10 Type of Foods That Make Hemorrhoids Worse

Andy Paras

7 Aug, 2026

10 Type of Foods That Make Hemorrhoids Worse (A Complete Avoid List)

Personally Researched | Last Updated: June 2026 | Based on Clinical Studies & Personal Experience.

If you're dealing with hemorrhoids, you already know how much little things can set off a flare-up: sitting too long, straining, or just having a rough day in the bathroom.

But one thing that doesn't always get enough credit is your plate.

What you eat has a real effect on how hard your stool is, how much you strain, and even how irritated the area around your anus feels.

In this article, we'll go through the foods most likely to make hemorrhoids worse, and why, so you can make small swaps that actually help.

Why Food Matters So Much

Hemorrhoids get worse mainly through two paths:

Straining (from hard, difficult-to-pass stool)
Irritation (direct inflammation of already-sensitive tissue).

Certain foods make one or both of these worse.

On the flip side, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases notes that eating more high-fiber foods is often recommended for people with hemorrhoids, since fiber helps keep stool soft and easier to pass.

Knowing which foods work against that goal is half the battle.

Certain foods can make hemorrhoids worse by irritating the rectum or causing constipation.

Spicy food like chili, curry, or too much pepper can irritate the anal area and trigger flare-ups.

Spicy food can irritate hemorrhoids and make the condition worse, so it's best to avoid foods that are too hot, spicy, or acidic. (Mayo Clinic / Hemovel)

Alcohol and stimulant drinks such as coffee or soda can increase blood pooling in the veins, making pain worse.

Spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine are commonly reported triggers because they increase stool urgency, loosen stools, or contribute to dehydration. (USA Hemorrhoid Centers)

Foods low in fiber, like white bread, white rice, or processed meats, tend to cause constipation, which is one of the main triggers.

Low-fiber diets slow digestion and lead to hard or infrequent stools, causing a person to strain during a bowel movement, which places pressure on the rectal veins and contributes to worsening symptoms. (USA Hemorrhoid Centers)

Getting enough fiber daily and drinking plenty of water are advised to help prevent flare-ups. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025 recommends a dietary fiber intake of 14 grams per 1,000 calories consumed — for example, 28 grams per day on a 2,000-calorie diet. (NIDDK / National Institutes of Health)

Main takeaway: During a flare-up, cut out spicy foods, alcohol, and refined products right away, and eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains instead.

The Complete List that Make Hemorrhoids Worse Avoid List

1. Low-Fiber, Refined Grains

Low-Fiber, Refined Grains

White bread, white rice, regular pasta, and many breakfast cereals are stripped of the bran and fiber that help bulk up stool.

Without that fiber, stool tends to come out harder and drier, which means more straining.

Swapping in whole grains, like brown rice, whole wheat bread, or oats, gives your body what it needs to keep things moving smoothly.

2. Processed and Packaged Foods

Processed packaged foods worst foods for constipation

Chips, frozen dinners, fast food, and other packaged snacks are typically low in fiber and high in salt, unhealthy fats, and preservatives.

That combination can contribute to constipation and bloating, both of which make hemorrhoid symptoms worse.

3. Spicy Foods

Spicy foods hemorrhoids constipation trigger foods

Chili peppers, hot sauces, and heavily seasoned dishes contain capsaicin, the compound responsible for that burning sensation.

While spicy food doesn't cause hemorrhoids on its own, it can irritate already-sensitive tissue around the anus and make bowel movements more uncomfortable during a flare.

4. Alcohol

Alcohol hemorrhoids constipation trigger foods

Alcohol is dehydrating, and dehydration is bad news for hemorrhoids.

When your body loses extra fluid, your colon holds onto more water from your stool to make up for it, leaving you with harder, drier stool that's more difficult (and more painful) to pass.

5. Caffeinated Drinks

Caffeinated drinks hemorrhoids constipation trigger foods.

Coffee, energy drinks, and caffeinated soda can act like mild diuretics, which means they can add to dehydration.

