Eat Well, Live Well: Preventing Hemorrhoids


Joanne Smith and Kylie JamesHemorrhoids — swollen veins around the anus and in the rectum — are more prevalent among people with SCI than the general population. It is believed that this higher incidence is due to several factors, such as chronic constipation (which intensifies pressure and may weaken the veins in the rectal area), prolonged sitting, straining, irritation through repeated digital stimulation and/or use of suppositories or enemas.

A major sign of hemorrhoids in individuals with SCI is bleeding during your bowel management program.

People with SCI obviously cannot avoid risk factors such as prolonged sitting, and in some cases digital stimulation and use of suppositories. However, there are many foods that can help strengthen your veins and help prevent the development and/or recurrence of hemorrhoids:

A high-fiber diet is extremely important in the prevention of hemorrhoids. There is a strong correlation between constipation and hemorrhoid development. Preventing constipation is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids. A diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, fruits and legumes promotes movement of stool through the bowel. Fiber also absorbs water to help keep feces soft, bulky and easier to pass. The recommended daily intake of fiber for people with SCI is 19 to 30 grams. A chart of popular foods and their fiber content follows.

Flavonoids are found in foods such as blackberries, blueberries, cherries and citrus fruits, and they help to strengthen vein structures.

Vitamin C is found in foods such as citrus fruits, broccoli, spinach and kale, and helps increase the strength of blood vessels to help prevent hemorrhoids from rupturing.

This smoothie is loaded with fiber, vitamin C and flavonoids.  Drink it for breakfast or as a snack!

Joanne Smith and Kylie James are co-authors of the book Eat Well Live Well with SCI and Other Neurological Conditions. For more information on nutrition for neurological injuries, go to www.eatwelllivewellwithsci.com.[fusion_content_boxes settings_lvl=”child” layout=”icon-with-title” columns=”1″ icon_align=”left” title_size=”14px” title_color=”#842f1e” body_color=”#000000″ backgroundcolor=”#ddd1ba” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_radius=”” iconcolor=”” circlecolor=”” circlebordercolor=”” circlebordersize=”” outercirclebordercolor=”” outercirclebordersize=”” icon_size=”” icon_hover_type=”” hover_accent_color=”” link_type=”” link_area=”” link_target=”” animation_delay=”” animation_offset=”” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.1″ margin_top=”4px” margin_bottom=”4px” class=”” id=””][fusion_content_box title=”High Fiber Berry Smoothie” icon=”” backgroundcolor=”” iconcolor=”” circlecolor=”” circlebordercolor=”” circlebordersize=”” outercirclebordercolor=”” outercirclebordersize=”” iconrotate=”” iconspin=”no” image=”” image_width=”35″ image_height=”35″ link=”” linktext=”” link_target=”_self” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=””]½ cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
½ cup blackberries (fresh or frozen)
½ cup unsweetened blueberry juice
½-1 cup water
1 tbsp ground flax seeds
Handful spinach
Blend until smooth and enjoy![/fusion_content_box][/fusion_content_boxes][fusion_content_boxes settings_lvl=”child” layout=”icon-with-title” columns=”1″ icon_align=”left” title_size=”14px” title_color=”#842f1e” body_color=”#000000″ backgroundcolor=”#ddd1ba” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_radius=”” iconcolor=”” circlecolor=”” circlebordercolor=”” circlebordersize=”” outercirclebordercolor=”” outercirclebordersize=”” icon_size=”” icon_hover_type=”” hover_accent_color=”” link_type=”” link_area=”” link_target=”” animation_delay=”” animation_offset=”” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.1″ margin_top=”4px” margin_bottom=”4px” class=”” id=””][fusion_content_box title=”Popular Fiber-Rich Foods for Meals and Snacks” icon=”” backgroundcolor=”” iconcolor=”” circlecolor=”” circlebordercolor=”” circlebordersize=”” outercirclebordercolor=”” outercirclebordersize=”” iconrotate=”” iconspin=”no” image=”” image_width=”35″ image_height=”35″ link=”” linktext=”” link_target=”_self” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=””]Nuts:
Almonds, raw, 1 ounce (23 almonds): 4 grams of fiber
Sunflower seeds, raw or dry-roasted, 1 ounce: 3 grams of fiber

Fruits:
Apples, I medium: 4 grams of fiber
Berries (blue, black, boysen, cran, rasp), 1 cup: 4-8 grams
Mango, 1 medium: 5 grams
Orange, 1 medium: 3 grams

Vegetables:
Artichokes, 1 medium cooked: 10 grams of fiber
Avocado, ½ medium: 7 grams
Broccoli, ¾ Cup cooked: 7 grams
Carrots, 1 cup sliced, cooked: 5 grams
Collard greens, 1 cup chopped, cooked: 5 grams
Green beans, 1 cup cooked: 4 grams

Beans and peas:
Black beans, dry, ½ cup cooked or canned: 8 grams of fiber
Black-eyed peas, dry, ½ cup cooked: 6 grams
Kidney beans, dry, ½ cup cooked: 7 grams
Lentils, dry, ½ cup cooked: 8 grams
Navy beans, dry, ½ cup cooked: 10 grams
Pinto beans, dry, ½ cup cooked: 8 grams

Whole Grains:
Brown rice, 1 cup cooked, 4 grams
Macaroni, whole wheat, elbow, 1 cup cooked, 4 grams
Oats, 1 cup cooked, 4 grams
Quinoa, 1 cup cooked, 5 grams
Spaghetti, whole wheat, 1 cup cooked, 6 grams
Wheat, bulgur, 1 cup cooked, 8 grams
Wheat whole grain, hot cereal, 1 cup cooked, 4 grams

Source: fullplateliving.org/high-fiber-foods/list#table[/fusion_content_box][/fusion_content_boxes]


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