredients breaks them down, making the fiber easier for your body to process.

Ingredients to include: Berries, leafy greens (like spinach), flaxseed, chia seeds, and high-fiber fruits (like apples and pears).
Liquid Base: Use water, low-fat milk, or a non-dairy milk alternative as your base to ensure good hydration.

Drinks to Limit or Avoid

Just as some drinks are beneficial, others can worsen hemorrhoid symptoms, primarily by causing dehydration or aggravating the digestive system.

Alcohol: This is a diuretic that can lead to dehydration and constipation.
Caffeinated Drinks: Excessive caffeine can also have a diuretic effect, leading to dehydration.
Sugary Sodas and Sweetened Juices: These high-sugar beverages can disrupt your digestive health and may contribute to inflammation.
High-Fat Dairy Products: Some high-fat dairy can contribute to constipation in sensitive individuals. Low-fat options are generally better if consuming milk.

Comparison of Hemorrhoid-Friendly Drinks


Drink Category	Primary Benefit	Additional Benefits	Notes
Plain Water	Most effective for softening stools.	Universal availability, no calories.	Drink 1.5-2L daily.
Prune Juice	Natural laxative.	High in fiber and sorbitol.	Effective for constipation relief.
Aloe Vera Juice	Anti-inflammatory, soothing.	Promotes healing of the digestive tract.	Choose pure, sugar-free versions.
Herbal Teas	Anti-inflammatory properties.	Aid digestion, provide hydration.	Options like chamomile, ginger, dandelion root.
Fruit Smoothies	High in fiber.	Nutrient-rich, customizable.	Combine with water for hydration.

Integrating Proper Hydration with a Balanced Diet

To truly combat hemorrhoids, drinking the right fluids must be part of a larger strategy that includes a high-fiber diet. Soluble fiber, found in oats, beans, and certain fruits, absorbs water to create a soft, gel-like substance that makes stool easy to pass. Insoluble fiber, or roughage, adds bulk to stool and keeps things moving smoothly. When you increase your fiber intake, it is absolutely essential to increase your fluid intake alongside it. Without enough water, high-fiber intake can lead to gas, bloating, and even worsen constipation. The best approach is a gradual increase in both fiber and fluids to allow your body to adjust. For more dietary guidance, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) offers excellent resources on managing hemorrhoids through diet.

Conclusion: Your Beverage Strategy for Hemorrhoid Relief

While no single beverage is a magic cure, the combination of several key drinks can form an effective strategy for managing hemorrhoid symptoms. The most important drink is plain water, as it is the foundation of soft stools and easy bowel movements. Supplementing with specific juices like prune and aloe vera, along with soothing herbal teas, can provide added benefits. Remember to pair your hydration efforts with a balanced, high-fiber diet and avoid dehydrating beverages like alcohol and excessive caffeine. By consistently making these choices, you can reduce straining, find significant relief from discomfort, and prevent future flare-ups. If symptoms persist, always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, absolutely. Drinking plenty of water is one of the most effective strategies for managing and preventing hemorrhoids. It keeps your stools soft and hydrated, which prevents the straining and pressure that can cause or aggravate hemorrhoids.

Yes, certain juices are very beneficial. Prune juice acts as a natural laxative, while aloe vera and apple juices can also aid digestion and soften stools.

Herbal teas like chamomile, ginger, and dandelion root are generally safe and can help soothe digestive irritation and reduce inflammation, providing relief from hemorrhoid symptoms.

If you are consuming dairy, low-fat or skim milk is often recommended. High-fat dairy can sometimes contribute to constipation, which can worsen hemorrhoids. Some people find relief by adding high-fiber ingredients like figs to milk.

You should limit coffee and alcohol because both act as diuretics, which means they cause your body to lose water. This can lead to dehydration and harden your stools, making constipation and straining more likely.

Yes, fiber supplements like psyllium or methylcellulose can be very helpful, but they must be taken with a significant amount of water. Without enough fluid, fiber supplements can cause constipation and bloating.

Both cold and warm water are effective for hydration. Some people find that drinking warm water, especially in the morning, can help stimulate bowel movements. The most important factor is consistent hydration, regardless of temperature.