Which Fruit Helps to Reduce Piles? A Guide to High-Fiber Choices

January 12, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), a diet rich in fiber can be a primary treatment for hemorrhoids. Adding specific fruits is an excellent way to increase your fiber intake, making stools softer and easier to pass. This helps to reduce piles and the straining that causes them.

Quick Summary

A diet rich in high-fiber fruits is key for managing hemorrhoid symptoms by preventing constipation and softening stools. Specific fruits like prunes, bananas, apples, and berries contain soluble and insoluble fiber that promotes healthy digestion and reduces discomfort.

Key Points

Fiber is key: High-fiber fruits soften stool and prevent straining, reducing pressure on hemorrhoidal veins.
Prunes and Figs: Known as natural laxatives, prunes and soaked dried figs are highly effective due to their fiber and sorbitol content.
Apples and Pears: Eating these fruits with the skin on provides excellent sources of soluble and insoluble fiber.
Berries and Bananas: These fruits are packed with fiber, with berries also offering high water content and bananas providing pectin for softening stool.
Hydration is vital: Drink plenty of water to help the fiber in fruits work effectively and to prevent constipation.
Lifestyle matters: Combine a fruit-rich diet with regular exercise and avoid straining during bowel movements for best results.

The Power of Fiber in Fruit

Fruits are a powerhouse of dietary fiber, an essential nutrient for managing and preventing hemorrhoids (also known as piles). A high-fiber diet works by adding bulk to your stool, which in turn helps soften it and promotes more regular, less strenuous bowel movements. Less straining means less pressure on the veins in your rectum and anus, which reduces the pain, swelling, and bleeding associated with hemorrhoids. It is important to increase your fiber intake gradually to avoid bloating and gas.

Best Fruits to Incorporate for Piles Relief

Adding a variety of fiber-rich fruits to your daily diet can provide significant relief. Here is a list of some of the most beneficial choices:

Apples: A medium apple, especially with the skin on, contains a high amount of fiber. The soluble fiber, known as pectin, forms a gel-like substance in your digestive tract, which helps to soften and bulk up stool.
Pears: Similar to apples, a medium pear with the skin on offers a significant fiber boost. Pears also contain fructose, a natural laxative that further aids digestion.
Berries: Raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries are excellent sources of fiber. Raspberries, in particular, are fiber powerhouses and also provide a high water content, both of which are beneficial for bowel regularity.
Bananas: Bananas are a great choice due to their pectin and resistant starch content, which helps soften stools. A medium ripe banana provides a good dose of fiber and supports healthy gut bacteria.
Prunes: Often called nature's laxative, prunes and stewed prunes are rich in both fiber and sorbitol. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that draws water into the colon, providing a natural laxative effect.
Figs: Both fresh and dried figs are packed with fiber. Soaking dried figs overnight and eating them in the morning is a traditional remedy for piles that enhances their laxative effect.
Papaya: This fruit contains fiber and the digestive enzyme papain, which helps break down food more efficiently and aids digestion.
Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits contain a good amount of fiber and are hydrating, which helps soften stools. The fiber is primarily in the inner skin that covers the flesh.
Kiwi: A 100-gram serving of kiwifruit provides both fiber and an enzyme called zyactinase, which has been shown to improve digestion.

Comparison Table: High-Fiber Fruits for Piles Relief


Fruit (Serving Size)	Fiber Content (Approx.)	How It Helps	Key Benefits
Raspberries (1 cup)	8g	Excellent source of both fiber and water.	High fiber and water for bulk and softness.
Prunes (1/2 cup, stewed)	3.8g	Natural laxative effect from sorbitol.	Softens stool and promotes regularity.
Pear with skin (1 medium)	6g	Fiber and natural fructose content.	Bulks and softens stool naturally.
Apple with skin (1 medium)	4.4g	Soluble fiber (pectin) forms a gel to soften stool.	High pectin content for soft stool.
Banana (1 medium ripe)	3g	Pectin and resistant starch for stool softening.	Feeds good gut bacteria, softens stool.
Figs (3-4 dried, soaked)	High	Rich in dietary fiber; natural laxative effect when soaked.	Powerful natural laxative; reduces inflammation.

The Importance of Hydration

While consuming high-fiber fruits is crucial, it is equally important to drink plenty of water and other hydrating fluids. Fiber absorbs water in the colon, and without adequate hydration, it can exacerbate constipation rather than relieve it. Aim to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day to ensure your digestive system runs smoothly and the fiber in your diet works effectively.

Other Lifestyle Adjustments

Diet is a major component of managing piles, but other lifestyle changes can further aid in recovery and prevention. Regular physical activity, such as walking, can help stimulate bowel function. Avoid straining during bowel movements and do not hold it in when you feel the urge to go. Using a toilet stool to elevate your knees can also create a better angle for elimination, reducing strain. Over-the-counter creams and sitz baths can also help with symptom relief.

Conclusion

Choosing the right fruits is a simple yet highly effective dietary strategy for anyone looking to reduce piles. The high fiber and water content in fruits like prunes, berries, apples, and bananas help prevent the constipation and straining that are the root causes of hemorrhoids. By combining a fruit-rich diet with proper hydration and healthy lifestyle habits, you can significantly improve your digestive health and find lasting relief. For personalized advice, consider consulting a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian.

Food for Piles: 15 Foods for Hemorrhoids

For more information on dietary choices for hemorrhoid relief, consider resources from reputable health sites. Healthline offers a comprehensive list of foods beneficial for piles management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fruits help reduce piles primarily by providing dietary fiber and water. Fiber softens and bulks up stool, making it easier to pass without straining, which is a key cause of hemorrhoids. The water content also helps prevent constipation.

Yes, dried fruits like prunes and figs are highly beneficial for piles. They are concentrated sources of fiber and act as natural laxatives to promote regular bowel movements. However, they should be consumed in moderation due to their higher sugar content.

Prunes are one of the most well-known natural laxatives for piles. They contain high levels of fiber and sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that draws water into the colon to soften stool.

Yes, ripe bananas are good for hemorrhoids. They contain pectin, a soluble fiber that creates a gel in the digestive tract to help soften stool, and resistant starch, which supports healthy gut bacteria.

Yes, papaya is a very useful fruit for piles. It contains fiber and the digestive enzyme papain, which aids in digestion and has natural laxative properties, helping to regulate your system.

For optimal piles relief, soak 3–4 dried figs in water overnight. Eating them on an empty stomach the next morning softens the fruit and enhances its natural laxative effect, helping to ensure smooth bowel movements.

Most adults should aim for 25 to 38 grams of fiber daily, depending on age and sex. A variety of high-fiber fruits can contribute significantly to this goal. Remember to increase your intake gradually and stay well-hydrated.