Anal fistula is a painful and often recurrent condition that can significantly affect a person's quality of life. It usually forms due to an infection in the anal glands that leads to the formation of an abscess, which then finds a way to drain through the skin near the anus, forming a tract or "fistula."
While some factors like Crohn's disease, tuberculosis, or previous surgery may predispose an individual to fistula formation, what many individuals don't realize is that their daily lifestyle and dietary choices also play a crucial role in the development, progression, and recurrence of anal fistulas.
In this blog, Dr. Samrat Jankar, one of the most experienced and trusted gastrointestinal and fistula surgeons in Pune at Kaizen Fistula Care Clinic, explains how lifestyle and diet directly affect your risk of developing an anal fistula and how making the right changes can facilitate healing and prevention.
Understanding Anal Fistula:
An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel that develops between the anal canal and the skin near the anus. It usually results from an infection in the anal gland that forms an abscess. When the abscess is drained or bursts, a tunnel (fistula) may form, connecting the internal anal canal to the exterior skin.
Lifestyle and Diet: Crucial Yet Overlooked Risk Factors:
Low-Fiber Diet & Constipation:
A diet lacking in fiber is one of the leading contributors to anal health problems, including fissures, hemorrhoids, and indirectly, anal fistulas. When your body doesn't get enough fiber:
Stools become hard, leading to straining during defecation.
Constipation rises intra-rectal pressure.
Tiny anal glands can get blocked or infected, triggering abscess formation.
Over time, repeated infections and abscesses can evolve into a fistula.
Solution:
Include plenty of fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits (especially papaya, guava, apple), vegetables (like carrots, spinach, and pumpkin), and legumes.
Drink at least 8–10 glasses of water daily to maintain the stools soft and comfortable to pass.
Sedentary Lifestyle:
A sedentary routine, specifically one involving long hours of sitting, can lead to:
Poor blood circulation in the pelvic area
Increased pressure on the anal region
Delayed healing of minor infections or abscesses
Prolonged sitting, particularly on hard surfaces, can also worsen the symptoms of an existing fistula or contribute to the development of abscesses due to trapped sweat and poor hygiene.
Solution:
Take frequent breaks if your work involves sitting for long durations.
Engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily?-?walking, yoga, or swimming can be beneficial.
Use cushions or soft seating to minimize pressure on the anal area.
Poor Toilet Habits:
Spending too long on the toilet seat or forcing bowel movements can lead to straining. This improves the risk of:
Damaging the sensitive anal tissues
Blocking anal glands, leading to infections
Solution:
Maintain a regular bowel routine.
Go to the toilet only when you have the urge - not just by habit.
Avoid using mobile phones while sitting on the toilet, which can unconsciously improve time spent.
Smoking and Alcohol Consumption:
Smoking and heavy alcohol use negatively affect immunity and wound healing. They:
Impair blood circulation
Improve inflammation in the body
Delay healing of infected tissues
Improve the risk of chronic infections, which can turn into fistulas
Solution:
Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake to stimulate healing and overall gut health.
Opt for liver-friendly, anti-inflammatory foods instead, such as turmeric milk, beetroot, and green tea.
Spicy and Oily Food Intake:
While occasional indulgence is okay, a diet consistently high in spicy, fried, and processed food can upset the digestive tract and:
Aggravate anal glands
Improve chances of loose stools or diarrhea, which can worsen perianal skin condition
Promote infection in an already sensitive area
Solution:
Prefer home-cooked, less spicy meals.
Add soothing items like buttermilk, curd, flaxseeds, and soaked raisins to your daily diet.
Lifestyle and Diet Tips to Prevent Anal Fistula:
Dr. Samrat Jankar shares the following practical tips to lower the risk of anal fistula and support healing:
Eat high-fiber meals daily
Avoid red meat, spicy foods, and refined sugars
Drink plenty of water
Avoid long hours of sitting without breaks
Maintain hygiene in the anal area
Avoid harsh toilet paper or chemical-based soaps
Stay physically active - even 30 minutes a day helps
Quit smoking and limit alcohol
Seek medical help earlier if you notice symptoms of infection
