The recommendation is usually temporary until the procedure is over or the condition improves.
This article will discuss the long- and short-term circumstances under which a low-fiber diet might be recommended.
It is not digested by the body.
Photo composite by Amelia Manley for Verywell Health; Getty Images
It works to give stool bulk and to move it through the intestines easily.
The healthcare provider that recommended the diet should give some guidelines.
In some cases, higher-fiber foods will be added back into the eating plan slowly.
Fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains.
Reading nutrition labels can help.
They also recommend trying to eat less than 10 g of fiber a day.
Cooking Tips
Foods such as meats and vegetables should be well cooked and tender.
Modifications
It might be challenging to meet nutritional needs while eating a low-fiber diet.
It may be difficult to get enoughvitaminsand minerals.
Every person has unique nutritional needs.
Fiber works to make stool bulkier and help it move smoothly through the intestines.
Without enough fiber, there could be a change in bowel habits (such as diarrhea orconstipation).
Drinking more fluids, especially water, may be recommended while cutting back on fiber.
Colonoscopy Prep
The purpose of acolonoscopy prepis to remove all the stool from the large intestine.
A healthcare provider will give detailed instructions on how to eat and prepare for the test.
One study showed that people recommended a low-fiber diet prior to a colonoscopy often still ate high-fiber foods.
Vegetables containing a lot of fiber were the most commonly eaten high-fiber foods among study participants.
Constipation
In many cases, people who live with constipation may be told to eat more fiber.
That recommendation depends on the reason for having constipation, such as not getting enough fluids or high-fiber foods.
Some people may find this out through trial and error.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
The connection between IBS and diet is complicated.
The foods that affect people with IBS vary by individual.
Adiet low in FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols)might be recommended.
In this diet, foods higher in FODMAPs are avoided.
It can be challenging to include enough fiber and also avoid food containing FODMAPs that may cause more symptoms.
A healthcare provider can advise you on how to undertake a low-FODMAP eating plan while also getting enough fiber.
During aflare-up, when inflammation increases, a lower-fiber diet may be recommended.
Diverticular Disease
Pouches calleddiverticulathat form in the colon are a sign ofdiverticular disease.
People with this condition often are advised to eat a diet high in fiber.
In the case of diverticulitis, alow-fiber dietmay be recommended as part of treatment for a few days.
Adding fiber back into the diet after a bout of diverticulitis takes place slowly, as tolerated.
In addition, changing the particle size of some foods with fiber may help.
A low-fiber diet may be recommended for a short time or for the long term.Gastroparesisrequires specialized treatment.
A team of healthcare providers will give support and guidance on an eating plan.
Your provider will discuss your need for a low-fiber diet before the procedure.
Low-Residue Diet
A low-residue diet is not the same as a low-fiber diet.
They are similar in that both diets limit fiber.
This can include prunes and prune juice and foods and beverages that contain caffeine.
Low Fiber Considerations and Dietary Restrictions
Eating plans can be complicated.
Its not always easy to understand what is allowed on a low-fiber diet and what is not.
Your treating providers are going to be the best source of information regarding your need for a low-fiber diet.
The purpose is different from a low-fiber diet.
The carnivore diet may be low in fiber because many sources of dietary fiber are not allowed.
There are conditions in which a low-fiber diet may be recommended for long-term use by a healthcare provider.
Additionally, eating a diet high in fiber may decrease the risk of developing other conditions.
2022;14(13):2641. doi:10.3390/nu14132641
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Low-fiber diet.
2021;13:3386. doi:10.3390/nu13103386.
2018;10:137. doi:10.3390/nu10020137
NHS Foundation Trust.Dietary advice for managing narrowing of the bowels/strictures.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Eating, diet, & nutrition for gastroparesis.
New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center.Low-fiber medical nutrition therapy.
University of Michigan Bowel Control Program.Low-fiber/low-residue diet.
US Department of Agriculture and US Department of Health and Human Services.Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025.
2014;349:g4490.
2021;50:101-111. doi:10.1016/j.gtc.2020.10.012
Farvid MS, et al.Dietary fiber intake in young adults and breast cancer risk.Pediatrics.
2016;137:e20151226.
doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1001878
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Low-Fiber Diet.
Updated August 16, 2023.
US Department of Agriculture and US Department of Health and Human Services.Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025.
