Anal fissures are a common problem; however, theyre typically not a serious condition. They can affect people of all ages and stages of life, and theyre often seen in infants and young children, as this age group can commonly experience constipation.
An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus that can cause pain and bleeding during bowel movements.
In most cases, fissures occur from passing hard, dry stools. Other common causes are constipation, straining, and inflammatory bowel disease. In rare cases, anal fissures can occur as a result of HIV, anal cancer, and tumors (1).
Anal fissures usually heal within 46 weeks. Diet and lifestyle modifications can help reduce pain and complications associated with fissures, although no one food can heal fissures.
Here are 9 foods that may help if you have fissures.
Papayas contain enzymes that may help improve digestion.
Studies have shown that Caricol, a supplement made with papayas, helped improve constipation and bloating among people with gastrointestinal dysfunction and digestive disorders (2, 3).
Papayas are also hydrating, as they comprise 88% water. Getting enough water can help prevent dry stools associated with dehydration (4).
Yet, avoid eating too much papaya, as theyre very high in fiber. Some people report digestive discomfort with high fiber intakes. One large papaya contains 13 grams of fiber, which are about 50% and 34% of the recommended daily needs for women and men, respectively (4, 5).
Lemons are bursting with vitamin C. In fact, the juice from 1 lemon has 21% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin C for an adult (6).
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that plays an essential role in collagen synthesis and skin health. Its found to be involved in all phases of wound healing, and a deficiency can significantly impair the healing process (7, 8).
As vitamin C is water-soluble, its not stored in the body, so its important to get enough vitamin C daily. Enjoy lemons squeezed in water or tea. Doing so will also promote adequate hydration to prevent constipation or dry stools.
Bananas are a good source of fiber, which may help relieve constipation. One review found that 77% of people with constipation experienced increased stool frequency and softer stool consistency after increasing their fiber intake (9).
One medium banana contains 3 grams of fiber, making it a good source of this nutrient. Men and women are advised to eat 38 grams and 25 grams of fiber per day, respectively (5,10).
The ripeness of your banana is important. Unripe bananas have a higher amylase-resistant starch level, which can aggravate preexisting constipation. Bananas levels of resistant starch decrease as the fruit ripens (11).
Oatmeal is loaded with soluble fiber, which helps your stools retain water. This may help prevent dry stools, a common cause of fissures. Ultimately, eating more oatmeal and other foods with soluble fiber keeps stools soft, making them easier to pass (12).
Oatmeal also contains avenanthramides, which are compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. Fighting inflammation is an essential part of healing fissures, and this phytochemical may help contribute to the process (13,14).
Curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric, has been long recognized for its medicinal properties, including its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Coupling turmeric with black pepper helps improve the absorption of curcumin (15).
Early research suggests that topically applying turmeric can help wound healing and skin-related disorders. More research is needed on the use of topical turmeric treatments for anal fissures (15, 16 17).
Turmeric suppositories are becoming more common; yet, research is lacking to support their use. Most medical experts recommend against using a suppository, as it may increase the risk of additional anal tearing (18).
Ghee is a widely used Ayurvedic remedy for healing fissures.
Ghee contains butyrate acid. Early research supports the use of this fatty acid to improve digestion, and its increasingly used to treat and prevent gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (19).
Anecdotal reports also support the use of ghee as a natural laxative. Ayurvedic health practitioners recommend taking 1 teaspoon of ghee in milk or water to promote smooth bowel movements.
While this practice is safe, it adds additional saturated fat and calories to your diet, and no research has confirmed its benefits for this purpose.
Milk is another popular Ayurvedic remedy for fissure healing. Its often recommended to take it alongside ghee to improve constipation. Whether milk will help heal fissures will depend on how your body responds.
Higher fat milk contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid. Some research suggests CLA supplements may help reduce inflammatory responses. Although, other studies have found that CLA supplements may increase levels of inflammatory markers (20, 21).
Furthermore, some older studies have linked drinking milk to fissures. A study including 60 infants and young children associated constipation and fissures with higher milk consumption (22).
In another study, 69% of people who followed a milk elimination diet for 4 weeks experienced healed fissures. However, over 20% of these people had a fissure recurrence once they reintroduced milk into their diet (23).
Researchers hypothesize this is only relevant to people who are hypersensitive to milk proteins. Its important to note that milk does not contain fiber, and a low fiber diet is a major contributor to constipation (24).
Although research on milks healing properties is limited, it may be beneficial to relax with a warm milk beverage before bedtime.
Curd is promoted in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment that works by targeting the digestive tract and promoting regular, pain-free bowel movements. Its probiotic potential is the foundation of this approach (25).
Curd is made by mixing boiled milk with an acid, such as lemon or vinegar. Live bacterial cultures convert lactose into lactic acid. Depending on the strain, the probiotics may help relieve constipation.
