Is Pork Good for Piles? Examining the Effects on Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles are swollen veins located around the anus or in the lower rectum. They can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. Some people claim pork is an effective home remedy for piles but is this true? This article examines whether pork is actually beneficial for hemorrhoids or not.

Overview of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids affect nearly 3 out of 4 adults at some point in their lives. They occur when the blood vessels around the anus or lower rectum become swollen and inflamed.

There are two main types

Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum and usually aren’t visible
External hemorrhoids occur under the skin around the anus and can be felt as tender lumps.

Symptoms include rectal bleeding, pain, itching, and sensitive lumps near the anus. While hemorrhoids often resolve on their own, severe cases may require medical procedures like rubber band ligation or surgery.

Diet and lifestyle changes can help prevent and treat piles. Eating more fiber, drinking fluids, and avoiding straining during bowel movements may improve symptoms.

Does Pork Help Treat Hemorrhoids?

Some believe pork has medicinal properties that can help treat hemorrhoids. However, no scientific research supports pork as an effective remedy for piles.

In fact, pork could potentially worsen hemorrhoid symptoms in some cases:

Low in fiber – Pork is low in fiber compared to plant foods. Adequate fiber intake is important for preventing constipation and straining, which can aggravate hemorrhoids.
High in fat – Fatty cuts of pork like bacon and pork belly may be difficult to digest. This could exacerbate constipation and stool hardening.
May cause GI distress – Some find pork aggravates gastrointestinal symptoms. This may increase discomfort from hemorrhoids.

So while pork may provide protein, vitamins and minerals, there is no evidence it specifically helps treat hemorrhoids. It does not contain any compounds or nutrients known to reduce piles.

Overall, dietary and lifestyle improvements should be the focus for managing hemorrhoid symptoms, not unproven home remedies. Always talk to your healthcare provider about the best hemorrhoid treatment options for your situation.

Foods That May Help Relieve Hemorrhoids

Instead of pork, there are many foods that may actually help prevent and treat hemorrhoids:

High-fiber foods – Fiber softens stools and prevents constipation and straining. Good options include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds.

Water – Staying hydrated keeps stools soft and easy to pass. Drink plenty of water and limit caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate.

Probiotics – Probiotic foods like yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut promote a healthy gut microbiome, which may reduce constipation.

Spices – Anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric may decrease swelling and discomfort.

Prunes – Prunes and prune juice naturally relieve constipation to reduce pressure and irritation of hemorrhoids.

Healthy fats – Monounsaturated fats from olive oil, avocados and nuts can make stools slide through the colon more easily.

Bioflavonoids – Found in citrus fruits, onions and green tea, these plant compounds have anti-inflammatory effects that may relieve hemorrhoid symptoms.

Horse chestnut – Studies show the horse chestnut seed extract aescin improves blood flow and decreases swelling.

Witch hazel – Wipes, pads or cream containing witch hazel can temporarily numb pain and itching of external hemorrhoids.

Lifestyle Changes to Treat Hemorrhoids

Aside from eating foods that may help hemorrhoids, making certain lifestyle adjustments can also improve symptoms:

Exercise – Being active improves gut motility and prevents constipation.
Take fiber supplements – Over-the-counter psyllium husk is safe and effective for constipation relief.
Use the bathroom when needed – Don’t delay bowel movements, as this can worsen constipation and straining.
Try squatting – Squatting rather than sitting may make passing stools easier and more complete.
Use warm baths – Taking a warm bath can provide temporary relief from discomfort, itching and swelling.
Try OTC remedies – Hemorrhoid creams, ointments and suppositories can reduce swelling, pain, and itching.

When to See a Doctor

Home remedies and OTC treatments can help manage mild to moderate hemorrhoid symptoms. However, it’s important to see a doctor if:

Symptoms last longer than 1-2 weeks
Hemorrhoids frequently recur
Excessive rectal bleeding occurs
Intense pain is present

Severe hemorrhoids may require prescription medication, rubber band ligation, injection sclerotherapy, infrared coagulation, or surgery. Don’t try to self-diagnose or self-treat severe hemorrhoids at home.

The Bottom Line

There is no scientific evidence that pork acts as an effective treatment for hemorrhoids. In fact, it may actually worsen symptoms in some cases due to its low fiber content and high fat content.

Instead, focus on eating more high-fiber plant foods, staying hydrated, exercising, and making bowel movements easier. OTC remedies can also provide relief in mild cases. See a doctor right away if hemorrhoid symptoms are severe or persistent.

Overall, pork does not have special properties that make it beneficial for hemorrhoids. Dietary and lifestyle improvements should be the priority when managing piles.

Is eating Pork good for Piles? Dr Maran busts the popular myth that pork cures piles.

FAQ

Is pork good for pile?

Red Meat : We should avoid processed meat, red meat, and mutton or chicken during suffering from piles. These foods contain low fiber which takes excess time to digest. Red meat or mutton is difficult to digest and may cause constipation. So, we should avoid these foods as quickly as possible.

Which meat is better for piles?

Processed meats: These cold-cut meats are very low in fibre and have high sodium content. Consuming less processed meats during piles is best. White flour: With bran and germ removed, white flour does not have much fibre left. White bread, pasta and bagels are made from white flour and should be avoided.

Can I eat meat with hemorrhoids?

Foods to avoid Low-fiber foods that can cause or worsen constipation and lead to hemorrhoids include: Milk, cheese, ice cream, and other dairy foods. Meat. Processed foods such as sandwich meat, pizza, frozen meals, and other fast foods.

What foods are good for piles?

Piles develop from increased pressure in the lower rectum due to: Hence, consuming foods rich in fiber can help reduce the symptoms of piles and also help prevent them. The benefits of fiber intake are: Book An Appointment Food For Piles: What are the types of food that can be consumed for piles?

Can one eat pork?

A cooked, medium pork cutlet or steak provides 239 calories, 34 grams protein, 10 grams fat, 4 grams saturated fat, 697 milligrams sodium, and 0 grams carbohydrate, if you eat only the lean part of the steak. Pork contains many of the micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) found in beef and it is high in protein, but can be lower in fat than beef—depending on cut and preparation. Meat from any kind of mammal, including pork, can cause an allergic reaction (and some people who are allergic to mammalian meat also react to poultry).

Is oatmeal good for piles?

Oatmeal is an especially good option to include in your diet when you’re trying to reduce symptoms of piles. It contains a specific kind of soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which benefits your gut microbiome by acting like a prebiotic. Prebiotics help feed the friendly bacteria in your gut ( 14, 15 ).

Are whole grains good for a pile?

Whole grains are especially rich in insoluble fiber. This helps move your digestion along, which can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with piles ( 13 ). Keep in mind that whole grains go beyond hearty whole-wheat flour and bread.