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Restricted Fiber Diet

Jun 10, 2011 | By Erica Roth

Fiber is the undigestible component in food that helps move waste through your digestive system in a timely matter. Including fiber in your diet is usually a good idea because it helps keep your colon healthy, keeps you feeling fuller for longer periods of time and can regulate cholesterol and blood sugar levels. A diet that's restricted in terms of fiber content is not recommended for most people, but may be necessary for those who find that fiber-rich foods produce unpleasant side effects. Undertake a fiber-restricted diet only under the direction of your medical care provider.

Need for a Restricted Fiber Diet

You may need to go on a fiber-restricted diet if you have any of a number of conditions that fall under the umbrella term inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD. Examples of IBD include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Inflammation of the digestive tract in a person with IBD causes abdominal pain and chronic diarrhea. Fiber, the antidote to constipation, can actually do more harm than good in a person suffering from frequent bouts of diarrhea. The Crohn's and Colitits Foundation of America explains that restricting your fiber intake gives your colon time to rest and heal; your diarrhea may decrease in intensity and frequency. Some people who have IBD experience a narrowing of the bowel, which causes pain and cramping. A restricted fiber diet can improve symptoms in this case.

Safe Foods

Foods that are more refined and processed and made with white flour rather than whole grains are part of a fiber-restricted diet. This does not include "processed foods" such as packaged meals that tend to be high in sodium and fat. White rice and pastas as well as white bread without seeds are safe foods to eat as well. Fruits and vegetables that contain most of their fiber in their skins and membranes, such as apples, oranges and potatoes, can be eaten as long as they are peeled, according to MayoClinic.com. Milk, eggs and tender cuts of meat can also be part of a low-fiber diet. Seeds and nuts are forbidden, as they are high in fiber and can get caught in the irritated areas of the intestines easily due to their small shape and size. Canned or cooked fruits and vegetables are also recommended. Jellies that do not contain pieces of fruit can be eaten, while preserves and jams should be avoided.

Serving Sizes

Your doctor will let you know exactly how much fiber you can safely eat each day. According to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, a low-fiber diet may include as little as 10 g of fiber daily. Limit your intake of fruits and vegetables to no more than two servings daily, with each serving comprised of either a half cup of each food or one small piece of whole fruit to ensure you're not eating too much fiber for your condition.

Foods to Exclude

Unfortunately, there's a long list of foods you won't be able to eat if you're directed to follow a fiber-restricted diet. Raw vegetables are the first food group to be marked off the safe list, followed by dried beans and peas such as navy and pinto beans. Whole-grain breads, baked goods, breakfast cereals and pastas also contain too much fiber for your delicate digestive system. Nuts, seeds, popcorn and dried fruit also also foods to exclude from your diet. Potatoes without the skins are allowed, but French fries, potato chips and sweet potatoes are on the "unsafe" list.

Complications

Following a fiber-restricted diet, whether it's prescribed by your doctor or because you do not eat enough fiber daily, can cause digestive issues, namely constipation. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, a lack of fiber in your diet may lead to diverticular disease, sometimes referred to as diverticulitis or diverticulosis, which is the inflammation of the pouches that line your intestines called the diverticulum. Constipation can lead to extreme straining to produce a bowel movement, which puts undue pressure on the entire intestines, particularly the diverticulum. If you need to follow a restricted-fiber diet for medical reasons, drink enough water to counteract the possible constipation you could experience and to avoid complications.

References

Article reviewed by TheresaC Last updated on: Jun 10, 2011

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