Piles or haemorrhoids are a medical condition that causes the veins around your rectum and lower anus to swell. Symptoms of Piles include pain and discomfort during and after passing stools while sitting and standing up, painful lumps in and around the anus and bloody stools.
Piles can be both internal and external. Internal piles cannot always be diagnosed during the external examination, however, they sometimes may protrude out of the anus region as in the case of external haemorrhoids. Pile is a disease that is not exactly rare, however, the symptoms can sometimes be easily missed as they are not always detectable and obvious. With surgery, Piles can be removed. However, if your condition is not severe, your doctor may recommend some medicines, lifestyle and dietary changes that will help you cope with the condition. This article will shed light on the types of food you should eat to deal with Piles more effectively.
Did you know that hemorrhoids are a common condition affecting both men and women? Surprisingly, more than half of adults over the age of 50 experience hemorrhoids at some point in their lives.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
Piles are a rather painful condition that causes discomfort when you are sitting or even standing. Fortunately, several food items can help reduce the risk factors of Piles (constipation, bloating and other digestive issues) from occurring in the first place:
Legumes: By making sure you are getting enough fibre in your diet daily, you can reduce the chances of piles flare-ups. There are essentially two kinds of fibre that can be derived from food – soluble and insoluble. The soluble fibre forms a gel in your digestive tract and can be digested by friendly bacteria. On the other hand, insoluble fibre helps bulk up your stool. Legumes include beans, lentils, peas, soybeans, peanuts and chickpeas that are loaded with both kinds of fibre but are especially rich in the soluble type. Lentils and other legumes can bulk up your stool, making it less likely that you have to strain when going to the bathroom.
Cruciferous vegetables like Broccoli: Vegetables like cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, bok choy, kale, arugula, tulips, cabbage and radishes are known for having an immense amount of insoluble fibre. Cruciferous vegetables like these contain a plant chemical called glucosinolate that can easily be broken down by gut bacteria, thus promoting easy stool passing and reducing symptoms of a new flare-up of piles.
Root vegetables: Turnips, beets, rutabagas, carrots, sweet potatoes and potatoes are root vegetables. They keep you full for a long time and are extremely nutritious. Besides, they are full of gut-friendly fibre. For example, cooked and cooled white potatoes contain a kind of carbohydrate known as resistant starch, which passes through your digestive tract undigested. Similar to soluble fibre, they help feed your gut bacteria and pass stool easily.
Bell peppers: Packed with vitamins like vitamin C and minerals, bell peppers are also a great option while adding fibre to your diet. A cup of mild bell peppers contains about 2 grams of fibre. With a water content of about 93%, bell peppers are also very hydrating and help with clear stool passing.
Whole grains: Similar to legumes, whole grains are a nutritional powerhouse as they retain their germ, bran and endosperm, all of which are loaded with fibre content. Whole grains are known to be rich in insoluble fibre. The benefit of insoluble fibre is that, since they cannot be digested, they add volume to your stool and help you excrete with ease, with less pain and discomfort that comes with piles. Spelt, quinoa, barley, brown rice, oats, whole rye and corn are some beneficial whole grains. For example, you can prepare and consume oatmeal to reduce symptoms of piles. Oatmeal contains a special soluble fibre called beta-glucan, which benefits your gut microbiome by acting like a prebiotic, which in turn feeds the healthy gut bacteria and helps you excrete with ease.
Squash: This vegetable brings life and colour to your plate, while also feeding you with an immense amount of fibre. There are various kinds of squash like pumpkin, acorn squash, yellow squash, butternut squash and zucchini. Acorn squash has the highest amount of fibre, about 9 grams in every cup of this vegetable (205 grams). Sautéed, roasted or boiled squashes may help ward off any symptoms of piles.
Bananas: They are an ideal addition to your diet to calm piles symptoms. Loaded with pectin and resistant starch, a single banana provides an average of 3 grams of fibre. The combination of pectin and resistant starch helps in clearing stool easily.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes contain loads of fibre optic and have good water content. It aids in easing symptoms of constipation by making you strain less while passing bowels. Tomatoes contain a natural antioxidant called naringenin that, according to some scientists, has a laxative effect on constipation.
Citrus fruits: Fruits like oranges, lemons and grapes are rich in vitamin C. The inner skin of these fruits beneath the outer layer has a lot of fibre. Citric fruits have ample water content that softens stools. Like tomatoes, citrus fruits also contain naringenin, a natural compound that has a laxative effect.
Based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, it is recommended that you consume an adequate amount of dietary fiber for optimal health. For a 2,000-calorie diet, this means aiming for around 28 grams of fiber per day.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
All food items that are low in fibre should be avoided. Some of them are as follows:
2. Barley soup with carrots
3. Wholesome fruit salad
4. Gluten-free high fibre salad
Thus, with proper care, good food, discomfort, pain and inflammation caused by piles can be curbed and reduced while avoiding controversial food items. Depending on the severity of your condition, along with medication and a good diet, you should be able to overcome your condition in a few weeks to a few months.
