Is Tuna Good For Hemorrhoids? A Nutritionist’s Perspective

Hemorrhoids can be an uncomfortable and often painful condition that affects nearly half of all adults. As someone dealing with hemorrhoids, it’s understandable that you want to be careful about what you eat to avoid aggravating your symptoms Tuna is one type of fish that often comes up in discussions around dietary choices for hemorrhoids But is tuna actually a good option if you have hemorrhoids? Let’s take a closer look.

An Overview of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, also referred to as piles, are essentially swollen veins located in the lowest part of the rectum and anus. There are two types – internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids develop within the rectum and don’t usually cause pain, while external hemorrhoids develop under the skin around the anus and can be extremely painful.

The exact cause isn’t always clear but potential factors include straining during bowel movements sitting for long periods, pregnancy, obesity, aging, and a low-fiber diet. Symptoms can range from mild itching and discomfort to severe pain, swelling, bleeding, and inflammation. There are various treatment options available depending on the severity.

The Potential Benefits of Tuna for Hemorrhoids

So how might eating tuna benefit you if you’re dealing with hemorrhoids? Here are some of the key potential advantages:

Rich source of omega-3 fatty acids – Tuna contains high levels of anti-inflammatory omega-3s which can help reduce swelling and discomfort caused by hemorrhoids. The two main omega-3s are EPA and DHA. Just 3 ounces of tuna provides over 1 gram.
High protein – A 3 ounce serving of tuna supplies about 22 grams of protein. Protein is vital for wound healing which can be beneficial after hemorrhoid surgery or procedures. Protein also keeps you feeling fuller for longer.
Low calorie – With under 150 calories in 3 ounces of tuna, it’s a lean source of protein that won’t weigh heavily on your digestive system.
Contains micronutrients – Tuna provides niacin, selenium, vitamin B12 and other micronutrients that support immune health and reduce inflammation.
Easy to digest – Since it’s low in fat and a soft, flaky texture, tuna can be easier to break down than other proteins. This makes it less taxing on the digestive tract.
Versatile ingredient – Tuna can be incorporated into salads, sandwiches, pastas, and more. This versatility makes it simple to include in your diet.

Potential Drawbacks of Tuna for Hemorrhoids

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to keep in mind:

Mercury levels – Larger, long-lived fish like tuna can accumulate high levels of mercury. Consuming too much could pose health risks. Pregnant women and children should take particular care with intake.
Allergies – Tuna and other fish can cause allergic reactions in those with sensitivities. Symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea can exacerbate hemorrhoids.
Canned tuna contains additives – The canning process requires additives like vegetable broth, salt, and preservatives. These ingredients may irritate hemorrhoids in some individuals.
Difficulty digesting – While tuna is lean, some people may still have trouble breaking it down. Incomplete digestion can worsen hemorrhoid symptoms.

So if you have food sensitivities, difficulty digesting proteins, or are concerned about mercury, tuna may not be the best choice. Always monitor your individual response.

Nutritionist Tips for Eating Tuna with Hemorrhoids

If you want to include tuna in your diet, here are some tips to make it work for your hemorrhoids:

Choose wild-caught tuna over farmed to limit exposure to chemicals, dyes, and antibiotics. Wild tuna also has a better omega-3 content.
Limit intake to 6 ounces per week and focus on smaller tuna like skipjack to reduce mercury risks.
Opt for tuna canned in water over oil or broth for fewer additives. Rinse before use to remove excess sodium.
Eat tuna earlier in the day. It takes 3-4 hours to digest protein fully. This prevents sleep disruptions.
Cook raw tuna thoroughly and chew well to maximize digestibility. Pair with vegetables for extra fiber.
Skip tuna if you have a flare up until swelling and inflammation subside to prevent irritation.
Discontinue use if you experience adverse symptoms and consult your doctor if needed.

8 Tuna-Based Recipes Ideal for Hemorrhoids

To help you easily incorporate tuna into your diet, here are 8 tasty, nutritious recipes that are ideal choices if you have hemorrhoids:

1. Tuna Avocado Salad

The fiber from greens, vitamin E in the avocado, and anti-inflammatory tuna makes for a soothing salad.

2. Tuna Vegetable Soup

This light soup provides hydration, protein, and antioxidants from tuna and veggies to heal hemorrhoids.

