Are Kidney Beans Good for Hemorrhoids?
Yes, kidney beans may help when constipation or hard stools contribute to hemorrhoids, because their fiber can make stools easier to pass. There is no direct clinical evidence cited here that kidney beans alone treat hemorrhoids. Add them gradually and prepare them safely; they are one of several best foods for hemorrhoids.
Are kidney beans a good choice for hemorrhoids?
Kidney beans can be a useful part of a fiber-rich eating pattern, especially if you tend to strain during bowel movements. Less straining may help reduce pressure on hemorrhoids and make passing stool more comfortable.
They are a food choice, not a cure or a substitute for medical care. If your stools are already easy to pass, adding kidney beans may not noticeably change your hemorrhoid symptoms.
How can kidney beans help with hemorrhoids?
Kidney beans contain dietary fiber, which helps add bulk to stool and can help it retain water. Softer, well-formed stools are generally easier to pass, so you may spend less time pushing on the toilet.
The benefit depends on your overall diet and bowel habits, not just one food. Increasing fiber too quickly can cause gas, bloating or cramping, and adding a lot without enough fluid can make constipation worse for some people.
Drink enough fluid to stay hydrated unless your clinician has advised you to restrict it. For more on the role of fluids, see the best drinks for hemorrhoids.
What does the evidence say about kidney beans and hemorrhoids?
Fiber is commonly recommended to help manage constipation and reduce straining associated with hemorrhoids. Kidney beans provide fiber, so they are a practical way to add it to a meal.
However, no kidney bean-specific clinical studies are cited here. That means there is no basis to promise that kidney beans will shrink hemorrhoids, stop bleeding or work within a particular time. Their potential benefit comes from their contribution to an overall eating pattern that supports comfortable bowel movements.
How should you eat kidney beans for hemorrhoids?
Start with a small serving of cooked kidney beans, such as a few spoonfuls with a meal. If you tolerate them comfortably, increase the amount gradually rather than making a sudden large change. A serving can be mixed into a salad, rice dish or soup; choose a preparation you can eat regularly.
Canned kidney beans are already cooked. Drain and rinse them before adding them to food if you prefer; rinsing also removes some of the sodium from the canning liquid.
Dried kidney beans require careful preparation. Soak them in water for at least 5 hours, discard the soaking water, and boil them in fresh water for at least 30 minutes; continue cooking until tender. Never eat raw or undercooked kidney beans, and do not rely on a slow cooker alone to cook them from raw: insufficient heat can leave harmful lectins in the kidney beans.
Pay attention to how you feel as you increase fiber. If kidney beans cause uncomfortable gas or bloating, try a smaller serving and increase it more slowly. They do not need to be the only source of fiber in your meals.
Who should be careful, and when should you see a doctor?
If you have irritable bowel syndrome, kidney beans may aggravate gas or bloating. Ask a clinician or dietitian before increasing them if you have inflammatory bowel disease, a bowel narrowing, kidney disease requiring a potassium restriction, or another condition for which you have been advised to limit fiber or potassium. If you have a fluid restriction, follow that advice rather than increasing your fluid intake on your own.
Do not assume rectal bleeding is caused by hemorrhoids. Contact a clinician about bleeding, symptoms that persist or worsen, or pain that concerns you. If you are pregnant, take blood-thinning medication, or are asking about a child with symptoms or bleeding, speak with the appropriate clinician rather than relying on a diet change.
Seek urgent medical care for heavy or continuous rectal bleeding, black or tarry stools, severe pain, or bleeding accompanied by dizziness or fainting. Severe abdominal pain with vomiting and an inability to pass stool or gas also needs urgent assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Do red and white kidney beans both provide fiber?
Yes. Both red and white kidney beans provide fiber when cooked, although the amount can vary by product and serving.
Does rinsing canned kidney beans remove all their fiber?
No. Rinsed canned kidney beans still contain fiber.
Can kidney beans help if I am not constipated?
Kidney beans can still contribute fiber to your diet, but they may not noticeably improve hemorrhoid symptoms if hard stools and straining are not a problem.