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Low-Fiber Diet 

Fiber is the component of fruits, vegetables, and grains that your body does not digest. A low-fiber diet restricts these foods, which in turn reduces the amount of undigested material that passes through the large intestine and lowers stool bulk. This type of diet may be recommended for various medical conditions or situations. It's often referred to as a restricted-fiber or low-residue diet. "Residue" refers to any food, including fiber, that isn’t digested and remains in the intestines.

 

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Your doctor may prescribe a low-fiber diet if there is narrowing of the bowel due to a tumor or an inflammatory disease, following bowel surgery, or if treatment such as radiation has damaged or irritated the gastrointestinal tract. As your digestive system heals, you can typically begin to gradually reintroduce more fiber into your diet.

Green liquid in test tubes

Diet details 

A low-fiber diet restricts the types of vegetables, fruits, cereals, and grains you can consume. Your doctor may also recommend limiting the intake of milk and dairy products. Although milk does not contain fiber, it can leave a residue in the digestive tract that may temporarily cause discomfort or diarrhea due to your current medical condition.

The ability to digest food can vary from person to person, so here are some guidelines for a low-fiber diet. Depending on your specific condition and tolerance levels, your doctor may recommend a diet that is either more or less restrictive. It’s also important to read food labels, as some foods may contain unexpected amounts of fiber. For instance, certain yogurts, ice creams, cereals, and even some beverages can have added fiber. Ideally, choose foods that contain no more than 1 gram of fiber per serving.

The following foods are generally allowed on a low-fiber diet:  

  • Enriched white bread or rolls without seeds

  • White rice, plain white pasta, noodles and macaroni

  • Crackers  

  • Refined cereals such as Cream of Wheat

  • Pancakes or waffles made from white refined flour

  • Most canned or cooked fruits without skins, seeds or membranes

  • Fruit and vegetable juice with little or no pulp, fruit-flavored drinks and flavored waters

  • Canned or well-cooked vegetables without seeds, hulls or skins, such as carrots, potatoes and tomatoes

  • Tender meat, poultry and fish

  • Eggs  

  • Tofu 

  • Creamy peanut butter — up to 2 tablespoons a day  

  • Milk and foods made from milk, such as yogurt, pudding, ice cream, cheeses and sour cream — up to 2 cups a day, including any used in cooking

  • Butter, margarine, oils, and salad dressings without seeds

  • Desserts with no whole grains, seeds, nuts, raisins, or coconut 

You should avoid the following foods:  

  • Whole-wheat or whole-grain breads, cereals and pasta

  • Brown or wild rice and other whole grains such as oats, kasha, barley, quinoa

  • Dried fruits and prune juice

  • Raw fruit, including those with seeds, skin or membranes, such as berries

  • Raw or undercooked vegetables, including corn

  • Dried beans, peas and lentils

  • Seeds and nuts, and foods containing them

  • Coconut

  • Popcorn  

If you're eating a low-fiber diet, a typical menu might look like this: 

Breakfast:  

  • 1 glass milk  

  • 1 egg  

  • 1 slice of white toast with smooth jelly  

  • 1/2 cup canned peaches    

Snack:

  • White toast, bread or crackers

Lunch:  

  • 1 to 2 cups of chicken noodle soup  

  • Soda crackers  

  • Sandwich of drained tuna with mayonnaise or salad dressing on white bread  

  • Canned applesauce  

  • Flavored water or iced tea  

Snack:  

  • 1 cup yogurt  

  • 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

  • Flavored water  

Dinner:  

  • 3 ounces lean meat, poultry or fish  

  • 1/2 cup white rice

  • 1/2 cup cooked vegetables, such as carrots or green beans  

  • 1 enriched white dinner roll with butter  

  • Hot tea  

To ensure that all foods are tender, use cooking methods such as simmering, poaching, stewing, steaming, and braising. Another option is to bake or microwave foods in a covered dish. It's best to avoid roasting, broiling, and grilling, as these methods can make foods dry and tough. Additionally, try to limit fried foods and use spices sparingly.

When following a low-fiber diet, you might experience fewer bowel movements and smaller stools. To prevent constipation, it’s important to drink extra fluids. Be sure to drink plenty of water, unless your doctor advises otherwise. Additionally, you can include juices and milk as specified.

Results  

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Following a low-fiber diet can reduce bowel movements and alleviate diarrhea, as well as other symptoms of abdominal conditions like abdominal pain. Once your digestive system has stabilized, you can gradually reintroduce fiber into your diet.

Risks  

 

A low-fiber diet limits your food choices, making it challenging to meet your nutritional needs. For this reason, you should only follow a low-fiber diet for the duration specified by your doctor. If you need to stay on the diet for an extended period, it's important to consult a registered dietitian to ensure you are meeting your nutritional requirements.

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