Fiber helps our digestive system to work effectively. They are not absorbed by the body during digestion, instead, pass through the entire digestive process and are released in the stool. Fiber helps to keep the contents of the colon soft. Low fiber foods are not always the cause of constipation.
Low-fiber diet /restricted fiber diet/may be prescribed by doctor for several reasons such as narrowing of the bowel due to an inflammatory disease or cancer, some types of bowel surgery, having treatment, that damages or irritates the digestive tract, diarrhea, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or other medical problems. Low fiber diet limits the types of vegetables and fruits that you can eat, so do not follow any low fiber diet, before consult your doctor.
Which are low fiber foods?
A list of low fiber foods. Low fiber diet.
Mainly plant products contain fiber. Animal products including milk, eggs, meat, fish are foods without fiber. Here is some examples of low fiber foods:
- Fish and shellfish
- Eggs
- White rice, noodles, and refined pasta
- Tofu
- Meat – lean, tender, and soft beef, lamb, chicken. Animal products don’t have fiber.
- Plain pasta or noodles
- Well-cooked fresh vegetables or canned vegetables without seeds. Some low fiber vegetables are: spinach, corrots, green beans, parsnips, pumpkin, cooked potatoes without skin. The skin and seeds of many fruits and vegetables are full of fiber.
- Low fiber fruits are ripe bananas, honeydew, soft cantaloupe, avocado.
- Butter and oils
- Cold cereals such as corn flakes
- Smooth sauces and salad dressing
- Sour cream
- Strained vegetable juices
- Decaffeinated coffee and tea
Low fiber diet is a short-term diet. It is a type of diet that limits important nutrients you need for healthy living. Your doctor or health professional will tell you which foods to eat or not to eat and how long you have to follow a restricted fiber diet.
Dietary fiber can be divided into two types: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibers dissolve in water and insoluble – no. Soluble fiber retains water, creating a kind of gel that slows digestion. Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, act as a natural laxatives, which accelerates the digestion process.
Attention: Before following any low fiber diet, consult your doctor.