Caffeine can also speed up bowel activity in some people, which sometimes leads to rushed, more forceful bowel movements.

6. Fried and Fatty Foods

fried fatty foods hemorrhoids constipation trigger foods

Greasy, fried foods are typically low in fiber and slow to digest, which can contribute to constipation.

Fatty cuts of meat and fried snacks fall into the same category, heavy on the stomach, light on the fiber your gut actually needs.

7. Red and Processed Meat

Red processed meat hemorrhoids constipation trigger foods

Bacon, sausage, deli meats, and red meat in general contain no fiber and can be harder to digest.

Diets heavy in processed meats have also been linked to slower digestion, which can add to constipation risk.

8. High-Fat Dairy

High fat dairy hemorrhoids constipation trigger foods

Whole milk, cheese, and ice cream can be constipating for some people, especially in large amounts.

If you notice dairy seems to make your symptoms worse, try swapping in low-fat versions or plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk.

9. Salty Foods

Salty foods hemorrhoids constipation trigger foods

Excess sodium can lead to fluid retention and bloating, which may add to overall discomfort. Salty packaged snacks are often also low in fiber, a double hit when it comes to hemorrhoid flare-ups.

10. Sugary Foods and Sweets

Sugary foods sweets hemorrhoids constipation trigger foods

Sugary snacks and desserts tend to crowd out the fiber-rich foods your body actually needs to keep stool soft. They don't directly inflame hemorrhoids, but relying on them instead of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can leave you short on fiber.

Foods That Can Actually Help

Once you know what to cut back on, it helps to know what to reach for instead:

Fruits like pears, berries, apples, and prunes (with the skin on, where a lot of the fiber lives)
Vegetables, especially leafy greens, carrots, and sweet potatoes
Whole grains like oats, brown rice, and whole wheat bread
Legumes such as beans, lentils, and peas
Plenty of water, which helps fiber do its job properly

A quick note: adding fiber works best when it's paired with enough water.

Fiber without enough fluid can actually make constipation worse, so increase both together, and go slowly to avoid gas or bloating.

A Few Practical Tips

Ease into fiber gradually. Jumping from a low-fiber diet to a high-fiber one overnight can cause bloating and discomfort. Add a little at a time.

Pair spicy foods with fiber. If you can't resist the heat, pairing it with something like avocado, hummus, or beans can help soften and speed up its trip through your system.

Balance out alcohol. If you do drink, following each drink with a glass of water can help offset some of the dehydrating effects.

Watch your personal triggers. Not everyone reacts to every food on this list the same way. Pay attention to what seems to set off your symptoms specifically.

When to See a Doctor

Diet can make a real difference, but it isn't a cure-all.

If you notice ongoing bleeding, a lump that doesn't go away, or pain that isn't improving with diet and lifestyle changes, it's time to check in with a doctor.

They can rule out anything more serious and recommend treatment options beyond diet alone.

Learn more in our guide to the 10 Best Hemorrhoid Books covering everything from natural remedies to expert medical advice.

Conclusion

Hemorrhoids can be frustrating, but your food choices are one of the easiest places to make a real difference.

Cutting back on low-fiber, processed, spicy, fatty, and dehydrating foods, and leaning into fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plenty of water, can ease straining and take pressure off already-irritated tissue.

It won't happen overnight, but small, steady changes to your plate can add up to real relief over time.

And if symptoms stick around despite your best efforts, don't hesitate to loop in a doctor.

📑 Related Articles

📚 Medical Sources

Mayo Clinic — Hemorrhoids
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) — Hemorrhoids
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons — Hemorrhoids
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), Treatment of Hemorrhoids
Cleveland Clinic, Hemorrhoids: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Harvard Health Publishing, Hemorrhoids and what to do about them
GoodRx Health, 6 Exercises to Manage Hemorrhoids, and What to Avoid
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health — Symptoms & Causes of Hemorrhoids
GoodRx Health — 6 Foods to Avoid If You Have Hemorrhoids