How to Eat a Low-Fiber Diet - Article Health

Cut back on fiber
It seems like the opposite of a healthy diet. Who tries to eat less fiber? People with Crohn's disease, that's who.

That's because roughage, which stimulates the bowels, is great for healthy people, but not for those with cramps and diarrhea due to Crohn's.

It's a short-term diet
A low-fiber diet is best for a short period of time.

It can be challenging to get all the nutrients you need on this diet, so people should only use a low-fiber diet when they are in a flare-up, says Sally Suen, a registered dietician with the Cambridge Health Alliance in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Cook your veggies
On this diet, most raw fruits and vegetables are off limits. One way to fit them in is by eating ones that are cooked or canned.

Choose lean meat or fish
Fatty foods can be a problem, so Suen recommends chicken and turkey as good protein choices for a low-fiber diet. Remove the skin, and select leaner red meats, like ground sirloin, if you can tolerate them at all. Avoid processed or smoked meats like hot dogs, bacon, deli meat, sausage, and bologna.

Avoid whole grains
When on a low-fiber diet, it's a good rule to stick to refined, white grains. Things like rice crackers, Cheerios, Rice Krispies, oatmeal, and white breads and pastas are the best options.

Use caution with lettuce
Almost all raw vegetables are a no-no when on a low-fiber diet. However, if you are craving a salad, iceberg lettuce should be fine if eaten in small quantities, say Suen.

Avoid raw fruit
In general, raw fruit should be avoided if you're on a low-fiber diet. Berries, oranges, and fruits with seeds and more fiber—like prunes, raisins, and figs – can be a particular problem.


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