What you need to know about low fiber diets

Fiber is normally found in fruits and vegetables and is not digested as it passes through the small intestine. Therefore, a low-fiber diet will include foods that are easily digested and absorbed by the body. This is a diet for people with certain health conditions.

Until now, we often hear people recommend that eating more fiber is good for health. However, in some cases, like diarrhea or colonoscopy, your doctor will ask you to follow a low-fiber diet. So what is this diet? And what health benefits will it bring? Please refer to the following article.

What is a low fiber diet?

A low-fiber diet, also known as a low-fiber diet, limits the amount of high-fiber foods you eat each day to give your digestive system a break.

In fact, many people still think that fiber can be fully digested in the body, but that is not the case. There are two types of fiber:

Soluble fiber absorbs water during digestion, turning it into a soft, gel-like substance. Foods high in soluble fiber including apples, peas or beans are less likely to irritate the digestive tract and can usually be eaten in small amounts.

Insoluble fiber, like wheat, whole grains, and raw vegetables, will not be fully digested in the stomach. Small pieces of undigested food left over can irritate the intestines.

A low-fiber diet will:

• Reduces the amount of undigested food passing through the small and large intestines
• Reduce the workload of the digestive system
• Reduce the number of stools per bowel movement
• Relieve abdominal pain, diarrhea and other symptoms

Usually, this diet is only ordered by a doctor to treat symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal pain, before a colonoscopy or after surgery. You are also asked to eat less fiber if the following intestinal problems develop:

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Diverticulitis
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Constipation
• Digestive problems
• Gastrointestinal tract irritation or damage
• Intestinal stricture due to tumor
• Undergoing radiation or other treatments that can affect the gastrointestinal tract

You also note not to apply this diet to lose weight because it may have unwanted effects in the long run.

Foods you should and shouldn’t eat

A low-fiber diet can limit the amount of fiber absorbed into the body by 10-15g per day. In addition, you also need to limit the use of milk and dairy products.

Although milk has no fiber, it can contribute to upset stomach or diarrhea, especially if you are lactose intolerant .

The ability to digest food is not the same for each person. Depending on your health status and your body’s tolerance, your doctor will recommend a low- or high-fiber diet.

Some people will follow this diet for a short time, while others need to maintain it for a long time. No matter how long it takes, you need to follow your doctor’s instructions for a quick recovery.

Here, Hello Bacsi will suggest some foods that should and should not be included in a low-fiber diet. Please note, this information is for reference only. To find out exactly which foods are right for you, consult your doctor.

Foods to eat

• Bread, rice, pasta
• Refined grains
• Egg
• A small amount of greens
• Potato
• Olive oil, mayonnaise and butter
• Tofu, chicken, fish
• Peanut butter
• Fruit juice
• Banana
• Melon
• Green flesh melon
• Watermelon
• Papaya
• Dig
• Plum
• Carrot
• Radish
• Asparagus
• Chickpeas
• Lettuce fish
• Ketchup
• Vegetable juice

As for zucchini and cucumbers, you can eat them after you have peeled and removed the seeds.

Foods you should avoid

• Onion
• Garlic
• Raw or undercooked vegetables
• Dry fruit
• Beans and seeds
• Whole grain foods
• Brown rice
• Spicy, fried or chewy dishes
• Canned meat

If you have any questions about your diet, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor. In addition, you should also drink a lot of water to avoid constipation .

When can you start adding fiber again?

Once your digestive system is healthy, your doctor will guide you slowly back to a high-fiber diet. In the beginning, you may have to eat a small amount of each food’s fiber each day. If the food doesn’t cause any symptoms within 24 hours, you’re free to eat it.

The amount of fiber your body needs will be based on an individual’s age and gender:

A low-fiber diet should only be followed by a doctor’s prescription. You should not arbitrarily apply because it can make your health condition worse. Hopefully with the above information, you have had a clearer view of this diet.