Piles is also known as hemorrhoids is a condition in which the veins in the anus and lower rectum become swollen and inflamed. It is a common condition that affects people of all ages and can cause discomfort, pain, and itching.
Many fruits play a great role in treating piles or hemorrhoids. The fruits are rich in insoluble fibres and compounds called flavonoids that can help control bleeding and swelling due to piles. Fruits are an excellent source of fibre and water, and both are essential in treating piles as they eliminate constipation. In this article, we will discuss about 9 best fruits for piles that aid in controlling and treating the symptoms of the disease.
1. Apples
Apples are an excellent fibre source and help promote regular bowel movements. They contain both soluble and insoluble fibre, which can help to soften stools and prevent constipation. Constipation is a common cause of piles, and consuming apples can help to prevent and treat this condition.
Why It Helps:
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Packed with pectin, which aids in stool formation.
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Contains insoluble fibre that promotes bowel regularity.
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Helps maintain hydration levels in stools for easy passage.
How to Eat:
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Eat one whole apple with skin daily.
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Add sliced apples to yoghurt or oatmeal for extra gut-friendly benefits.
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Drink homemade apple juice (without sugar) for a soothing effect.
2. Pears
Pears are another fruit that is high in fibre and can help to prevent constipation. They also contain pectin, which is a type of soluble fibre that can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the digestive tract.
Why It Helps:
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One pear contains 6 grams of fibre, making it one of the best fruits for digestion.
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Helps maintain bowel movement regularity.
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Hydrating effect soothes irritated veins.
How to Eat:
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Eat one pear daily with the skin on.
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Blend into a smoothie with oats for extra fibre.
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Make a warm pear compote as a dessert.
3. Bananas
Bananas are rich in fibre and can help to regulate bowel movements. They also contain potassium, which can help to reduce swelling and inflammation in the body. This makes them an excellent fruit for treating piles.
Why It Helps:
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High in soluble fibre, which softens stools and prevents constipation.
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Contains pectin, which regulates digestion and improves gut health.
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Rich in potassium, reducing inflammation in rectal veins.
How to Eat:
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Consume one ripe banana daily in the morning on an empty stomach.
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Blend into smoothies with curd for a probiotic boost.
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Avoid overripe bananas as they may cause bloating.
4. Berries
Berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, are rich in antioxidants and can help to reduce inflammation in the body. They are also high in fibre, which can help to promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation.
Why They Help:
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Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are packed with fibre and antioxidants.
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Rich in anthocyanins, which promote vein health and reduce inflammation.
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Contain water and natural sugars to ease digestion.
How to Eat:
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Add a handful of mixed berries to oatmeal or smoothies.
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Eat them raw as snacks.
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Make a berry yoghurt parfait with flaxseeds for extra fibre.
5. Kiwi
Kiwi is a tropical fruit that is rich in fibre and can help to promote healthy digestion. It also contains enzymes that can help to break down food and prevent constipation. Kiwi is also rich in vitamin C, which can help to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.
Why it helps:
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Kiwi is rich in both soluble and insoluble fibre, which helps soften stools and increase their bulk, making them easier to pass.
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Contains an enzyme called actinidin that aids protein digestion and improves digestive comfort.
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Studies show eating two kiwis daily can improve stool consistency, regularity and reduce straining in people with constipation.
How to eat:
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Eat 1–2 fresh kiwis daily with or without the skin (the skin adds extra fibre).
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Add kiwi to fruit salads, smoothies, or eat as a snack, ideally on an empty stomach for maximum digestive benefit
6. Prunes
Prunes, also known as dried plums, are an excellent source of fibre and can help to prevent constipation. They also contain sorbitol, which is a natural laxative that can help to soften stools and promote bowel movements.
Why it helps:
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Prunes (dried plums) are high in insoluble fibre and sorbitol, a natural sugar alcohol with a mild laxative effect.
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They help increase stool weight, frequency, and water content, making bowel movements easier and relieving constipation.
