The No. 1 Nutrient to Eat to Prevent and Get Rid of Hemorrhoids, According to a Doctor

Sometimes there’s itching; there’s usually pain and inflammation; and then there’s bleeding. Hemorrhoids and their symptoms are distressing and uncomfortable, no matter the kind you have.

To help bring you relief, the American Gastroenterological Association published new guidelines about the condition, including the type of food you should prioritize to keep the contents of your intestines moving and, as a result, your backside hemorrhoid-free.

Gut Health Tip of the Day: Prioritize Fiber To Ward Off Hemorrhoids

According to the new guidelines, research has found that a high-fiber diet, particularly one focused on grain fiber, was associated with a reduced risk for hemorrhoids. Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a gastroenterologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, cosigned the findings, told NBC News that fiber is the top way to prevent and treat the condition.

Unfortunately, most people don’t consume enough fiber. In fact, only about 5% of men and 9% of women eat the recommended daily amount of fiber. Men should eat at least 38 grams of fiber per day, and women should aim for 25 grams.

Why It Matters

While protein has recently been celebrated as the must-consume nutrient of the day, it can also lead to constipation, one of the causes of hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are also caused by diarrhea, sitting on the toilet for long periods and straining to have a bowel movement, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Fiber can address all of these.

It keeps stool soft, and it feeds the microorganisms that live in the intestines for a healthy microbiome, Dr. Waqar Qureshi, a gastroenterologist at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston who co-authored the new guidelines, told NBC News.

How to Get Started

Before you add heaps of fiber to your meals, consider pacing yourself. Too much fiber at once can lead to some uncomfortable side effects including bloating and gas pain, TODAY.com previously reported.

Increase your intake by about 5 grams a week, and incorporate a diverse range of foods with both soluble and insoluble fiber into your diet to help prevent constipation, and keep digestion operating as it should.

These foods include:

• Seeds

• Lentils

• Beans

• Whole grains

• Vegetables

And if protein is a top priority for you, take note of the kind of protein you reach for. “What you should be eating is more plant-based proteins that also contain vitamins, minerals and fiber,” Qureshi said.

Then, to make sure make sure everything you eat is properly digested and your bowel movements remain smooth and regular, stay hydrated.