Low Fiber Diet
March 5, 2011 by admin2
Filed under Healthy Diet Naturally
I. What is it?
A low fiber diet, also referred to as low residue diet is a type of diet that limits one’s intake of fiber and other residue-providing foods in one’s low fiber diet menu. One should be wary that dietary fiber is one kind of carbohydrate found mainly in plants. This type of carbohydrate in plants cannot be digested by our digestive system. The residues that will be left are considered to be the ones that made up the stool. With this, putting a limit to one’s dietary fiber intake will help reduce the amount of foods that will get through the large intestine during digestion.
II. Why this diet?
A low fiber diet helps one be free from stomach problems. The low fiber diet is recommended most especially to people with gastrointestinal discomfort or problems. This diet will somehow lead the stomach to a rest from its movement. There are some conditions that require this low fiber diet. Some of these conditions include ulcerative colitis and crohn’s disease. One disease called diverticulitis or the inflammation of the large intestine also needs a low fiber diet- diverticulitis. This diet may also be prescribed when people undergo surgery or any therapy in the abdomen.
III. The basics
As a plant-based substance, fiber can be gained from plant foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes and grains. Although one may still eat fiber foods in this diet, eating high amounts of it should be limited. To do this, one should also limit eating high fiber foods, milk and other dairy products and caffeine. Although at a small amount, milk can be considered, it should still be avoided in a low fiber diet menu if one is said to be milk intolerant.
For one who considers this diet, some foods like refined bread, crackers, cereals, pancakes and waffles, al with less than 0.5 grams of fiber per serving can be eaten and added in one’s low fiber diet food list. Other foods include pasta, white rice, lettuce, tomato sauce, cooked peas, potatoes, broccoli, onions, baked beans, corn, banana, and fruit juices without pulp.
IV. What now?
When buying for foods to be eaten in a low fiber diet, one should be wary of food marks. Choose foods with marks like refined, for example refined flour. Avoid products that are “whole” like whole grains and whole wheat flour. One should also remove skins of fruits and vegetables before cooking. In addition, one should limit intake of fatty foods for it may increase residue. More importantly work with a dietician to have an individualized eating plot.
