Vitamins for Hemorrhoids

Learn about which vitamins can help with hemorrhoids. These vitamins include vitamin C, along with flavonoids, as well as zinc.

Hemorrhoids are veins in the lower section of the rectum that become inflammed and often are quite painful. There are many different treatment options for hemorrhoids, as well as simple ways to help prevent them. One of these methods is the use of vitamins, by either adding foods rich in them to the diet, or taking them in supplemental form. These include vitamin C and flavonoids, as well as zinc.

Vitamin C and Flavonoids for Hemorrhoids

Vitamin C helps to reduce swollen hemorrhoids and can sometimes help to reduce their size. Vitamin C can also help to effectively prevent future hemorrhoids, and improve some of the symptoms that are associated with hemorrhoids. Vitamin C can be taken in supplemental form, but is also easy to increase through diet. Some foods that are especially high in vitamin C include citrus fruits, pineapple, peppers, rhubarb, strawberries, tomatoes, berries, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cranberries and kiwi fruit.

Flavonoids are strong antioxidants that actually work to enhance vitamin C and its ability to both improve blood vessel function and protect it. This can actually work to help with hemorrhoids. Some flavonoids that are particularly beneficial for hemorrhoids include naringin, rutin, quercetin, hesperidin and diosmin. Flavonoids are often found in supplements, along with vitamin C, but can also easily be added to the diet. Some foods that are high in the flavonoids that can help with hemorrhoids include grapes, citrus fruits, apples, beans, cherries, onions, kale, red pepper, tomatoes, buckwheat, celery, black tea, berries and green tea.

Zinc for Hemorrhoids

Zinc has always been known for it's ability to help fight against infection. But it also plays an important role in the healing process of hemorrhoid tissue. Adding more zinc to the diet, or taking it in supplemental form, can help to relieve irritation while helping the hemmorhoid tissue to heal. Some foods that are high in zinc include wheat germ, oysters, lentils, bulgur, shellfish, beans, avocados and beans.

Although these vitamins can be very helpful in the prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids, they should not be used to replace any treatment suggested by a doctor. They should also not be used to replace any lifestyle or diet changes suggested by a doctor.

First published Aug 8, 2010 Jeffrey Fisher

Sources:

Duke, James. The Green Pharmacy Guide to Healing Foods: Proven Natural Remedies to Treat and Prevent More Than 80 Common Health Concerns Rodale Books, 2009.

Murray, Michael & Pizzorno, Joseph & Pizzorno, Lara. The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods Atria, 2005.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.