Also Read: Brown Egg Vs White Eggs: Decoding Nutritional Facts and Myths
Adding a variety of fruits and vegetables like kale, pumpkin, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, apple, raspberries, banana, cucumber, melon, pear and can help you with easy stool passing, as they are rich in fibre. Root vegetables like sweet potato, carrot and beetroots help as well.
In general, less severe piles conditions go away in a few days on their own with a well-balanced diet or with over-the-counter drugs. Larger haemorrhoids, particularly ones that cause a lot of pain, swelling and itchiness, will not go away on their own and may require treatment from a doctor to heal, like medication or may have to be surgically removed.
Consumption of eggs improves the movement of the intestines and helps in making the stool soft. Eating an egg daily gets rid of constipation and other stomach-related problems. Not only this, eggs contain a lot of protein and fat, which is beneficial for patients. Therefore, you can consume eggs in moderation if you have piles.
Papain present in raw papayas is beneficial to combat several health problems like excess of unhealthy mucus in the stomach, overcoming the deficiency of gastric juice, dyspepsia (indigestion) and intestinal irritation. The ripe fruit, if eaten regularly, corrects constipation, bleeding piles and chronic diarrhoea.
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
According to Dr Abizer Manked (Consulting Physician and Diabetologist) from Saifee Hospital, micronutrients are known to be a major nutrient group that the human body requires. They include Vitamins –Vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and Minerals – Iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc and selenium.
There are 30 vitamins and minerals, called essential micronutrients, that your body cannot produce in sufficient amounts on its own. Scurvy, which causes bleeding gums and listlessness, was discovered centuries ago by British sailors who went months without eating fresh fruits or vegetables, the main source of vitamin C. People in many low-income countries suffer from a variety of nutrient-deficiency disorders even today.
Because our bodies do not create micronutrients in sufficient quantities, a diet rich in vitamins and minerals is needed for good health. Vitamins are organic and can be broken down by factors such as heat, oxygen or acid. This means that they can degrade when cooked or exposed to air, making it slightly harder to ensure that we consume enough of them in our diet. Minerals, on the other hand, are inorganic and do not undergo this process. This means that our bodies absorb minerals from the soil and water in which our food is grown.
While Vitamins are essential for the immune system, blood clotting and the consistent production of energy in the body, minerals play a vital role in maintaining bone health, growth, balancing fluids and a number of other processes. Micronutrients are also referred to as ‘essential nutrients’ as they form an important part of daily food, for the body to obtain the required vitamins and minerals.
Micronutrients, vitamins and minerals are broadly classified into four categories that include: water-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins, macro minerals and trace minerals. All of these are absorbed by the body in similar ways and tend to interact amidst processes within.
Water-soluble vitamins are known to dissolve easily and do not remain stored in the body if consumed in excess, as they get flushed out through urination. They include – Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and the vitamin B complex: thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), Vitamin B6, biotin (B7), folic acid (B9), Vitamin B12 and Vitamin A (in its Beta-Carotene form). While each of them has an individual part to play, their functions are all interrelated.
B vitamins and vitamin C are two of the most important water-soluble vitamins. Because your body cannot store them for later use, you must consume more of them on a daily basis. Any water-soluble vitamins that your body does not utilize immediately away are excreted by the body. They also assist your body in obtaining energy. Additionally, they support the health of your cells, particularly red blood cells.
Conversely, fat-soluble vitamins do not dissolve in water and are known to get absorbed when consumed along with a source of fat, after which they are stored in one’s liver and fatty tissues, to contribute to functions in the future.
Vitamins A, D, E and K are among them. They can remain in your body for later usage once you obtain them. They are stored in fatty tissue and the liver of your body. They are beneficial to eye health as well as the immune system. They also aid in the healing of injuries.
With respect to essential minerals, Macro minerals are required in huge amounts in order to perform their respective roles in the body. They include – calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride and sulphur. Trace minerals, on the other hand, include – iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride and selenium, and are required in small amounts to efficiently perform functions in the body.
Microminerals are a necessary component of the human diet. They’re essential for the health of your muscles and bones. They help to keep your blood pressure in check as well. Trace minerals are essential for muscle health, the functioning of the nervous system and cell damage repair.
Vitamins and carotenoids are key micronutrients facilitating the maintenance of health, as evidenced by the increased risk of disease with low intake. Micronutrients play a central part in metabolism and in the maintenance of tissue function. Clearly, micronutrients are an integral part of the immune system, and the body needs optimal levels for effective immune response.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
The prime benefit of a balanced amount of micronutrients in the body is to effectively support functions within. Vitamins and Minerals are essential for combating diseases, thereby improving the immune system, as they form an integral part of almost every internal process while maintaining one’s metabolism.