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Recommended in clinical studies as an effective, natural laxative.
How to eat:
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Eat 4–6 whole prunes (about 1/4 cup) daily.
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Prune juice (4–8oz per day) can also provide some benefit, though whole prunes are more effective due to higher fibre.
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Prunes can be eaten as a snack, mixed with nuts, or chopped and added to breakfast cereals or yoghurt
7. Papaya
Papaya is a tropical fruit that is rich in fibre and contains enzymes that can help to promote healthy digestion. It also contains papain, which is an enzyme that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the digestive tract.
Why It Helps:
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Contains papain, a digestive enzyme that breaks down proteins and prevents constipation.
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High in water content, keeping stools soft and reducing strain.
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Anti-inflammatory properties soothe rectal swelling.
How to Eat:
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Have one bowl of ripe papaya before or after meals.
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Drink a papaya smoothie mixed with a little honey.
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Consume raw papaya salad with a squeeze of lemon for extra fibre.
8. Grapes
Grapes are a rich source of antioxidants and can help to reduce inflammation in the body. They are also high in fibre, which can help to promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation.
Why it helps:
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Grapes are an excellent source of water and insoluble fibre, helping to hydrate the body and soften stools.
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Regular grape consumption improves stool movement through the colon, increases bowel movement frequency, and reduces constipation risk.
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Polyphenols in grapes also support a healthy gut microbiome.
How to eat:
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Eat a handful (1 cup) of fresh grapes daily.
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Consume grapes with the skin for maximum fibre.
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Black dry grapes (raisins) are also effective; soak overnight and eat them in the morning for additional benefit
9. Oranges
Oranges are rich in vitamin C, which can help to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. They are also high in fibre and can help to promote healthy digestion.
If you are suffering from piles, be sure to include these fruits in your diet and speak with your healthcare provider about other treatments that may be appropriate for your condition.
Why It Helps:
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Loaded with Vitamin C, boosting immunity and reducing inflammation.
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Contains flavonoids that strengthen veins and prevent rectal swelling.
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High water content prevents dehydration, a common cause of constipation.
How to Eat:
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Eat one whole orange daily for fibre benefits.
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Drink fresh orange juice (without added sugar).
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Add orange segments to fruit salads or yoghurt.
How much fibre do you need?
Most adults should get 22 to 34 grams Trusted Source of fibre daily, which may vary depending on age and sex. This looks like:
- Females under 50: 25 to 28 grams per day
- Males under 50: 31 to 34 grams per day
- Females 51 and older: 22 grams per day
- Males 51 and older: 28 grams per day
If you are increasing your fibre content, it’s best to do so gradually to help your body get used to it.
Consuming too much fibre or increasing your intake too quickly can cause bloating and other digestive symptoms.
Practical Tips, Serving Sizes & Recipes
Enhance usability with:
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Portion guidance: e.g., 1 medium apple (4–5 g fibre), ½ cup prunes (~6 g fibre), 1 medium orange (~3 g).
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Recipe ideas: oatmeal + berries + chia; avocado toast; coleslaw with citrus dressing; fig & yoghurt parfait; steamed artichoke.
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Snack swaps: dried figs/prunes instead of chips; fruit-infused water.
Nutrients & Mechanisms
Clarify how fruits aid piles:
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Soluble fibre → softens stools, reduces straining.
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Sorbitol (in figs, prunes) → natural laxative.
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Antioxidants/flavonoids → reduce inflammation and strengthen colorectal veins
- Enzymes like papain (papaya) → assist digestion and reduce gut inflammation.
FAQ
What should I eat to reduce piles?
At Chirag Global Hospital, the best piles treatment hospital in Bangalore, we are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a team of experienced doctors who specialise in the treatment of piles.
Patients can expect personalised care and attention from the staff, who are dedicated to providing the best possible care. We are committed to delivering high-quality care and have a reputation for excellence in the treatment of piles.
