The Role of Diet in Preventing Piles Recurrence After Surgery

Piles or haemorrhoids are inflamed and swollen clusters of tissues and veins measuring small or large located within or outside the anus. The conditions such as chronic diarrhoea, chronic constipation, lifting heavy objects, obesity, pregnancy, or straining while bowel movements are some of the most common reasons for piles. Many people fall prey to piles, and in many cases, this condition resolves on its own. However, if the symptoms are severe, the doctor may suggest surgery.

Surgery for piles can be of many types. Depending on the severity of the condition, the doctor will prepare you for the suitable surgery. While the surgery for piles has a high success rate, the importance of aftercare cannot be undermined. After your surgery, the doctor will give you instructions for taking care of your health to avoid the recurrence of piles. Diet plays a crucial role in the aftercare.

What is the Importance of Diet in Piles?

Piles could occur for many reasons- ill dietary habits are one of them. When you don't pay attention to what you eat, how much you eat, and what you drink, it puts you under threat of developing this condition. Ill lifestyle habits have a direct relation to the occurrence of piles. The dietary choices, especially lack of fibre in the diet, are one of the main reasons you may develop it.

As fibre cannot be digested by the human body, it adds weight to the stool, making it easier to pass. It leads to less straining, more consistency, and lower chances of developing piles. Increasing your fibre intake has other benefits for your body as well. After your surgery, the doctor will give you dietary instructions that you are required to follow to prevent piles from happening again.

What Food Items Should I Eat After Piles Surgery?

Here is the list of all food items that you must include in your diet after piles surgery:

• High-Fibre Foods
  
  We cannot emphasise enough on the importance of incorporating fibre-rich foods into your diet. Fibre is healthy for the digestive system, and besides piles, it also addresses other health conditions. Include plenty of fibre in your diet to prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movement. You can choose food items like oats, brown rice, whole wheat, apples, pears, berries, leafy greens, carrots, legumes, etc.
  
  
  
  

• Healthy Fats
  
  Healthy fats are an important source of nutrients that keep piles from recurring. We recommend you incorporate sources of healthy fats for inflammation control and general well-being. These include nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil.
  
  
  
  

• Lean Proteins
  
  Opt for lean protein sources as they support healing and your overall health. Food items such as fish, skinless poultry, eggs, tofu, and low-fat dairy products must be added to keep piles at bay.
  
  
  
  

• Probiotic-Rich Foods
  
  As per many studies, probiotic-rich foods are a boon for your digestive system as they prevent the onset of constipation, thus avoiding the recurrence of piles. Eat more yoghourt or curd in any form to promote gut health.
  
  
  
  

• Vitamin-Rich Foods
  
  Vitamins and minerals are important for your overall health. Include foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, such as citrus fruits, leafy greens, and colourful vegetables.
  
  
  
  

• Hydration
  
  When it comes to digestion or making healthy dietary choices to prevent piles, the importance of hydration cannot be overlooked. When your body is hydrated well, you don't develop constipation or piles. Thus, ensure you drink plenty of water, as much as your body demands, to stay healthy.

What Food Items Should I Avoid After Piles Surgery?

The doctor will also suggest you avoid some food items after your piles surgery, mostly to stop the condition from recurring.

• Greasy or Fried Foods
  
  These food items are heavy and hard to digest, leading to discomfort.
  
  
  
  

• Processed Foods
  
  Processed foods are a big no after your piles surgery. These food items lack nutrients and fibre while containing additives, which may not be conducive to healing.
  
  
  
  

• Caffeine and Carbonated Drinks
  
  Say big no to caffeine and carbonated drinks after your piles surgery, as they may contribute to gas and discomfort and may slow down healing.
  
  
  
  

• Alcohol
  
  The doctor advises strictly against the use of alcohol for piles treatment as it interferes with the healing process during the recovery phase.
  
  
  
  

• High-Sugar Foods
  
  Foods with added sugar and artificial sweeteners can negatively impact your overall health and may not provide the necessary nutrients required for healing from piles surgery.
  
  
  
  

• Hard-to-Digest Foods
  
  Avoid food items that are difficult to digest, such as spicy foods or foods rich in refined carbohydrates.
  
  
  
  

• Excessive Dairy
  
  Some people may experience temporary lactose intolerance after their surgery. Hence, you should limit the intake of excessive dairy as it may lead to digestive issues and slow recovery.

Takeaway

Besides the instructions on what to eat and avoid, the doctor will also insist on making healthy lifestyle changes so that you don't develop this condition. Take the advice of your doctor seriously for quick recovery.