Haemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are inflamed and engorged blood vessels developing near the lower rectal region or around the anus. It may occur in anyone; however, it is more common in men than women. Many factors add to the growth of piles; the main reason includes putting pressure on the veins located around the lower rectum or anus.
The condition leads to a painful lump around the anus, which intrudes on smooth bowel movement and causes bleeding. In some cases, an individual may also experience bleeding during bowel movements. Other discomforts of piles include irritation and itching around the bowel region, inability to sit for long hours, and more.
Piles in its initial stage is treatable with the help of medicines. However, if it has reached an advanced stage, you may have to opt for surgery. After the surgery, the doctor will give you some dietary instructions that you must follow for a quick and smooth recovery.
The Importance of Dietary Changes after Piles Surgery
Recovery after piles surgery becomes easy if you focus on eating a healthy and balanced diet. Eating the right foods helps you avoid constipation, which may further accelerate the healing process and reduce pain. A balanced diet for piles also helps reduce the immune system, improves your immune system, and offers all the necessary nutrients to the body.
Foods to Eat After Piles Surgery
You will be instructed to add the following food items in small portions after your piles surgery.
High Fiber Foods
Fiber is vital to prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements. You can opt for food items such as green leafy vegetables or cruciferous vegetables, as they are an amazing source of fiber, nutrients, and antioxidants. Additionally, you can include whole grains such as brown rice, whole wheat, and oats.
Other high-fiber foods that you must include in your diet after piles surgery are apples, pears, berries, broccoli, carrots, beans, lentils, etc.
Lean Proteins
Lean proteins support healing and aid overall health after piles surgery. Besides opting for whole grains, you can add small portions of items like skinless poultry, tofu, fish, and eggs. You can also include low-fat dairy products. But ensure the quantity is moderate, otherwise it may lead to digestion issues.
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats are essential for the overall nutrition of the body. They play a key role in recovery after your piles surgery. Your doctor or dietician will tell you to incorporate healthy fats to control inflammation. Add food items like nuts, seeds, olive oil, and avocados, as they are great sources of healthy fats.
Probiotic-Rich Foods
Probiotics are highly essential in keeping your digestive health in check. Probiotics also find an integral spot in your piles recovery diet. You can opt for curd, yogurt, or buttermilk. These drinks comprise bacteria that are good for gut health.
Curd or buttermilk are great source of gut microbes and promotes a healthy digestive system. Regular consumption of these probiotics will improve your immunity and gut health.
Hydration
You cannot undermine the importance of drinking water after piles surgery. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day not only keeps you hydrated but also softens bowel movements. Thus, make it a point to drink enough water. In addition to water, you can opt for herbal teas and diluted fruit juices.
Foods to Avoid After Piles Surgery
There are certain foods that you must strictly avoid after piles surgery. Consuming these food items will not only intrude recovery process but also multiply the chances of the recurrence of piles.
- Avoid spicy foods as they are extremely heavy and hard to digest. Eating spicy foods may lead to digestive discomfort and inflammation.
- Do not consume processed foods as they lack fiber and protein. Processed foods also contain additives that are not good for piles healing.
- Caffeine, carbonated drinks, and packaged drinks are other food items you must not consume during the recovery phase after piles surgery.
- Stay away from consuming alcohol or smoking, as both these habits may interfere with the healing process.
- Avoid foods high in sugar as they may negatively impact your overall health and not provide essential nutrients that your body may need for recovery after piles surgery.
- Consuming dairy after piles surgery is good; however, excessive dairy is not. Some people may experience lactose intolerance after surgery. Limit dairy consumption after having a word with your dietician.
Takeaway
Recovery after piles surgery is closely related to how much you follow the dietary changes after the procedure. It may last anywhere from 4-8 weeks. If you focus on consuming a good diet and other considerations, you will recover quickly. In the best practice, you must relax, sit back at home, and follow all the dietary changes imparted by the doctor for a smooth recovery. Avoid any strenuous activity for the first few weeks. All the best.