Short Answer: Beets are good for hemorrhoids. Because they have nitrates, betaine, and betalains and they can lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and protect the liver.
Hemorrhoids is a condition that affects your anus and lower rectum.
In hemorrhoids, your body has swollen veins in the anal canal or under the skin around the anus.
This can lead to various health problems, such as bleeding, pain, itching, and prolapse.
One of the key factors in managing hemorrhoids is diet.
What you consume can affect your stool consistency and bowel movements, which can impact your hemorrhoids symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage hemorrhoids, you should consume fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and avoid low-fiber foods like white bread, cheese, and meat.
Now, beets are root vegetables that have a deep ruby red color and an earthy, sweet taste.
People usually eat them raw, cooked, or juiced3.
Beets are good for hemorrhoids because they contain nitrates, betaine, and betalains.
These are good ingredients that can lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and protect the liver.
One cup of raw beets can give you 3.8 grams of fiber (15% of your daily needs), 148 mg of nitrates (7% of your daily needs), and 0.4 grams of betaine (2% of your daily needs)35.
Fiber can soften your stool and make it easier to pass, which can prevent straining and pressure on the veins.
Nitrates can dilate your blood vessels and improve blood flow, which can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Betaine can lower the levels of homocysteine, a chemical that can damage the liver and blood vessels.
Betalains are antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that can fight free radicals and inflammation, which can contribute to chronic diseases like obesity and cancer.
Furthermore, beets are a vegetable and vegetables are good for hemorrhoids.
Because, they provide vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that can support your immune system and overall health.
You can eat one to two cups of beets per day safely.
More than that can cause side effects like kidney stones, stomach upset, or urine and stool color changes.
Also, you shouldn’t eat beets if you have kidney problems or a history of kidney stones to prevent worsening your condition.
Because, beets contain oxalate, a compound that can form crystals in the urine and cause stones.
You can buy fresh beets in your local market or can order them online.
Always choose firm, smooth, and unblemished beets.
Because, they are fresher and have more nutrients.
You can store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to three weeks7.
Read Next
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing hemorrhoids effectively.
I always recommend my hemorrhoids patients to follow a hemorrhoids-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.
