Does Cheese Cause Hemorrhoids?

Does Cheese Cause Hemorrhoids?

Last Updated: May 2026 | Medically Reviewed | Based on Clinical Research

Cheese is one of life's great pleasures. It's also one of the foods most commonly blamed for constipation — and by extension, hemorrhoids.

But is cheese really that bad? Or is it more complicated than that?

The truth is somewhere in the middle: cheese doesn't cause hemorrhoids on its own, but certain types eaten in large amounts can definitely make constipation worse, and that's where the problem starts.

Read Also: Do Sitz Baths Really Work For Hemorrhoids

Why Cheese Can Contribute to Constipation

Cheese has several properties that slow down your digestive system:

1. Zero fiber Like all animal products, cheese contains no dietary fiber. A meal heavy in cheese with no vegetables or whole grains is essentially fiber-free — and fiber is what keeps stool soft and moving.

2. High fat content Fat slows gastric emptying — meaning food stays in your stomach longer before moving to the intestine. 

High-fat cheeses like brie, cheddar, and parmesan significantly slow the rate at which food moves through your gut.

3. Casein protein Casein, the primary protein in dairy, is digested slowly. Some people find that heavy dairy consumption leads to a sluggish, bloated feeling.

Read also: 7 Best Hemorrhoid Squatty Potty Toilet Foot Stools.

4. Lactose intolerance About 65–70% of adults worldwide have reduced ability to digest lactose. In people with lactose intolerance, dairy products can cause cramping, gas, and loose stools. 

Interestingly, this can either cause or worsen diarrhea — which is also bad for hemorrhoids since repeated loose stools irritate rectal tissue.

Which Cheeses Are the Worst?

Not all cheese is equal when it comes to gut impact:

Higher risk (eat in moderation or avoid during flare-ups):

• Cream cheese — very high fat, very easy to overeat
• Brie and Camembert — high fat, rich, slow to digest
• Cheddar — the most common culprit; people often eat it in large amounts
• Parmesan — extremely dense, hard to digest in large portions

Lower risk (generally better tolerated):

• Cottage cheese — lower fat, and some brands contain live cultures that help gut health
• Ricotta — lighter texture, easier to digest
• Hard aged cheeses in small portions — like a sprinkle of parmesan on pasta
• Soft goat cheese — some people tolerate goat dairy better than cow dairy

Does Cheese Directly Cause Hemorrhoids?

No. Cheese does not cause hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids develop from sustained pressure on the veins in the rectal area — most commonly from straining during constipation, sitting for long periods, or pregnancy.

What cheese can do is contribute to the constipation that triggers flare-ups. It's an indirect relationship, but a real one.

If you already have hemorrhoids and you're eating a lot of cheese without much fiber or water, you're likely making recovery slower and flare-ups more frequent.

Read also: 5 Donut Pillows that Help with Hemorrhoids.

How to Eat Cheese Without Making Hemorrhoids Worse

You don't have to give up cheese — you just have to be strategic about it:

• Always pair cheese with fiber — vegetables, whole grain crackers, fruit
• Watch your portion size — a 30g serving is enough to satisfy without overloading your gut
• Avoid cream cheese and brie during flare-ups — these are the richest, most constipating options
• Drink extra water when eating high-dairy meals
• Try goat or sheep's milk cheese if cow dairy seems to trigger symptoms
• Choose cottage cheese as a high-protein, gut-friendly option

Conclusion

Cheese can contribute to hemorrhoid flare-ups — not by causing hemorrhoids directly, but by promoting the constipation that makes them so much worse. The key is balance: eat cheese in reasonable portions, always alongside high-fiber foods, and stay well hydrated. During an active flare-up, it's worth cutting back significantly until symptoms ease.

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📚 Medical Sources

1. Sanchez M et al. Dairy products and gut health. British Journal of Nutrition, 2017. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28093085/
2. Cleveland Clinic. Foods to Avoid When You Have Hemorrhoids. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/foods-to-avoid-when-you-have-hemorrhoids
3. American College of Gastroenterology. Constipation: Causes and Treatments. https://gi.org/topics/constipation/