Hemorrhoids are caused by many things, but straining during bowel movements is by far the most common. To prevent hemorrhoids one must prevent that strain, and that means choosing better foods to eat.

Why do foods matter? Because what we eat determines our digestive health, and diets which fall short in one or more essential components can create bowel movements which are hard or impacted.

The best cure for constipation is fiber, which helps ensure that your stool has enough fluids to pass easily from your body. Here’s one description of what to eat:

Diets low in fiber may be a contributing factor to hemorrhoids, so be sure to incorporate fiber-rich foods like flax seeds, beans, avocados and brown rice in your daily diet. Try adding flaxseeds into your smoothie each morning for a fiber boost — they won’t affect the flavor. Opt for whole grains over processed enriched breads and rice.

Flax alone can solve the problem if you’re somebody who is veggie- or smoothie-averse. Because flax can be used to supplement several foods through the addition of small amounts seeds or flax oil, you can pretty much eat as you were already without making any wholesale changes.

And if hemorrhoids appear despite your best efforts at eating well? Then it’s time to visit the offices of the best hemorrhoid doctors in Los Angeles.