What should be avoided in the diet for hemorrhoids with bleeding?

Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
Updated on March 31, 2025
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Hemorrhoids presenting with rectal bleeding is a rather typical symptom. This condition definitely requires dietary restrictions because dietary irritants can potentially worsen bleeding. Thus, it's essential to avoid certain foods both during an episode and as a precautionary measure. It is generally advised to steer clear of cold and spicy foods, as these can stimulate the intestines and potentially exacerbate bleeding. In cases where bleeding is more pronounced, a bland diet is usually recommended. Other stimulating foods should also be avoided to prevent aggravating the condition. Of course, dietary restrictions are not only essential during symptomatic periods but also as a preventive measure regularly to effectively prevent recurrent episodes of hemorrhoids.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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What's causing hemorrhoids to itch?

Hemorrhoids cause secretions to flow out from within the anal canal, particularly in the case of internal hemorrhoids. When severe, these secretions can flow outside the anus due to changes in the position of the anus or the patient's body, irritating the local skin and mucosa around the anus, thus leading to symptoms of itching. Additionally, with repeated prolapse of internal hemorrhoids, the mucosa may get trapped at the anal opening and cannot retract normally, also causing irritating itching and possibly even pain and bleeding due to repeated friction. To treat the itching from hemorrhoids, it is first necessary to alleviate the increased secretion from internal hemorrhoids. Options include using anti-inflammatory suppositories or gels, and washing the anal area with saline water or herbal washes that have antipruritic effects.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What causes hemorrhoids to bleed?

Internal hemorrhoids can easily cause rectal bleeding. The main reason is the varicosity of hemorrhoidal veins. During defecation, dry and hard stools scratch the hemorrhoidal veins causing them to rupture and bleed. Additionally, due to the long-term presence of hemorrhoids, the hemorrhoidal veins become overstretched, making the vein walls thin and fragile, and easily damaged during bowel movements. For hemorrhoid-induced rectal bleeding, treatment can be administered through medications aimed primarily at reducing bleeding symptoms and alleviating the varicosity of the hemorrhoidal veins. Sitz baths can also be used to reduce swelling around the anus. If medication provides limited relief, minimally invasive or surgical treatments may be considered.

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Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
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Is it scary to have bleeding hemorrhoids?

Firstly, hemorrhoids are soft venous masses formed by the dilation and excessive twisting of veins under the mucous membrane and the skin at the end of the rectum. During defecation, the stool rubs against the raised twisted veins, and the straining during defecation causes increased pressure on these vessels, leading to rupturing of the hemorrhoidal veins and resulting in bleeding with the stools. If the amount of bleeding is significant, it can lead to symptoms like anemia and dizziness. If the bleeding is minor, it generally does not pose a problem. Therefore, if there is a case of hemorrhoidal bleeding, it is best to visit the colorectal surgery department of a hospital for a proper diagnosis and, if necessary, surgical treatment can be performed to prevent recurrence of the bleeding.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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How come hemorrhoids bleed?

In this case, it depends on the cause of the hemorrhoids. In general, the most common cause of hemorrhoids is varicose veins around the rectal veins, which can be caused by obstructed venous return. Generally, there are no corresponding venous valves around the upper rectal veins, and the veins or small vein walls of hemorrhoids are very thin. In the case of hemorrhoidal venous varicose, if the stool is relatively dry, it is easy to cause the veins to rupture and bleed during defecation. This type of bleeding is generally painless, and the bleeding can stop on its own, usually being bright red blood. Due to high local pressure, some people may experience significant bleeding, or even show signs of shock. In this case, surgical treatment measures must be taken to achieve radical cure.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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What should pregnant women do about hemorrhoids?

Women who develop hemorrhoids during pregnancy should stop eating spicy and stimulating foods. They should eat more vegetables and fruits that are rich in fiber to facilitate bowel movements, such as bananas, daylilies, black fungus, apples, peaches, and pears. They can also use some medications for sitz baths, twice a day after each bowel movement, once in the morning and once in the evening. Additionally, they should avoid standing or sitting for long periods and can perform anal lifting exercises or massage the anal area. Massaging can help with blood circulation and can be somewhat helpful in improving hemorrhoids.