Encyclopedia of Diets - A Guide to Health and Nutrition

avocado, slices, 1 cup (7.3g)

mustard seeds, 2 tsp (1.1g)

prunes, 1.4 cup (3.0g)

buckwheat, cooked, 1 cup (4.5g)

olives, 1 cup (4.3g)

oats, whole grain, cooked, 1 cup (4.0g)

plum, 1 each (1.0g)

miso, 1 oz (1.9g)

banana, 1 each (2.8g)

corn, yellow, cooked, 1 cup (4.6g)

pineapple, 1 cup (1.9g)

cantaloupe, cubes, 1 cup (1.3g)

potato, baked, with skin, 1 cup (2.9g)

Function

Eating more high-fiber foods such as fruits, vege-

tables and grains softens the stool and increases its

bulk, which helps to reduce the straining that can

cause hemorrhoids or worsen the symptoms of exist-

ing hemorrhoids.

Benefits

Fiber helps to keep stool soft while lowering pres-

sure inside the colon so that bowel contents can move

through easily. Eating a high-fiber diet will not only

relieve constipation and alleviate hemorrhoid symp-

toms, it is also beneficial in supporting bowel regular-

ity, maintaining normal cholesterol and blood sugar

levels, and keeping excess weight off. Additionally, a

high-fiber diet is believed to play a role in the preven-

tion and treatment of the following health conditions:

Breast cancer

Cardiovascular disease

Colon cancer

Diabetes

Gallstones

High cholesterol

Irritable bowel syndrome

Obesity

Syndrome X

Precautions

Intake of dietary fiber exceeding 50 grams per day

may cause intestinal obstructions. Excessive intake of

fiber can also result in body fluid imbalance anddehy-

dration. This is why individuals who start increasing

their fiber intake are often advised to also increase

their water intake, up to 2 liters (8 cups) of fluid daily.

Risks

When people increase the fiber content of their

diet, they are usually advised to do so gradually, add-

ing small amounts to start with so as to allow the

intestinal tract to adjust. Otherwise, abdominal

cramps, gas, bloating, and diarrhea or constipation

may result. Excessive intake of dietary fiber has also

been linked with reduced absorption ofvitamins,min-

erals, proteins, and calories. However, it is unlikely

that healthy adults who consume fiber in amounts

within the recommended ranges will experience such

problems.

Research and general acceptance

Most medical experts agree that low-fiber diets

result in small stools, that increase straining during

defecation. This increased pressure causes congestion

of the hemorrhoids. Pregnancy can also cause hem-

orrhoidal problems. A decreased venous return is

KEY TERMS

Anus—The terminal opening of the digestive tract.

Colon—Part of the large intestine, located in the

abdominal cavity. It consists of the ascending

colon, the transverse colon, the descending colon,

and the sigmoid colon.

Constipation—The difficult passage of stools or the

infrequent (less than three times a week) or incom-

plete passage of stools.

Digestive system—Organs and paths responsible

for processing food in the body. These are the

mouth, the esophagus, the stomach, the liver,

the gallbladder, the pancreas, the small intestine,

the large intestine, and the rectum.

Feces—Waste product of digestion formed in the

large intestine. About 75% of its mass is water, the

remainder is protein, fat, undigested roughage,

dried digestive juices, dead cells, and bacteria.

Perianal—The area surrounding the anus.

Prolapse—The falling down or slipping out of place

of an organ or part.

Rectum—Short, muscular tube that forms the low-

est portion of the large intestine and connects it to

the anus.

Venous return—The blood returning to the heart

via the inferior and superior venae cavae.

Hemorrhoids