A high-fiber diet (25 to 35 grams daily), including adequate fluid intake, is considered to be the best first-line intervention for the management and prevention of hemorrhoids.[1][2] Fiber is found in plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Sometimes, going from a low-fiber diet to a high-fiber diet can cause symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort, but slowly increasing fiber intake over time can help to minimize these symptoms. Observational research has suggested that higher consumption of spicy foods is associated with an increased risk of hemorrhoids, but this claim has not been supported by interventional trials.[3][4][5]
How could diet affect hemorrhoids?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
A high-fiber diet and adequate fluid intake are recommended for managing and preventing hemorrhoids. Although spicy foods have been associated with a higher risk, no causal link has been established.