What is a Low Fiber Diet?
A low fiber diet limits the amount of fiber you eat and drink. It typically provides less than 10-15 grams of fiber per day. Fiber is the indigestible part of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds. It passes through your digestive system mostly intact. The purpose of a low fiber diet is to rest your digestive system by reducing the amount of insoluble and soluble fiber you consume.
Your doctor may recommend a low fiber diet if you have digestive conditions like:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
- Diverticulitis
- Colon surgery
Limiting fiber allows your colon to heal and recover. A low fiber diet is usually temporary during flare-ups. Once symptoms improve, high fiber foods can be added back gradually under a doctor's supervision.
Foods to Choose on a Low Fiber Diet
Here are some foods that are low in fiber and good choices for a low fiber diet:
Fruits and Vegetables
- Canned or cooked fruits without skins/seeds like applesauce, peaches, pears, plums
- Fruit juice without pulp
- Well-cooked, peeled, seeded vegetables like carrots, green beans, mushrooms, potatoes
- Lettuce if tolerated
Grains
- White bread and pasta made with refined wheat flour
- White rice
- Plain crackers like saltines
- Cooked cereals like cream of wheat, grits, farina
Protein Foods
- Tender meats like poultry, fish, eggs
- Tofu
- Smooth nut butters like peanut butter
Dairy
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Cottage cheese
- Cream cheese
- Butter
Foods to Avoid on a Low Fiber Diet
Here are high fiber foods to avoid on a low fiber diet:
Fruits and Vegetables
- Raw fruits and vegetables with skins, seeds or membranes
- Dried fruits like raisins, prunes, figs
- Coconut
- Corn
- Pickles
- Salsa
- Potato skins
- Salad greens
- Legumes like beans, lentils, split peas
Grains
- Whole wheat or whole grain bread, cereal, pasta
- Brown or wild rice
- Oats
- Popcorn
- Bran cereals
- Granola
- Nuts and seeds
Fats and Oils
- Avocado
- Nut oils like peanut, almond, walnut
Other
- Chocolate
- Coconut
Sample 1-Day Low Fiber Diet Meal Plan
Here is a sample menu for 1 day on a low fiber diet:
Breakfast
- 1/2 cup scrambled eggs
- 1 slice white toast with butter
- 1/2 cup canned peaches
- 1 cup milk
Lunch
- Grilled chicken sandwich on white bread with mayo, cheese and lettuce
- 1/2 cup chicken noodle soup
- 1/2 cup canned pears
Dinner
- 3 oz baked cod
- 1/2 cup mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup cooked carrots
- 1 dinner roll
- 1/2 cup apple sauce
Snacks
- Saltine crackers with peanut butter
- Vanilla yogurt
- Fruit juice
Tips for Following a Low Fiber Diet
Here are some tips to help you follow a low fiber diet:
- Read food labels and avoid products listing whole grains, bran, nuts, seeds, dried fruit or beans in the first few ingredients
- Choose white bread, rice, pasta and crackers instead of whole grain options
- Avoid raw fruits and vegetables - cook them and remove skins, seeds and membranes
- Limit milk and milk products to 2 cups per day
- Drink fruit juice without pulp
- Avoid high fiber convenience foods like frozen dinners, packaged mixes, canned soups and salad dressings
- Cut back on high fat meats like hot dogs, sausage, bacon and fried meats
- Cook vegetables well until soft - steaming, boiling, microwaving are good options
- Keep a food diary to ensure you stay under 15 grams of fiber per day
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Take a fiber supplement if recommended by your doctor
Following a low fiber diet can help provide relief from digestive symptoms. But it's important to gradually reintroduce high fiber foods back into your diet under medical supervision. Fiber plays an important role in gut and overall health.
FAQs
How much fiber should I eat on a low fiber diet?
A low fiber diet provides less than 10-15 grams of fiber per day. The average American diet includes 15-20 grams of fiber daily.
What foods have the most fiber that I should avoid?
Bran cereals, whole grains like brown rice and whole wheat bread, dried fruits and vegetables, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, popcorn and coconut are highest in fiber.
Can I eat raw fruits and vegetables on a low fiber diet?
Most raw fruits and vegetables are too high in fiber for a low fiber diet. It’s best to cook them thoroughly, remove skins/membranes and peel or seed them before eating.
How long should I follow a low fiber diet?
In most cases a low fiber diet is temporary during flare ups of digestive conditions like IBS. Work with your doctor to gradually reintroduce high fiber foods over time.
What are complications of a long-term low fiber diet?
Fiber aids digestive health, gut bacteria, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar control. Not getting enough over time raises risk of constipation, diverticulitis, heart disease and diabetes.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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