Are Nuts Bad for Hemorrhoids? (Expert Answer)

Short Answer: Nuts are good for hemorrhoids. Because they have fiber, healthy fats, antioxidants, and other nutrients that can help prevent or treat hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are a condition that affects your anus and lower rectum.

In hemorrhoids, your body has swollen veins in the anal and rectal area.

This can lead to various health problems, such as bleeding, pain, itching, and infection.

One of the key factors in managing hemorrhoids is diet.

What you consume can affect your stool consistency, 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 fat-rich foods like cheese, meat, and processed foods.

Now, nuts are a type of food that comes from different kinds of plants.

People usually eat them as a snack or add them to salads, desserts, and other dishes.

Nuts are good for hemorrhoids because they contain fiber, healthy fats, antioxidants, and other nutrients.

However, some nuts may be better than others for different types of hemorrhoids.

One ounce (28 grams) of nuts can give you about 3–6 grams of fiber, 12–22 grams of fat, and 4–9 grams of protein, depending on the type of nut.

Fiber can help soften your stool and prevent constipation, which can reduce the pressure and straining on your hemorrhoids.

Fiber can also help prevent or treat complications of hemorrhoids, such as anal fissures and fistulas.

Healthy fats can help lower your cholesterol and inflammation, which can improve your blood flow and prevent blood clots in your hemorrhoids.

Healthy fats can also help you feel full and prevent overeating, which can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce the pressure on your hemorrhoids.

Antioxidants can help protect your cells from oxidative stress and damage, which can worsen your hemorrhoids and increase the risk of infection and bleeding.

Antioxidants can also help boost your immune system and heal your hemorrhoids faster.

Other nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, can also help support your overall health and prevent or treat deficiencies that may affect your hemorrhoids.

However, not all nuts are equally beneficial for hemorrhoids.

Some nuts may have more fiber, fat, or antioxidants than others.

Some nuts may also have compounds that can irritate your hemorrhoids or cause allergic reactions.

For example, almonds are high in vitamin E, magnesium, and manganese, which can help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow.

Pistachios are high in vitamin B6, phosphorus, and carotenoids, which can help support your immune system and prevent infections.

Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower your cholesterol and prevent blood clots.

On the other hand, cashews are high in oxalates, which can increase the risk of kidney stones and worsen your hemorrhoids if you have them.

Pecans are high in calories and fat, which can contribute to weight gain and increase the pressure on your hemorrhoids.

Macadamia nuts are high in saturated fat, which can raise your cholesterol and inflammation.

Furthermore, nuts are a type of plant food and plant foods are good for hemorrhoids.

Because, they can provide fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients that can help prevent or treat hemorrhoids.

However, some people may be allergic to nuts or have difficulty digesting them, which can cause adverse reactions or symptoms.

You can eat a handful (about 1 ounce or 28 grams) of nuts per day safely.

More than that can cause gas, bloating, diarrhea, or weight gain, which can worsen your hemorrhoids.

You should also chew your nuts well or grind them before eating to avoid swallowing large pieces that can scratch or irritate your hemorrhoids.

Also, you shouldn’t eat nuts if you have a nut allergy or a history of kidney stones to prevent anaphylaxis or oxalate accumulation.

Because, these can be life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical attention.

You can buy fresh nuts in your local market or can order them online.

Always choose raw, unsalted, and unflavored nuts to avoid added salt, sugar, or oil that can harm your hemorrhoids.

Because, these can increase your blood pressure, blood sugar, or inflammation.

You can store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months or in the refrigerator for up to a year.

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.

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About the Author

Abdur Rahman Choudhury

Abdur Rahman Choudhury is a nutritionist in West Bengal, India, with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Biochemistry.

He has done his diploma in nutrition from Fabulous Body Inc (US), and completed various certification courses from several universities. He also has considerable research experience in PCOS.

Abdur currently lives in India and keeps fit by weight training and eating mainly home-cooked meals.

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