Recovery after hemorrhoid treatment or surgery usually takes from one day to four weeks, depending on the type of treatment, severity of hemorrhoids and the number removed. Many patients indicate that recovery from this type of surgery is quick and discomfort is minimal. Total recovery can range from one to four weeks after the procedure which is why a diet is also recommended after hemorrhoid surgery.

Brief patient recovery timeline

Most patients begin to feel better by the end of the first week, especially if the patient is able to keep their bowel movements soft or slightly loose. Pain may be felt if defecation becomes heavy and muscle straining is required.

During recovery, constipation should be avoided whenever possible which is why a diet is recommended after hemorrhoid surgery.

The typical patient is able to return to non-obstructive activities one week after treatment and resume all normal activities within two to three weeks.

Coping with recovery

Your doctor may choose to manage your pain in several different ways. He or she may recommend a range of ibuprofen-based medications, or other types of medication depending on the progress of each patient.

Your doctor will insist on and recommend a specific diet for you to have a soft stool. A laxative, may be welcome to prevent straining with bowel movements, especially in the first week after surgery.

A sitz bath may be prescribed for pain relief. You can then soak the rectal area in a few inches of warm water or brew a specially designed herbal tea.

This relatively trivial course of action can provide relief from discomfort and can be done several times a day.

Diet after hemorrhoid surgery

Dietary recommendations will be made to help prevent pain. A high-fiber diet to soften the stool and instructions to drink water during the recovery phase-are just a few tips you’ll receive immediately after surgery.

Usually, no less than 8 cups or at least 2 liters of fluids a day are recommended. Talk to your doctor if you notice a change in the appearance of your stool and to change your diet after hemorrhoid surgery.

Returning to daily activities

You may feel discomfort when bending, squatting, lifting or moving from a standing position to a sitting position. Minimize activities that are painful as much as possible, especially during the first few days after your procedure.

In this article we put the focus on your pre and post-surgery diet and reveal which foods are best to eat during this period.

While diet may not always be the reason for the appearance of hemorrhoids, in many cases the way we adapt our diet depends on the evolution or involution of hemorrhoids.

What diet should be followed in the treatment of hemorrhoids?

For hemorrhoids and their treatment, nutrition has a direct impact. Processed products increase blood flow to the pelvic organs, thus overwhelming the veins with blood and stretching the walls of the blood vessels. This is one of the factors that can lead to hemorrhoids. These products include alcohol, pickled and smoked products, spices, canned foods, and hot spices.

In addition, do not forget that the main catalyst for the development of the disease becomes chronic constipation. As for poor bowel performance is related to a poor, maladaptive diet.

We have highlighted some basic principles of a correct diet in case of hemorrhoids:

  • High fluid consumption;
  • Fiber intake;
  • Small (i.e. not filling) and regular meals;
  • Chewing should be a golden rule;
  • Enough time to eat.

As we can see, modern society is far from ideal nutrition. Today’s fast-paced and busy lives often force us to turn to fast food.

Water consumption is often poor – people drink large quantities of coffee, teas containing high doses of caffeine, – carbonated juices which only add to the high calorie intake.

So the gut is ‘bombarded’ by these foods and responds accordingly – we often hear of people suffering from constipation, irritation, flatulence. Sooner or later this lifestyle leads to hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoid diet

Hemorrhoids have their own canonical principles, compliance with which will significantly reduce the risk of exacerbation and development of the disease.

Diet and new rules of eating after hemorrhoid surgery

Regular meals.

You should eat every 2.5 hours small meals, so that the stomach will not be overloaded, and the patient will not feel hungry.

  • The basis of the dishes prepared should be cereals, fruit and vegetables.
  • In the morning it is advisable to start with cereals including oats, oats, barley, buckwheat and barley.
  • For lunch, among the best vegetables for a well-functioning gut are cauliflower, carrots, beetroot, courgettes, broccoli, cucumber which can be eaten boiled or stewed, and raw.

Fresh apricots, bananas, prunes, dried apricots, apples should be integrated into the daily diet.

You should also eat at least 60 grams of oats, wheat or rye bran. This grammage will almost completely satisfy the body’s need for dietary fiber. Shredded bran can be added to mash.

  • Meat is only recommended cooked in the oven or boiled.
  • Special attention should be paid to the consumption of drinking water per day, a person should drink at least 1.5 liters. -It is recommended especially in the morning on an empty stomach to drink a glass of cold water.
  • Liquid dairy products are especially indicated if they are enriched with lactose – and bifidobacterial. These elements improve intestinal function, maintain the balance of intestinal microflora.

What foods prevent the appearance of hemorrhoids?

