A fistula is a condition where a tunnel forms between the skin around the last part of the digestive tract (external opening of our digestive system associated with the excretion of stools) and inside of the affected canal due to clogged and infected glands, causing an abscess. The abnormal connection can lead to pain and discomfort. While surgery is often necessary, doctors may suggest specific dietary changes to manage symptoms.
Let’s find out from Dr Amita Jain, a renowned general and laparoscopic surgeon and one of the most experienced specialist doctors for fistula treatments and surgeries in Delhi and India, about what foods we should eat and what we should not in case of fistula. Dr Amita Jain lists certain foods that you need to eat to avoid fistula; these are:
What to eat to avoid a fistula?
1. High Fibre Foods
Incorporate fibre-rich foods into your diet to support digestive health and alleviate fistula symptoms. Choose whole grains like brown rice, oats, and quinoa, alongside vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, and carrots, and fruits like apples, berries, and pears. Practice taking 30-35g of daily fibre, sourced from whole foods like beans, nuts, and whole wheat pasta.
2. Pulses
Pulses, rich in both fiber and protein, play a crucial role in promoting a healthy digestive system. Add kidney beans, moong dal, chickpeas, masoor dal, and soybeans to the diet of a fistula patient. This provides essential proteins and fiber, contributing to smooth bowel movements without exerting strain, ultimately reducing discomfort and pain. The significant fiber content not only ensures a prolonged feeling of fullness but also aids in maintaining a clear digestive tract.
3. Stay Hydrated
Make sure to drink a good amount of water (at least 8 glasses a day). Water softens stools, making it easier to have comfortable bowel movements. Lassi, carrot juice, cabbage juice, orange juice, and pineapple juice are also good choices.
4. Coconut
Rich in fiber, this fruit promotes regular bowel movements. In fact, coconut meat contains medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) which is a form of saturated fat that is easier to digest than animal fats thereby safeguarding the digestive health of a patient of anal fistula.
5. Green Leafy Veggies
Leafy greens like kale, lettuce, cabbage, spinach, and bok choy enhance a fistula-friendly diet, providing vital nutrients for digestion. Packed with vitamins and minerals, they promote a sense of fullness, aiding in prolonged satisfaction while supporting easy digestion and elimination.
6. Fish
Salmon, mackerel, and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids crucial for a healthy fistula diet. These acids support intestinal function by lubricating the gastrointestinal system and promoting regular fecal flow.
7. Probiotics
Add probiotics like yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut for a healthy gut.
Which foods should to avoided for fistula prevention and control?
1. Spicy Food
Patients of anal fistula must avoid spicy and acidic foods. These can intensify discomfort, potentially causing pain, bleeding, and worsening the condition. Choose simple, homemade, non-spicy meals to promote digestive comfort and overall well-being.
2. Fried and Fatty Food
Stay away from deep-fried chicken fritters, French fries, and fried snacks like samosas, spring rolls, etc, as they contain a high amount of unhealthy fat and are low in fibre content. It increases the risk of constipation which further aggravates the pain and discomfort of a patient suffering from anal fistula.
3. Say no to Alcohol and Caffeine
Avoid alcohol and caffeine to prevent dehydration and discomfort during bowel movements for anal fistula recovery. Steer clear of strong drinks like black coffee or heavy milk tea, as they may exacerbate symptoms.
4. Red Meat
Bad news for meat lovers! Red meat owing to its low fibre content is difficult to digest. It fails to contribute bulk to stool. Excessive consumption of red meat, especially when fried in oil and spices, should be avoided to promote easier digestion and overall digestive health.
5. Avoid Sugary Foods
Foods rich in sugar slow down the digestion process. Avoid food containing sugar and corn syrup to name a few.
It is quite clear from surgeon Dr. Amita Jain’s insights that a well-balanced diet plays a crucial role in managing fistula. Emphasising high-fibre foods, hydration, and avoiding spicy, fried, and sugary items can significantly alleviate discomfort. Incorporating these dietary changes can foster a healthier digestive system and contribute to the overall well-being of individuals dealing with fistula.
Dr Amita Jain is one of India’s most distinguished and experienced senior surgeons who has conducted more than 1,00,000 successful surgeries, and has covered a wide spectrum of general and minimally invasive procedures. Dr Amita Jain is refered as the pioneer surgeon in the fields of Gallbladder stone removal surgery, appendix removal surgery, hernia repair surgery, Pilonidal Sinus treatments, varicose vein and piles surgery, fistula surgery and fissure surgeries.
With an outstanding career spanning over 29 years, Dr Amita Jain has earned her place among the top General and Laparoscopic surgeons in Delhi and India, known for her precision, compassion, and consistent surgical excellence. She was the Professor of Surgery at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt. In 1994, she was commissioned as a surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo.
Dr Amita Jain currently serves as the Head of Department and Senior Consultant for General, Laparoscopic and Trauma Surgery at Artemis Lite Hospital, Rosewalk – Luxury Maternity Hospital in Delhi (Panchsheel Park, Delhi) and Rainbow Children Hospitals (Malviya Nagar, Delhi).