3. Tuna & White Bean Salad Sandwich

Pair tuna with fiber-rich white beans for a protein and fiber-packed sandwich.

4. Mediterranean Tuna Wrap

Olives, artichokes, and spinach give this wrap a nutritional and anti-inflammatory punch.

5. Tuna Poke Bowl

Tuna poke bowls provide omega-3s along with hemorrhoid-friendly rice, vegetables, and avocado.

6. Tuna Egg Salad

Combine tuna with eggs for an easy, soft protein option when hemorrhoids make digestion uncomfortable.

7. Tuna Casserole

Make this classic casserole with whole grain pasta and lots of vegetables for a balanced hemorrhoid-friendly meal.

8. Tuna Salad Stuffed Tomato

Scoop tuna salad into tomato halves for a simple lunch that provides vitamin C and fiber.

The Final Verdict on Tuna for Hemorrhoids

Overall, tuna can be a smart dietary addition when you’re dealing with the discomfort of hemorrhoids. The high omega-3 content supplies powerful anti-inflammatory effects to aid healing, while the protein promotes tissue regeneration. Tuna is also affordable, versatile, and easy to digest for most.

However, it’s important to be mindful of potential drawbacks like mercury exposure and allergies. Limit intake, choose wild-caught varieties, and cook thoroughly. It’s also vital to listen to your body’s responses. While tuna is a hemorrhoid-friendly choice for many, individuals can vary in tolerance.

By pairing tuna with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, you can build balanced, nutritious meals to help effectively manage hemorrhoids. Consider recipes like tuna avocado salad, tuna poke bowls, and tuna casseroles. With thoughtful preparation and attention to your symptoms, adding tuna to your diet can be an asset in overcoming the discomfort of hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids? Best & Worst Foods For Hemorrhoids |What To Eat & What To Avoid If You Have Hemorrhoids

FAQ

Can we eat fish in hemorrhoids?

Foods to Avoid in Piles. The Hemorrhoids doctor suggests avoiding Viruddha Ahara (incompatible food combinations), Vishtambika ahara (foods that can cause an upset stomach), Guru ahara (difficult to digest food items), Anupa Mamsa (meat of aquatic animals, i.e. fish) as well as Dushta Udaka (contaminated waters).

Is chicken and fish good for hemorrhoids?

There’s no dietary fiber in red meat, chicken, poultry, or even seafood and fish. During a flare, it may be beneficial to follow a vegetarian or flexitarian diet. You can replace meat in your diet with vegetable-based options until your hemorrhoids heal.

Is Salty food good for hemorrhoids?

To help reduce your risk of both constipation and hemorrhoids consider avoiding foods like: Salty, fried foods.

Are eggs good for hemorrhoids?

People with hemorrhoids can eat eggs, as there is no relation between consuming eggs and worsening of hemorrhoids. Learn more about what causes hemorrhoids and what to do.

What foods help with hemorrhoids?

Eating foods high in fiber, such as pulses (beans, lentils, chickpeas), whole fruits and vegetables, with a high skin-to-flesh ratio and water content, and whole grains, can help ease symptoms of hemorrhoids and prevent them. A person should gradually increase dietary fiber intake to reduce the risk of side effects, such as gas and bloating.

What should I use to treat hemorrhoids?

The treatment of hemorrhoids is divided into two parts. The first is the treatment of the acute crisis, which is done with seat baths with warm water, anesthetic ointments and also with hammamelis, oral analgesics and drugs to soften the stool, such as mineral oil. As for chronic treatment, the most important thing is to avoid constipation and sit on the toilet for a long time, so you should eat foods with lots of fiber, such as oatmeal, beans, green beans, peas, drink lots of water and do exercises like walking.

Are bananas good for hemorrhoids?

One medium, 7–8-inch (18–20-cm) banana provides 3 grams of fiber ( 40 ). While its pectin creates a gel in your digestive tract, its resistant starch feeds your friendly gut bacteria — a great combination to help your hemorrhoids. 14. Stewed prunes Prunes are considered nature’s laxative.

Is yogurt good for hemorrhoids?

While yogurt is low in fiber, you can increase its fiber content by sprinkling a teaspoon or two of bran flakes, ground flax seeds, wheat bran, or psyllium onto it. Jones is a freelance writer with a strong focus on health, parenting, disability, and feminism. Eating a high fiber diet can help relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids.