Treatments & Procedures

Low-Fiber, Easy To Digest Diet

Fiber (roughage) is the part of food that is not well-digested and passes through the intestines and goes out with stool. Although a diet high in fiber is typically healthy, there are certain conditions that a low fiber eating plan can be helpful. A low fiber eating pattern lessens irritation to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and can help it to heal by reducing the frequency and volume of stools. The low fiber eating pattern can help decrease the risk of blockages in your intestines if you have a stricture (restricted opening).

Conditions that may require a low-fiber eating pattern:

Crohn's disease
Ulcerative colitis
Diverticulitis
Radiation therapy to the pelvis and lower bowel
New colostomy/ileostomy
Recent intestinal surgery

Tips

Chew your food very well; this will break down some of the fibers and help with digestion.
If you are lactose intolerant, you may need to eat or drink low-lactose dairy products or avoid dairy foods completely.
Take supplements if they are recommended by your doctor or registered dietitian (RD). Use chewable or liquid supplements for better absorption; these are necessary if you have a stricture.
Avoid hot, spicy foods as these may not be well tolerated.
Low fat, low-fiber shakes - either homemade or commercial - may help you get more nutrition if you are having difficulty eating enough.
Avoid drinking through a straw and avoid carbonated beverages to decrease intestinal gas.

Foods recommended

Food Group	Foods Recommended
Milk and Milk Products	Milk or lactose-free milk Buttermilk and kefir Yogurt, lactose-free yogurt, or soy yogurt without nuts, fruit, or granola Cheese Cottage cheese or lactose-free cottage cheese Soy milk, rice milk, or almond milk (these are lactose-free) Sherbet
Meat and Other Protein Foods	Tender, well-cooked beef, poultry, or fish Eggs, cooked until yolk is solid Smooth nut butters (such as peanut, soy, almond, or sunflower) Tofu
Grains	Note: Choose grain foods with less than 2 grams (g) of dietary fiber per serving. Refined white flour products”for example, enriched white bread without seeds; pancakes/waffles; and crackers made with refined white flour White bread, pasta, and rice Cold cereals made from white or refined flour
Vegetables	Canned and well-cooked vegetables without seeds, skins, or hulls Mashed potatoes (no skins) Vegetable juice
Fruits	Canned, soft, and well-cooked fruits without skins, seeds, or membranes Fruit juice without pulp
Fats and Oils	Note: Limit fats to less than 8 teaspoons a day. When possible, choose healthy oils and fats, such as canola and olive oils. Butter Oils Cream Cream cheese Margarine Mayonnaise Nut butters
Others	Broth and strained soups made from allowed foods Desserts (small portions) without whole grains, seeds, nuts, raisins, or coconut

Foods not recommended

Food Group	Foods Not Recommended
Milk and Milk Products	Milk, soft cheeses, and foods made with milk, if you are lactose intolerant Yogurt with added fruit, nuts, or granola
Meat and Other Protein Sources	Tough meat, meat with gristle, or fatty meats Fried meat, poultry, or fish Luncheon meats such as bologna and salami Sausage, or hot dogs Dried beans, peas, or lentils Sushi Nuts Chunky nut butters
Grains	Whole wheat bread Brown rice, quinoa, kasha, barley Whole wheat pasta Whole grain and high-fiber cereals, including oatmeal or whole oats Popcorn
Vegetables	Raw or undercooked vegetables Avocado Vegetables with skins or seeds including peas and corn Alfalfa, bean or broccoli sprouts Gas-forming vegetables, including: Broccoli and cauliflower Brussels sprouts Cabbage and sauerkraut Lima beans Mushrooms Onions Leeks Parsnips Green salads
Fruits	Raw fruit Berries Dried fruit Fruit juice with pulp Prune juice Fruit skin Coconut

Low-fiber sample menu

Breakfast	1 egg, scrambled 1 slice white toast 1 teaspoon butter 1/2 (15 grams) cup of cereal, knowing that the serving size depends on the type of cereal
Morning snack	6 saltine crackers 1 cup lactose-free milk
Lunch	2 ounces (56.69 grams) of tuna 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 slices white bread 1 cup chicken noodle soup 6 saltine crackers 1/2 cup orange juice without pulp
Afternoon Snack	1/2 cup canned peaches 1/2 cup plain, low-fat yogurt
Dinner	3 oz (85.04 grams) chicken breast 1 cup white rice 1/2 cup cooked canned green beans 1 soft, white dinner roll 2 teaspoons olive oil 1/2 cup applesauce

This information is provided by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of Mubadala Healthcare, and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.

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