Any foods that have the ability to scrape or irritate your haemorrhoids on the way out is a problem, so you should avoid certain nuts, seeds and popcorn when experiencing a flare up.

You may also want to avoid food that causes haemorrhoids to swell, such as foods with spices and hot sauces.

Here is a list of other specific foods that are known to irritate haemorrhoids:

• Highly processed meats
• Dairy and cheese if you are sensitive to these
• Condiments such as pickles, relish, ketchup, soy sauce and mustard
• Fresh onion and garlic
• Gassy vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli’

Nutrition can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t yet know how calories, sodium, fibre and more interact with your body and your gut.

We recommend speaking to your doctor before making any diet, health and nutrition changes.