However, not all curds contain bacterial cultures that exert probiotic effects to help improve digestive health and bowel movements. The probiotic properties of homemade curds can be inconsistent (26).
If you want to reap the benefits of probiotic-rich foods, opt for yogurt containing live bacterial cultures, sauerkraut, miso, and kimchi (27).
Legumes like beans, chickpeas, and lentils are a good source of zinc, a mineral that plays an important role in wound healing. In fact, a zinc deficiency can be a major cause of tissue injury (28).
Soaking, heating, and sprouting legumes before eating them may increase the absorption of zinc. One cup of kidney beans, chickpeas, and lentils contains 11%, 14%, and 20% of the DV, respectively (29, 30, 31, 32).
In addition to zinc, legumes are an exceptional source of fiber, which helps soften and regulate stools to prevent fissures. One cup of beans provides approximately 1116 grams of this nutrient (29, 30, 31).
The topical application of zinc may help reduce discomfort and speed recovery, but talk with your doctor before topically applying zinc to an anal fissure (33).
Most anal fissures heal naturally with the aid of proper nutrition and lifestyle habits. The following methods may help speed the healing process (1):
If fissures dont heal within 8 weeks, theyre considered to be chronic. At this point, talk with your doctor, as you may require surgery. They may also investigate for any potential underlying causes.
Certain foods and lifestyle modifications may help your fissures heal more quickly and reduce pain. Eating foods that deliver fiber, nutrients like vitamin C and zinc, and probiotics may be beneficial. In addition, drinking plenty of water and getting enough movement may help.
Nevertheless, there are no quick fixes or miracle foods for fissures. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions or your fissure hasnt healed within 8 weeks.
Read the original post:
9 Foods to Try to Help Heal Fissures - Healthline
- Creatine and Caffeine: Benefits, Risks, Dosage - Health.com - April 16th, 2024 [April 16th, 2024]
- Fiber Supplements Are Once Again Popular But Pick The Right One | mindbodygreen - mindbodygreen - April 16th, 2024 [April 16th, 2024]
- The Ministry of Health Warns the Public Against Use of Food Supplements Manufactured by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical ... - Gov.il - April 16th, 2024 [April 16th, 2024]
- Study: Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements May Reduce Cancer Risk - Prevention Magazine - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Magnesium for Sleep: The Best Type, When to Take It and More - Good Housekeeping - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Food ingredients drive growth in beauty supplements - IngredientsNetwork.com - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Best Ozempic Weight Loss Alternative Supplements Money Can Buy (Top OTC Semaglutide Alternatives) - Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Can Fiber Help with Ozempic, Wegovy Side Effects? - Health.com - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Vitamin B12 and Magnesium: Benefits, Risks, Dosage - Health.com - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Taking a Daily Fiber Supplement Might Help Boost Brain Function in Older Adults - Health.com - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Moringa: Benefits, Side Effects And Risks Forbes Health - Forbes - October 22nd, 2023 [October 22nd, 2023]
- What to Know About California's New Law Banning Food Additives ... - Smithsonian Magazine - October 18th, 2023 [October 18th, 2023]
- How to Treat Iron Deficiency - The New York Times - October 18th, 2023 [October 18th, 2023]
- The Importance of Micronutrients for Optimal Health - Everyday Health - September 11th, 2023 [September 11th, 2023]
- How can companies stand out in the immune health category in 2023? - Nutritional Outlook - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Kemin's BetaVia Pure immune and gut health ingredient gains ... - Nutritional Outlook - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Steadfast Nutrition expands its portfolio with four supplements - Asia Food Journal - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Martyn Ford Reveals Food & Supplements of 10000 Calorie Diet for ... - Fitness Volt - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Nutrition & Longevity Experts Love This Metabolism Supplement ... - mindbodygreen - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Ric Flair Reveals Diet, Training & Supplements to Stay Jacked at 74 ... - Fitness Volt - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- ADM licenses gut-health ingredient from Gnubiotics for pet food ... - Nutritional Outlook - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Global Sorbitol Market Report 2023: Increasing Demand for Non-medical Dietary Supplements Drives Growth - Yahoo Finance - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Fat-Soluble Vitamins: What They Are and How To Get the Most Out of Them - Health Essentials - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Six of the Best... food, treats & supplements - Dogs Today Magazine - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- 9 Anti-Inflammatory Supplements Backed By Science Forbes Health - Forbes - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Dietary Supplements Market Size to Reach Globally with Growing ... - Digital Journal - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- These 11 Vegan Vitamins Are Made With Fruits and Vegetables - VegNews - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Hemptown's Kirkman Subsidiary Named One of the 50 Most Admired Companies to Watch in 2023 - Yahoo Finance - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- What is biotin? Foods to eat and if you should take it every day - USA TODAY - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Best vitamins to be taking as seasons change, according to health expert - Daily Record - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- KITTEN YOGA RETURNS TO EAST BANK REGIONAL LIBRARY ... - Jefferson Parish - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- 8 Best Fiber Supplements of 2023, Tested by Experts - Good Housekeeping - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- FDA Passes the Buck (Back) to Congress for Legislative