There are a number of medical conditions that require a low-roughage, or low-fiber, diet. One example is a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the inside of the colon. This test can detect inflammation, ulcers, abnormal growths, unexplained bowel habits and early signs of colon cancer. Prior to this procedure, patients must follow a low-roughage diet. This ensures the gastrointestinal tract is empty, and there is no remaining residue. The goal of a low-roughage diet is to eat foods that are low in fiber and easily digested.
Dairy
Dairy alone does not contain fiber. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, you may have up to 2 cups of dairy products per day on a low-roughage diet. A serving is equal to 1 cup of milk, 8 oz. of yogurt or 1-1/2 oz. of cheese. Choose low-fat or nonfat milk, yogurt, custard, ice cream, pudding and creamy soups. Avoid milk products with nuts, seeds or vegetables added to them.
Meat, Poultry and Fish
Meat, poultry and fish are rich in protein, but contain no fiber. Consume 2 to 3 servings or a total of 6 oz. per day. Eat well-cooked, tender beef, lamb, ham, veal, pork and poultry; or fish; eggs; and smooth peanut butter. Bake, broil or poach meats and use mild seasonings. You should avoid tough, fibrous meats with gristle, dry beans and peas, lentils, chunky peanut butter, processed deli meats, hot dogs and sausage.
Bread and Cereal Grains
On a low-roughage diet, you need to avoid whole grains. Whole grains are rich in dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates, making them harder to digest. You should choose refined white bread and rolls; dry cereals such as puffed rice or corn flakes; cooked cereals like cream of wheat or grits; French toast, waffles or pancakes that do not contain whole grains; white rice and pasta; cooked potatoes; and plain crackers. Choose products with less than 0.5 g of fiber per serving. Eat 6 to 11 servings of low-fiber grains per day. Avoid brown or wild rice, whole wheat, cracked grains, granola, buckwheat and bran. Avoid grain products with nuts, seeds or fruit and potatoes with skin.
Vegetables
On a low-fiber diet, you are allowed to eat some vegetables, but not others. You should limit the amount of raw vegetables you consume as these provide more roughage than cooked vegetables. Lettuce, cucumbers and zucchini are safe to eat raw. Avoid all other raw vegetables. Choose spinach, pumpkin, eggplant, asparagus, beets, tomato, carrots and strained vegetable juice. Select vegetables that are well-cooked or canned and contain no seeds. Additionally, you should avoid all types of beans, peas, corn, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, onions and sauerkraut. Eat 3 to 5 servings of vegetables each day. One cup of raw, 1/2 cup of cooked or 6 oz. of juice constitutes a serving from the vegetable group.
Fruit
On a low roughage-diet, you can eat 2 to 4 servings of fruit per day. A serving is equal to 1 medium piece fresh fruit; 1/2 cup cut-up fresh, canned or frozen fruit; and 4 oz. of fruit juice. Select strained or clear juices, ripe bananas, soft melon and canned or cooked fruit without skin or seeds. You can also eat desserts made from these fruits in addition to Popsicles and sherbet. You can have ripe apricots, nectarines, papayas, peaches and plums, but you should avoid all other raw fruit. Avoid prunes and prune juice, all berries and dried fruit such as raisins and figs.
Fats and Oils
You may eat margarine, butter, oil, mayonnaise, whipped cream, smooth sauces and dressings. Avoid eating spicy or chunky varieties. Eat fats and oils in moderation.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Colonoscopy; January 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Low- Residue Fiber Diet; George F. Longstreth, M.D.; February 7, 2009
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Low Residue/Low Fiber Diet
- American Cancer Society: Low Fiber Foods; March 23, 2011
