The American Gastroenterology Association published guidelines that highlight the importance of adequate fiber consumption to prevent hemorrhoids. A Something crucial if we take into account that at least half of adults, by age 50, will suffer an episode of swollen, itchy veins or hemorrhoids.

In this regard, Dr. Trisha Pasricha, gastroenterologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, interviewed by NBC News, underlines that intake recommended daily of fiber is 38 grams for men and 25 grams for women, and currently only reaches 5% and 9% of the population, respectively.

Diet and habits that contribute to the development of hemorrhoids

The current focus on diets high in animal proteins may impair the consumption of fibre foods. It is highlighted that lack of this essential nutrient can result in constipation, increasing the risk of developing hemorrhoids.

“The problem is not the protein itself,” says Pasricha. “The problem is what you're not getting when you focus on the protein.”

Experts suggest prioritize vegetable protein sources and fiber-rich foods such as seeds, legumes and whole grains.

Likewise, toilet habits, especially prolonged sitting, increase pressure in the anal veins and facilitate the appearance of hemorrhoids. s. A recent study indicates that a large majority of adults in their 40s and 50s often use their smartphones while they are in the bathroom, which is counterproductive.

Treatment and management of hemorrhoids

For treatment of hemorrhoids, steroid creams and low-invasive clinical procedures, such as band ligation and infrared coagulation, are recommended.

Homemade strategies are also offered, such as changing your defecating position and using sitz baths. Despite their uncomfortable nature, many hemorrhoids resolve without medical intervention.

Foods rich in fiber

The best fiber foods to include daily are legumes, whole cereals, fruits with peel, vegetables, nuts and seeds. The recommended amount is 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day.

Legumes (the richest in fiber)White beans 25.4 gDried beans 19 gBeans/lentils/chickpeas 12–15 gDried peas 16.7 g

Whole grainsOats, quinoa, whole rice, whole bread (8.5 g / 100 g)Bulgur, barley, buckwheat, milletWheat bran and whole flour

Fruits (best with peel)Dried figs and dried plums (17 g / 100 g)Dates (8.7 g / 100 g), dried apricots, raisinsPears, apples, kiwi, berries (2–3 g / 100 g)Avocados and citrus fruits

VegetablesArtichokes (9.4 g / 100 g)Asparagus, beets, mushrooms, green beans, pumpkinSpinach (6.3 g / 100 g), chard (5.6 g / 100 g), broccoli

Nuts and seedsAlmonds 14 gPistachios 11–14 gHazelnuts 10gWalnuts 5.2 gChia seeds 34.4gGround flaxseeds

Practical tips

You might also be interested:

· Just one serving of ultraprocessed foods increases the risk of dementia Early menopause carries a high risk of suffering heart attacks: what signs should alert you? Lentils with vitamin C: a nutritious and combination