Some micronutrients also serve as antioxidants and aid in preventing oxidative cell damage, as well as lowering the risk of cancer and Alzheimer’s, among others. A number of them also fights to age.
As they are required in smaller amounts, micronutrients are commonly known as ”magic wands” as behind the scenes, they synthesize DNA and significantly contribute to the production of enzymes, and other important hormones in the body, which are crucial for the effective growth and development of the human body.
Abnormal intestinal absorption or defective transport across the intestinal wall due to intestinal surgeries, cancers, and critical illnesses are commonly implicated in the causation of micronutrient deficiencies.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
The deficiency of micronutrients is a global issue, as consuming lesser than the required amounts can create a host of harmful side effects in the body.
Micronutrient deficiencies can produce evident and potentially hazardous health problems, but they can also induce less clinically noticeable declines in energy, mental clarity and overall capacity. This can result in poor educational performance, decreased work productivity and an increased risk of contracting additional diseases and illnesses.
While adults are known to consume adequate vitamins and minerals daily through food and fluids, but on the other hand; women, children and senior citizens are prone to a deficiency of these essential micronutrients, which include – Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Vitamin A, Iron and Calcium. These deficiencies are not only found in developing nations but also in developed ones.
B12 deficiency is commonly observed in people who adhere to a purely vegan diet, are taking certain medications, or suffer from diseases like atrophic gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease and other endocrinal disorders. Early symptoms of b12 deficiency, however, are usually very mild, such as irritation, lack of concentration, tingling sensation in one’s soles, etc.
As another vital micronutrient, the consumption of iodine through salt is imperative for growing children, and a deficiency of the same can cause severe brain damage. This tends to keep them away from attaining their intellectual and developmental potential.
Deficiency of iron is observed especially in women who need it the most. This leads to a higher risk of maternal mortality, and making a person prone to anaemia, resulting in weariness. Weak immunity is another long-term negative effect of iron deficiency. While the deficiencies of these micronutrients are not always visible or detected promptly, they can have significant adverse effects on the functioning of the body and mind, in the long haul.
Also Read: Honey Dew Fruit: Unraveling Its Research-Based Health Benefits
While supplements are a safe source of availing essential micronutrients and preventing any kind of deficiency, the most effective way is through the consumption of nutritious food.
Following are some of the foods that can be included in one’s daily diet to absorb required micronutrients: Vitamin A –cheese, milk, egg yolk, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables; Vitamin B –whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes and leafy vegetables; Vitamin C and D–broccoli, cabbage, parsley, strawberry and citrus fruits; Vitamin E –olive oil, wholegrain cereals and avocado; Iron –leafy vegetables, legumes and lean meat; Calcium – almonds and dairy products; Magnesium – seeds, whole grains and nuts; Zinc – chicken, fish, pumpkin and sunflower seeds; Selenium – sunflower seeds, oats and wheat germ.
Also Read: Vitamin B Complex Benefits: Exploring Research-Based Health Perks
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
For any Indian, the name chickpeas or chana is not unheard of. Also known as garbanzo beans, chickpeas are also a hot favourite amongst middle-eastern people. Used in both savoury as well as sweet dishes, the nutty and grainy texture of this highly nutritious legume imparts a delicious taste no matter where you use it. A source of minerals, vitamins, proteins and fibre, the stupendous nutritional value of chickpeas make it a great choice for vegetarians, vegans and also non-vegetarians who are tired of eating meat, fish or chicken every day.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Centra, one standard cup of chickpea contains:
To further understand the umpteen health benefits of chickpeas, let us quickly take a look at the article below.
Chickpeas pack a stunning nutritional profile for the health-conscious. A cup of chickpeas is good enough to provide you with about 164 grams of calories. While 60% of this comprises carbohydrates giving you a burst of energy, the rest 40% is made up of fats and proteins, essential for the healthy development of people across all age brackets. Chickpeas are bestowed with a good amount of fibre and an array of minerals and vitamins such as folate, copper, iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin B6, selenium, manganese and potassium. A lunch or dinner comprising chickpea curry or air-fried falafels will help you tick off your nutritional requirement for the day!
If either of your parents or grandparents had osteoporosis and you are fearful that you might inherit it too then you can prevent the onset of osteoporosis or other kinds of bone-related diseases arising out of weak bones and muscles by consuming chickpeas regularly. Legumes like chickpeas contain magnesium, calcium and fibre to name a few that are essential for strengthening your bones. For maximum calcium extraction, soak the chickpeas for a couple of hours in water to remove phytates, a kind of acidic substance that can hinder your body’s ability to absorb nutrients such as calcium.
