Eating A Low Fiber Food Diet

A high fiber diet is recommended for most people in the world today. There are studies which link high fiber diets to decreased cardiovascular disease and a decrease in some types of cancer. These are great diseases to avoid but in some cases eating low fiber foods are necessary for the health of the individual. There are some diseases and conditions which require avoiding or limiting the amount of fiber in ones diet.

Diseases And Conditions Requiring Low Fiber Foods

Fiber is a substance in the diet which can not be digested in the intestinal tract. People who have digestive disorders will have great difficulty with fiber. Fiber increases the amount of food waist in the intestine and increases pressure on the intestines. This in turn can cause great pain and possibly serious complications. People with Colitis or Crohns disease will find that they suffer greatly unless they maintain a diet in low fiber foods.

People with diverticulitis need to watch their fiber intake also. Other problems that may require low fiber foods are some post operative conditions including colostomies or ileostomies or people with diseases such as Cancer who are having acute digestive problems. There are times where the digestive tract needs a period of rest and a diet of low fiber foods is prescribed.

A Low Fiber Food Diet

There are many obvious things to avoid in a low fiber food diet. Whole grain breads and cereals need to be avoided. These should be substituted with white breads, rice and pasta. Raw fruits and vegetables tend to be high in fiber. Cooking fruits and vegetables will help to break down the fiber making the food acceptable for a low fiber food diet. Beans and nuts, otherwise known as legumes, should be avoided including crunchy styles of peanut butter. Popcorn, coconut, pickles and relishes should also be avoided. These foods will all cause distress for a person requiring a low fiber food diet.

The person making these dietary changes needs to be aware that they may need a multi vitamin and mineral supplement. The human diet requires the consumption of whole grains and fruits and vegetables for some of their vitamins and minerals. If these foods are limited in the diet then a supplement will be an advisable choice. Most importantly, a person on a low fiber food diet should be under the care of a physician and a dietician so that all the nutritional needs can be monitored and maintained.