Dietary Changes to Relieve Painful Bathroom Symptoms

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has issued a new clinical practice update emphasizing that simple lifestyle modifications, specifically increasing dietary fiber and altering bathroom habits, are the most effective initial treatments for hemorrhoids.

Released on April 27, 2026, the guidance aims to help patients and healthcare providers manage a condition that affects approximately 50% of people by age 50, according to the AGA.

Prioritizing Lifestyle Changes

The clinical practice update, published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology on April 29, 2026, highlights a shift toward conservative management. The AGA identifies increasing dietary fiber and reducing the amount of time spent straining on the toilet as the primary strategies for treating and preventing the condition.

Medical professionals note that habits such as prolonged scrolling on smartphones while on the toilet can contribute to the problem by increasing straining and pressure on the rectal veins.

Evaluating Common Treatments

The AGA update addresses several widely used remedies, noting that some common treatments lack strong evidence to support their effectiveness. While sitz baths and over-the-counter topical products are frequently used to provide relief, the organization states that data supporting their effectiveness are limited.

The guidelines also provide a specific warning regarding the use of topical steroids. The AGA recommends that these products should not be used for more than two weeks because of the risk of skin thinning and irritation.

Diagnosis and Escalation of Care

To ensure accurate treatment, the AGA emphasizes that a proper diagnosis is essential. The organization recommends a physical exam, which often includes anoscopy, to confirm the presence of hemorrhoids before beginning a treatment plan.

For those who do not find relief through dietary changes and behavioral modifications, the update outlines when to escalate care. Persistent or severe cases may require office-based procedures, such as banding, or surgical intervention.

The guidelines also touch upon special populations, noting that hemorrhoids are common during pregnancy and are typically managed conservatively through symptom relief and diet.

The Role of Fiber and Hydration

The emphasis on fiber is supported by broader medical consensus, including information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). High-fiber foods help make stools softer and easier to pass, which reduces the straining that leads to inflamed veins in the rectum.

Health experts suggest that drinking water and other liquids—such as clear soups and fruit juices—is necessary to help the fiber in the diet work more effectively.

• Increase intake of high-fiber foods to soften stools.
• Maintain adequate hydration to support fiber function.
• Reduce time spent sitting on the toilet to minimize straining.
• Consult a provider for a physical exam and anoscopy for confirmation.