We suggest several foods that you can successfully integrate and make your diet *ideal* to prevent the appearance of hemorrhoids. These foods are:

  • Whole grains;
  • Lots of plain water;
  • Fish;
  • Nuts;
  • Vegetables;
  • Fruit;
  • Quinoa;
  • Lentils;
  • Grilled chicken;
  • Grilled turkey.

Remember to eat meat even if it is lean in moderate amounts (grilled chicken and turkey). Overeating meat-rich foods can overcrowd the digestive system and it’s only one step from there to hemorrhoids.

Foods and drinks that are not recommended in the hemorrhoid diet.

  • Excess pizza;
  • Excess red meat;
  • Processed foods;
  • Alcohol;
  • Coffee;
  • Caffeinated tea (caffeine will dehydrate you);
  • Spicy foods;
  • Sauce thickened with flour and starch.

Hemorrhoids are frequently caused by constipation and, in some cases, diarrhea. If you are constipated and suffer from hemorrhoids, you will want to take a look at what you eat or drink to determine what is causing your constipation.

Often the first thing we do in the morning is drink a coffee. While this is not necessarily bad for hemorrhoids. For most people, coffee sends you straight to the bathroom in the morning.

But it may be that in your case, coffee is not such a good friend.

Diet after hemorrhoid surgery

Dieting after hemorrhoid surgery is accompanied by a rather uncomfortable recovery phase. But even a successful surgery can’t become a guarantee that the hemorrhoids won’t come back if the patient’s lifestyle doesn’t change. One of the key moments becomes diet after hemorrhoid removal.

Principles this diet is based on 4 rules:

  • Well-balanced meals – you need to make sure that the food has been designed so that you get all the minerals and vitamins you need;
  • Small, split meals – the patient after surgery should eat 5-6 times a day, but very small portions;
  • Bland foods – this means that the products should not cause flatulence, diarrhea or diarrhea as this complicates the healing of post-operative wounds;
  • Food should lead to soft and regular bowel movements.

In order to make recovery as gentle as possible, it is advisable for a patient after surgery not to eat anything, preferably on the first day.

From the second day you can gradually feed yourself with fruit and later with vegetables. But in any case, it should not be foods that cause fermentation and flatulence.

Why do doctors suggest a liquid diet for hemorrhoids?

The liquid diet does not mean that you are only allowed to consume liquids. The whole purpose of a liquid diet in any medical condition is to ensure that bowel movements are natural.

A liquid diet has been proven effective in various medical conditions and sometimes a doctor may prescribe a liquid diet before surgery.

It mainly includes liquids and foods that can turn into clear liquids at room temperature. So they are easy to digest and recommended after digestive tract surgery.

Food choices in a liquid diet for hemorrhoids include apple or cranberry juice and broth.

Clearly, a liquid diet is low in calories and lacks essential nutrients. Therefore, it is generally suggested to be followed for a short period of time.

Why is a liquid diet necessary?

A liquid diet helps reduce the risk if the patient has difficulty digesting or chewing solid food. Constipation may be a problem if the patient eats before surgery. It is important to ensure safety and liquid diet helps reduce the risk.

If the digestive system of the patient undergoing surgery is sluggish or damaged from illness, or from surgery, being on a liquid diet can help manage pain and prevent complications such as a blockage in the intestines.

Sometimes your surgeon may give you permission to eat other foods, such as smoothies or yogurt. Therefore, follow the instructions given by your doctor closely before and after surgery.

Liquid diet after hemorrhoid surgery

Therefore, doctors suggest liquid diet after hemorrhoid surgery on a regular basis.

These foods below can be eaten after surgery:

  • Fruit and vegetable juice (without pulp);
  • Sports drinks (electrolyte replacement drinks);
  • Herbal tea;
  • Milk or milk alternatives (soya, almond);
  • Milkshakes, malts, smoothies;
  • Clear soups or cream soups;
  • Honey.

We also want you to be informed about products that are not recommended in the pre- or post-operative period.

List of *prohibited foods* before hemorrhoid surgery:

  • Meat (unless pureed, thinned and stretched) Tofu, meat substitutes;
  • Nuts and seeds;
  • Raw fruit and vegetables;
  • Solid cheese;
  • Soups or stews with noodles, meat or vegetables;
  • Bread;
  • Whole meal pasta or rice;
  • Chips, crackers, pretzels, popcorn;
  • Muffins, cakes, cookies, pastries;
  • Candies or processed sweets.

Health is our most precious asset to take care of. Our choices can make us healthier, that is if we opt for a balanced post hemorrhoid surgery diet and an active lifestyle.

The team at Venart Clinic is made up of nationally and internationally renowned surgeons, who provide patients with the highest quality medical services thanks to the clinic’s high level of competence and state-of-the-art equipment and appliances. From 2013 to date more than 12,000 patients have been successfully treated at VenArt Clinic.