For many of you, weight loss is the key to a healthier lifestyle. If you have also lost a significant amount of weight recently and trying your very best to maintain your new BMI (body mass index), then you need to cut down on eating snacks in between your meals. The more meals you consume whether minor or major, the more calories you intake. Research has found that consuming breakfast, lunch or dinner that had chickpeas kept the consumer feeling full for a longer time. This is because chickpeas slow down the time needed for digestion and increase appetite-reducing hormones. This helps to impart a sensation of fullness.
Chickpeas are a great alternative to animal protein. They are obtained from plants and are great for both vegetarians as well as vegans. A cup of chickpeas contains about and a half grams of protein which is enough for fitness enthusiasts looking for muscle repairing meals after their workout. Promotes a feeling of fullness, keeps your weight under check and contributes to muscle strength. The nutrition of black chickpeas known colloquially as black chana is also quite high. They are rich in photochemical which are a powerhouse of antioxidants.
As mentioned, chickpeas are great for bodyweight management. They contain essential amino acids which are crucial for muscle re-growth. In a study, it was found that those who ate boiled chickpeas regularly or chickpeas lightly cooked in spices had a BMI less than 30. If a slimmer waistline is your new resolution for the year 2022, then you need to include chickpeas in your diet irrespective of whether you are a vegetarian or not. When you kick-start your morning with black chickpeas chaat or black chickpeas cutlet, you will be less likely to nibble on snacks before lunch and less likely to get distracted during your work due to hunger pangs.
Chickpeas are known to have a low glycemic index which makes the nutritional value of chickpeas quite significant for diabetic patients who need to constantly monitor their meals and also ensure that they are getting a good amount of protein daily. The Glycemic index is an indicator of how quickly your blood sugar level shoots up after eating a meal.
The fibre that is found in chickpeas is soluble. It blends easily with water in your body to transform into a gel-like form that is beneficial for your digestive system. Consuming chickpeas will help to reduce the chances of irritable bowel syndrome, colon cancer and other conditions related to your bowel system. If you are pained by constipation, consuming chickpeas will improve the frequency as well as consistency of your bowels. Since chickpeas contain soluble fibre, they will promote healthy or good bacteria in your body by suppressing the growth of unhealthy ones.
Managing chronic illnesses will become simpler with a diet rich in chickpeas. Chickpeas contain magnesium and potassium which promote heart health and lower blood pressure. Eating a serving of legumes every day will immediately lower your cholesterol levels.
Since chickpeas have a low glycemic index, they manage your weight and blood sugar levels. Other nutrients such as magnesium, zinc and B vitamins have been seen to be of great use for people with Type 2 Diabetes.
Legumes contain a fatty acid called butyrate which reduces inflammation in your colon cells. Saponins, a compound detected in chickpeas also inhibits the growth of tumours. This means consuming chickpeas in the right amounts often may lower the chances of several types of cancer developing in your body.
Chickpeas are a great source of choline, which contributes to a healthy mind and improved brain health. The benefits of eating chickpeas include producing neurotransmitters that stimulate the nerve cells in the body. It also provides your body with magnesium, a mineral essential for proper nerve function. Thereby, a diet rich in chickpea will overall contribute to a lifestyle that may be less prone to anxiety and depression.
If you are suffering from iron deficiency, you are probably on the hunt to incorporate iron-rich foods into your daily diet. The other health benefits of chickpeas include a good source of iron and vitamin C. Iron is supremely important for producing red blood cells, a lack in the body due to which will lead to shortness of breath and constant fatigue. When you consume iron-rich foods, you also need to consume Vitamin C which speeds up the ability of the body to absorb iron from the food you have just eaten. If you eat chickpeas, you get iron and Vitamin C in one, thus, cutting down on the need to obtain it from two different food sources.
After going through the many health benefits of chickpeas, if you are wondering how to incorporate this wondrous legume into your daily diet, here are a few delicious and nutritional dishes:
1. Chickpea shakshuka
2. Falafel and avocado wraps
3. Hummus with pita bread
4. Chickpea Mediterranean salad
5. Paneer, spinach and chickpea curry
6. Chana masala
7. Roasted chickpeas chaat
8. Spaghetti with chickpea and kale
9. Besan (made from roasted and ground chickpea) chilla with paneer stuffing
10. Besan ka halwa
11. Quick and healthy drink made of water and roasted chickpea flour (sattu) can be a protein-rich addition to your diet plan.
Chickpeas are a healthy plant-based protein source that can easily feature daily in your breakfast, lunch or dinner. They are inexpensive, extremely diverse and available widely across stored both in their dry as well as canned versions. For a healthy and tasty lifestyle, incorporate more dishes with chickpeas in your diet. You won’t be disappointed!
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
