the basics of the low-fiber diet

Fiber is the part of fruits, vegetables and grains that is not digested by your body. A diet low in fiber limits these foods. As a result, the amount of undigested material passing through your large intestine is limited and the amount of stool is reduced. A low fiber diet may be recommended for a number of ailments or situations. It is sometimes referred to as a restricted fiber diet.

Goal of the low fiber diet

Your doctor may prescribe a low-fiber diet if you:

• suffer from a narrowing of the intestine due to a tumor or inflammatory disease
• have had bowel surgery
• are having treatment, such as radiation therapy, that damages or irritates your digestive system.
• When your digestive system returns to normal, you can usually slowly add more fiber to your diet.

Diet details

A low-fiber diet limits the types of vegetables, fruits, and grains you can eat. Sometimes your doctor may also ask you to limit the amount of milk and dairy products in your diet. Milk does not contain fiber, but it can contribute to discomfort or diarrhea, especially if you are lactose intolerant.

The ability to digest food varies from person to person. Depending on your condition and your tolerance, your doctor may recommend a more or less restrictive diet.

If you are on a low fiber diet, be sure to read food labels. Foods you don’t expect, like yogurt, ice cream, cereals, and even drinks, can contain fiber. Look for foods that contain no more than 1 to 2 grams of fiber per serving.

Avoid these foods and products that contain them:

Nuts, seeds, dried fruits and coconut
Whole grains, popcorn, germ and wheat bran
Brown rice, wild rice, oatmeal, crushed wheat, quinoa, bulgur and barley
Dried beans, cooked beans, lima beans, peas and lentils
Peanut butter in pieces
Fruits and vegetables, except those mentioned below

Choose these foods:

Tender meat, fish and poultry, ham, bacon, shellfish and breakfast meat
Eggs, tofu
Dairy products if tolerated
White rice and pasta
Bakery products made with refined wheat or rye flour, such as bread, cookies, pancakes, waffles,
Cereals containing less than 2 grams of dietary fiber in a single serving, such as those made from rice
Canned or cooked potatoes, carrots and green beans
Plain tomato sauce
Vegetable and fruit juices
Bananas, melons, applesauce and canned peaches (skinless)
Butter, margarine, oils and salad dressings without seeds

A typical menu might look like this:

Breakfast

Milk cornflakes
White toast, butter, jelly
Juice
Café

Morning snack

Yogurt without seeds
Water or other drink

Lunch

Turkey sandwich on white bread with mayonnaise
Tomato soup
Canned peaches
Milk or other drink

Afternoon snack

Cheese slices
Savory biscuits
Water or other drink

Dinner

Meatloaf
Mashed potatoes with butter
Cooked carrots
Applesauce
Milk or other drink

Prepare all foods so that they are tender. Good cooking methods include simmering, poaching, stewing, steaming, and braising.

Keep in mind that you can have fewer bowel movements and have smaller bowel movements if you are on a low-fiber diet. To avoid constipation, you may need to drink more fluids. Drink plenty of water, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Results

A diet low in fiber will limit your bowel movements and help relieve diarrhea or other symptoms of abdominal problems, such as abdominal pain. Once your digestive system has returned to normal, you can slowly reintroduce fiber into your diet.

Risks

Because a low-fiber diet limits what you can eat, meeting your nutritional needs can be difficult. You should only eat a low-fiber diet for as long as your doctor tells you to. If you must continue on this diet for a longer period of time, consult a registered dietitian to make sure your nutritional needs are met.

Sources

Vanhauwaert E, et al. Low-residue and low-fiber diets in gastrointestinal disease management. Advanced Nutrition. 2015; doi:10.3945/an.115.009688.

Alvarez-Gonzalez MA, et al. Randomized clinical trial: A normocaloric low-fiber diet the day before colonoscopy is the most effective approach to bowel preparation in colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy. Disease of the Colon & Rectum. 2019; doi:10.1097/DCR.0000000000001305.