Are Onions Bad for Hemorrhoids? (Expert Answer)

Short Answer: Onions are good for hemorrhoids. Because they have quercetin and allicin, which can reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and promote healing. They are also a prebiotic food, which can improve your gut health and stool quality.

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

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

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

One of the key factors in managing hemorrhoids is diet.

What you consume can affect your bowel movements, which can impact your hemorrhoid symptoms and overall health.

To effectively manage hemorrhoids, you should consume fiber-rich foods like legumes, whole grains, and broccoli and avoid low-fiber foods like refined flour, dairy products, and spicy foods.

Now, onions are a type of vegetable that belong to the allium family.

People usually eat them raw, cooked, or pickled.

Onions are good for hemorrhoids because they contain quercetin and allicin.

Quercetin is a flavonoid that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Allicin is a sulfur compound that has antibacterial and antifungal effects.

One medium onion (110 grams) can give you about 1.7 grams of fiber (7% of your daily needs), 6.8 mg of quercetin (no recommended intake), and 0.1 mg of allicin (no recommended intake).

Quercetin can help reduce the inflammation and swelling of hemorrhoids.

Allicin can help prevent infections and promote healing of hemorrhoids.

Furthermore, onions are a prebiotic food and prebiotics are good for hemorrhoids.

Because, prebiotics feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut, which can improve your digestion and stool quality.

You can eat one to two onions per day safely.

More than that can cause gas, bloating, and heartburn.

Also, you shouldn’t eat onions if you have acid reflux or gastritis to prevent worsening of your symptoms.

Because, onions can irritate your stomach lining and lower esophageal sphincter.

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

Always choose firm, dry, and smooth onions.

Because, these indicate that the onions are fresh and have not sprouted or rotted.

You can store them in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place for up to two months.

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 hemorrhoid patients to follow a hemorrhoid-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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