A low fiber diet is beneficial in the event of indigestion, cramps, or any sort of inflammation in the bowels, including diarrhea. Making awareness about low fiber diets that much more critical.
It is also advised in situations where individuals are diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. It helps give the bowels some rest, giving it ample time to recover from the inflammation. A low fiber diet has several benefits, some of which are outlined below:
Diarrhea alone contributes to the death of 1 in every 9 children(1) across the world.
A low fiber diet must only be incorporated on the recommendation of a doctor. You are usually advised to follow this diet in the event of cramping, or gut inflammation. The following are the issues that require an individual to follow a low fiber diet:
This diet is not meant for weight loss. It is extremely limited in its nutritional value, and can thus be harmful to the body over an extended period.
A low fiber diet is also known as a low residue diet.
Low fiber foods such as white bread, white rice, pasta, and eggs are ideal inclusions in a low fiber diet. They help ease bowel movements and prevent any further inflammations. These foods are highly versatile and can thus be eaten with any other vegetable or meat.
Given the restrictive nature of the diet, rice, or pasta should constitute at least two meals, as there are hardly any other alternatives that can be consumed. Bread is a great inclusion in a day’s breakfast and can also be eaten with eggs to ensure that while your intake of fiber is low, your body gets its necessary intake of protein.
[ Read: Low Potassium Foods ]
A low fiber diet, as mentioned earlier, isn’t the highest in terms of nutritional value. It is thus essential that one consume adequate fruits to ensure a sufficient intake of vitamins and gain enough energy for the day.
Fruits like bananas, watermelons, peaches, and papayas can all be eaten raw, or can even be mixed up in a fruit salad or blended into a smoothie. They make for an excellent breakfast option, or can even be consumed as a morning snack.
You must eat at least a bowlful of fruits every day to give your body its daily nutrients.
Vegetables are a crucial part of a low fiber diet, as just like fruits, they give the body the nutrients it needs to function healthily daily. They are a rich repository of electrolytes and vitamins that will keep you energetic throughout the day.
Vegetables such as carrots, beetroot, asparagus, and tomatoes can be eaten in multiple ways. They can be added to pasta, used in curries, or even eaten in the form of a salad. Make sure to include vegetables in at least two meals every day.
[ Read: Low Phosphorus Foods ]
Tender meats and fish are edible in a low fiber diet. They are crucial as they supply the body with its daily protein requirements, which are broken down to produce energy.
Tender meats and fish can be consumed by grilling them, boiling, or even using them in salads and curries. They can easily be paired with white rice or can be added to pasta. Ensure that you include meat in at least one meal every day.
While a low fiber diet aims to reduce the intake of fiber, one can still consume soluble fibers in smaller quantities as compared to insoluble fibers, which are more irritating to the stomach.
Given that a low fiber diet is limiting in nature, certain foods must be avoided to prevent any further inflammation or cramps in the bowels. These are listed below:
[ Read: Zero Carb Foods ]
The limited nature of a low fiber diet doesn’t leave too many options for the day’s meals. However, some of the food items that you can include meal wise are:
The following are certain tips that you must keep in mind to prevent further inflammation while on a low fiber diet:
While a low fiber diet can come across as really limiting, sticking to it is an ideal way of getting rid of any stomach irritations or inflammations. The various foods and tips above, if followed for the prescribed period of time, can help you get back on track to eating the food of your choice in just a few weeks.
Also Read:
Yes, a low fiber diet in the event of cramps or inflammation should only be included upon the advice of a doctor.
The duration depends entirely on the degree of inflammation and what the doctor prescribes as a result.
Yes. Cheat days won’t be of any help as they’ll only prolong or worsen the inflammation.