Low Fiber Diet is composed of foods that can be easily digested. It is a diet consisting less than 10-15 grams of fiber per day and eliminate foods known to increase the amount of stool.Low Fiber Diet Characteristics and Use

Characteristics of the Diet

  • This diet contains a minimal amount if indigestible carbohydrates or dietary fiber to avoid large fecal volume that might distend and further aggravate inflamed tissue.
  • The fiber content of the diet may be reduced by removing seeds and skins of fruits and vegetables, cutting off gristle and connective tissue in meats, omitting leafy vegetables, fibrous and dried fruits, nuts, seeds and legumes; and using refined cereals and breads.
  • This diet does not provide the minimal requirements for some nutrients and is not intended for long-term use.  It can be used as a preoperative or postoperative diet for patients undergoing certain abdominal procedures or during some attacks of acute diverticulitis.
  • Supplemental vitamins and minerals and trace elements may be needed to replace stores or for maintenance because of maldigestion, malabsorption, drug nutrient interactions, or because the patient cannot eat a complete diet.

How Low Fiber Diet is Used

  • Ulcerative colities
  • Spastic constipation
  • Small bowel obstruction
  • Radiation enteritis
  • Peptic ulcer disease
  • Narrowing of the intestine
  • Inflammatory bowel syndrome
  • Gastrointestinal surgeries
  • Gasroparesis
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Acute diverticulitis
  • Diverticular disease

Food Allowed

  • Vegetables – Strained vegetables, peeled cucumber
    • Not Allowed – Celery, squash, lettuce, broccoli, brussels sprouts, potato skins
  • Fruit – Strained juices, low fiber fruits, peaches without skin
    • Not Allowed – Oranges, grapefruits, berries, figs, prunes, raisins, cherries, apples, grapes
  • Milk – In allowed amounts
  • Rice/Bread – White bread, rice
    • Not Allowed – Bran, popcorn, oatmeal
  • Meat/Substitute – Eggs, meats
    • Not Allowed – Kidney beans, nuts
  • Fats/Oils – In allowed amounts
    • Not Allowed – Coconut meat
  • Sweets/Sugar – Simple sugars
    • Not Allowed – None

Suggested Meal Pattern and Sample Menu

  • BREAKFAST
    • Fruit or Juice
    • Egg or substitute
    • Rice or bread with butter/margarine or jelly
    • Hot beverage

Sample Menu

    • Banana
    • Scrambled Egg
    • Rice or bread with jelly
    • Coffee, Tea or nonfat Milk
  • LUNCH
    • Soup
    • Meat, fish, poultry, or substitute
    • Vegetable
    • Rice or substitute
    • Fruit or dessert

Sample Menu

    • Bihon Soup
    • Grilled Pork
    • Peeled Cucumber Salad
    • Rice
    • Canned Peaches
  • SUPPER
    • Same as lunch

Sample Menu

    • Chicken Tinola
    • Rice
    • Mango Slice
  • SNACKS
    • As desired, if necessary

Sample Menu

    • AM – Tuna Sandwich
    • PM – Macaroni Noodles