Low-Fiber Diet: Care Instructions

Overview

When your bowels are irritated, you may need to limit fiber in your diet until the problem clears up. Your doctor and dietitian can help you design a low-fiber diet based on your health and what you prefer to eat. Ask your doctor how long you should stay on a low-fiber diet. Your doctor probably will have you start adding more fiber to your diet as you get better. Always talk with your doctor or dietitian before you make changes in your diet.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Choose white or refined grains, and avoid whole grains. That means eating white or refined cereals, breads, crackers, rice, or pasta.
• Choose fruits and vegetables that have been peeled and cooked. Avoid fruits and vegetables that are raw or that have skins, seeds, or hulls.
  • Eat cooked or canned fruit. Low-fiber fruits include applesauce, canned peaches, canned pears, and fruit juice without pulp.
  • Eat low-fiber vegetables, which include well-cooked vegetables and vegetable juice.
• Drink or eat milk, yogurt, or other milk products if you can digest dairy without too many problems. Your doctor may limit milk and milk products for a while. If so, they may recommend a calcium and vitamin D supplement.
• Eat well-cooked meat, such as chicken, turkey, fish, or lean meat. You also can eat eggs and tofu.
• Avoid these foods:
  • Bran, brown or wild rice, oatmeal, granola, corn, graham crackers, barley, and whole wheat and other whole-grain breads, such as rye bread
  • Cereals with more than 2 grams of fiber a serving
  • Berries, rhubarb, prunes, prune juice, and all dried fruits
  • Raw vegetables and fruits
  • Foods that may cause gas, such as raw or cooked cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower
  • Cooked dried beans, lentils, and split peas
  • Crunchy peanut butter
  • Ice cream with fruit pieces in it
  • Coconut, nuts, popcorn, raisins, and seeds, or any ice cream, yogurt, or cheese with these in them