If you’ve been told to eat low fiber foods, you might not be sure what that actually means or what you can safely eat. This type of diet is usually recommended for a short time when your digestive system needs a break, such as before a procedure or during a flare of certain conditions.
Low fiber foods are easier to digest and create less bulk in the stool. That can help reduce irritation in the digestive tract while your body heals. Below, you’ll find when a low-fiber diet may be needed and examples of foods that are typically included.
Fiber is the part of plant foods that your body can’t fully digest. Because of this, foods that contain fiber can add bulk to stool and move more slowly through the digestive tract.
Low fiber foods are foods that have little to no fiber. These are often more processed or cooked in a way that makes them easier to digest.
Animal-based foods do not contain fiber. This includes:
A low-fiber diet may be recommended for a short time when your digestive tract needs rest or when bulky stool could make symptoms worse. This may include:
Small changes in how you choose and prepare foods can make this diet easier to follow day to day.
The following foods are commonly included in a low-fiber diet:
Foods that are high in fiber or harder to digest are usually limited. These may include:
A low-fiber diet can help give your digestive system time to rest, but it’s not meant to be a long-term solution for most people. How long you should follow it depends on what’s causing your symptoms and how your body responds.
Digestive symptoms can be frustrating, especially when you’re not sure what to eat. A clear plan can help. That includes what to eat now and when to add fiber back in.
Your diet may also need to change before a procedure or while you’re recovering from a gut condition. In those cases, low fiber foods can help reduce irritation while your system heals.
Not sure what you should be eating or when to add fiber back in? You don’t have to figure it out on your own.
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