Solution on ... - JD Supra - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- The Wellness Trap: Break Free from Diet Culture, Disinformation, and Dubious Diagnoses, and Find Your True Well-Being - Next Big Idea Club Magazine - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Fruit And Vegetable Supplements: A 2023 Guide Forbes Health - Forbes - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- FDA: SARMs not worth the health risk 'for a few extra likes' - NutraIngredients-usa.com - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Are Melatonin Gummies Safe? Here's What (Kinda Scary) New Research Says - POPSUGAR - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- New paper discusses the rationale for proprietary blends in ... - Nutritional Outlook - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- The Best Brain Supplements For Cognitive Health Forbes Health - Forbes - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Protein powders: Are they bad for your health? - BBC - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- New Regulation on Turkish Food Codex Nutrition Claims Has Just ... - Lexology - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Selenium: Benefits, Side Effects, and More - Verywell Health - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- FDA Warns of Use of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators ... - FDA.gov - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Probiotic supplements may do the opposite of boosting Gut Health ... - WholeFoods Magazine - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- Do hangover supplements actually work? - Nutritional Outlook - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- Common Sense Health: Fish oil is the superhero of supplements - The Independent - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- Red yeast rice nutritional supplements health benefits, risks ... - Chicago Sun-Times - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- From forest to fork - All About Feed - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- Could Certain Foods Help With Hot Flashes? - The New York Times - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- Consumer interest in cognitive, immune health rising - Food Business News - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- 15 Best Vitamin Brands of 2022: A Dietitians Picks - February 24th, 2023 [February 24th, 2023]
- Dietary supplements for weight loss - Mayo Clinic - February 24th, 2023 [February 24th, 2023]
- Emergency Food Supplements | DSHS - Washington - December 28th, 2022 [December 28th, 2022]
- Guidance & Regulation (Food and Dietary Supplements) | FDA - December 25th, 2022 [December 25th, 2022]
- Food Labeling & Nutrition | FDA - December 25th, 2022 [December 25th, 2022]
- Health & Food Supplements Information Service - HSIS - November 21st, 2022 [November 21st, 2022]
- Food Security Community Food Security Coalition - November 21st, 2022 [November 21st, 2022]
- Expert Voices: Diet and Nutrition for People With Parkinson's... - Parkinson's News Today - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- The regulatory state of play of the sports and active nutrition sector - NutraIngredients.com - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- The Digestive Health Supplements Market Is Set To Grow At A More Than 9% Rate Due To Rising Cases Of Digestive Diseases As Per The Business Research... - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- FSAI highlights incidents, recalls and fraud in its annual report - Food Safety News - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Global Cannabidiol Legalization Trend to Shape the CBD Market's Future Growth - PR Newswire - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- The FoodNavigator Podcast: Mood food for mental wellbeing how can the industry capitalise? - FoodNavigator.com - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- 6 Ways to Find Relief from Your Menopause Symptoms - Health Essentials - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- NutraCast: How amendments in the 2023 Farm Bill could shape the hemp industry - NutraIngredients-usa.com - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- South Korea starts year-long inspection of probiotics imported from US, Europe - NutraIngredients-Asia - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Nveda employs a variety of dietary supplements made of natural ingredients for a fit and healthy life - The Hindu - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Vitamin C Market to See Healthy Growth of USD 1,899.69 Million with Excellent Compound Annual Growth Rate of 7.60% by 2029, Size, Opportunities,... - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Global Microalgae Market to Reach $1.3 Billion by 2027 - GlobeNewswire - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Dietary supplements that are safe to take, which to avoid: experts - Insider - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- 6 Best Fiber Supplements That Will Keep Your Gut Happy - CNET - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Do You Actually Need To Take A Multivitamin? The Answer May Surprise You - The Zoe Report - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Global overview for probiotics: Trends, markets, and harmonization - Regulatory Focus - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Combining Your Medication With This May Have "Life-Threatening Effects" - Best Life - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Aroma-Zone opens a new store in Paris and prepares to grow abroad - Premium beauty - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Fertility Supplements And Vitamins For Women: What You Need To Know - Forbes - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- ITA offers webinar focusing on supplements and informed decision-making (part 1) - IHF - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Awards recognize the latest innovative pet food products - Pet Food Processing - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- On-mind and on-trend: formulating products for cognitive well-being - Nutraceutical Business Review - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- The #1 Sign You're Taking "Too Many Vitamins" Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That - September 7th, 2022 [September 7th, 2022]