Low-Fiber Diet Pros & Cons (Plus How to Follow It)

For years, fiber has been well-studied for its powerful impact on digestion, heart health, disease prevention and more. However, for some people, loading up on the high-fiber foods may actually end up doing more harm than good. In fact, doctors often prescribe a low-fiber diet for certain health conditions in an effort to give the digestive system a rest and promote healing.

A low-fiber diet, often referred to as a low-residue diet, involves limiting the intake of dietary fiber and other foods that are difficult to digest. This approach is typically recommended for specific medical conditions or during certain medical treatments to reduce the workload on the digestive system.

What is a low-fiber diet, and who might need it? Are there any benefits of a low-fiber diet, and what foods can you eat while still limiting fiber consumption?

Let’s take a closer look.

Who needs a low-fiber diet?

A low-fiber diet is often prescribed for individuals experiencing gastrointestinal issues, such as inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, especially during flare-ups. It may also be recommended before or after intestinal surgeries to minimize bowel movements and allow the digestive tract to heal.

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Additionally, those undergoing treatments like radiation therapy that affect the gastrointestinal tract might benefit from a low-fiber diet to reduce discomfort.

Low-fiber diets are designed to help reduce stress on the digestive system, decrease the amount of food moving through the gastrointestinal tract and reduce GI symptoms, such as stomach pain, gas, bloating and diarrhea.

The diet is typically followed for a short amount of time during flare-ups of digestive issues, including:

• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn’s disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Diverticulitis

It also may be recommended prior to certain surgical procedures, such as colonoscopy, colostomy or ileostomy. This diet is sometimes necessary for those who have a narrowing of the gastrointestinal tract as well, which can make digestion difficult.

For certain conditions, other dietary changes may also be necessary. On an ulcerative colitis diet, for example, your doctor may recommend following a low-fat, low-fiber diet. Why? High-fat foods may trigger symptoms for some people.

Meanwhile, if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), reducing fiber intake may help decrease symptoms during flare-ups, but other ingredients may also trigger symptoms, including caffeine, sugar alcohols or alcohol.

Low-fiber diet pros and cons

The primary benefit of a low-fiber diet is the reduction of digestive workload, which can help alleviate symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and bloating associated with various gastrointestinal conditions. It also allows the digestive tract to rest and heal, particularly after surgeries or during treatment phases.

Following a low-fiber diet is often necessary to help give your digestive system a rest during stressful times. In particular, many recommend a short-term, low-fiber diet for IBS, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, especially when you’re experiencing a flare-up of symptoms.

It is also used prior to procedures like colonoscopies to help ensure that your bowels are clear.

However, fiber is important to many aspects of health and a key component of a well-rounded diet. In fact, fiber has been shown to improve blood sugar control, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, boost weight loss, and support digestive health.

Fiber also protects against issues such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, constipation and intestinal ulcers.

Not only that, but reducing your intake of fiber eliminates many healthy, nutrient-rich foods from your diet altogether. Cruciferous vegetables, berries, nuts, seeds and whole grains are all jam-packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals but are typically off-limits during a low-fiber diet.

What happens if you don’t eat enough fiber? While low-fiber diets are fine in the short term, they may be associated with adverse health effects in the long run.

For example, studies have shown that higher fiber intakes are associated with a lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and colorectal cancer.

How to follow

The low-fiber diet involves cutting out high-fiber foods like raw fruits and veggies, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Instead, you can enjoy a variety of refined grains, low-fiber fruits and veggies, soft protein foods, and healthy fats.

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One of the easiest swaps when following a high-fat, low-fiber diet is to swap out whole grains like whole wheat, oats, quinoa and brown rice for white bread, white pasta and white rice instead. Many canned or cooked veggies are also lower in fiber, especially when consumed without the skin and seeds.

On a low-fiber, low-residue diet, simply mix and match your favorite low-fiber protein foods with a starch and a veggie to make a well-rounded meal.

Foods to avoid

On a low-fiber diet, it’s absolutely essential to limit your consumption of fiber foods, such as high-fiber fruits, veggies, beans, legumes and whole grains. Here are a few of the top foods with fiber that you should avoid on a low-fiber diet:

• Whole grains, such as oats, quinoa, brown rice, barley, buckwheat, etc.
• Raw and dried fruit
• Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale and cabbage
• Onions
• Garlic
• Avocados
• Potatoes with skin
• Processed meats, such as cold cuts, sausages, hot dogs, jerky, etc.
• Spicy foods
• Legumes, such as beans, lentils, peas
• Nuts and seeds
• Popcorn
• Brown rice
• Cornmeal
• Bran

Low-fiber foods to eat

There are plenty of low-fiber foods and low-fiber snacks that you can safely enjoy while restricting the amount of fiber in your diet. Plus, there are even several low-fiber vegetables, starches and fruits that you can consume as well.

Which vegetables are low in fiber, and which fruits are low in fiber? Here are a few of the top foods that you can include as part of a low-fiber diet:

• Fruits: bananas, melons, nectarines, peaches, papayas, canned fruit, applesauce
• Vegetables: well-cooked/canned veggies without skin or seeds, including carrots, asparagus tips, skinless potato, beets, spinach, mushrooms, eggplant, green beans, zucchini, acorn squash without seeds
• Starches: white pasta, white bread, white rice, plain crackers, pancakes/waffles made with white flour, low-fiber refined hot/cold cereals
• Protein Foods: eggs, skinless chicken, skinless turkey, fish, seafood, tofu, smooth nut butters
• Healthy Fats: olive oil, coconut oil, grass-fed butter, ghee
• Dairy: milk, yogurt, and mild cheeses, provided they are tolerated and lactose intolerance is not an issue

Meal plan

Fortunately, there are plenty of low-fiber diet recipes and low-fiber diet menu examples out there, making it easier than ever to enjoy a balanced and varied diet while still minimizing fiber intake.

Below is a sample meal plan for a day on a low-fiber diet:

• Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with a slice of white toast and a serving of applesauce.
• Lunch: Grilled chicken breast with mashed potatoes (without skin) and cooked carrots.
• Dinner: Baked fish with white rice and steamed zucchini.
• Snacks: Plain yogurt, ripe banana or cheese slices.

Here’s a simple three-day meal plan that includes a few examples of delicious, low-fiber foods that you can include in your diet:

Day 1

• Breakfast: scrambled eggs with two slices of white bread
• Lunch: grilled skinless chicken with cooked carrots and skinless baked potato
• Dinner: baked salmon with zucchini and white rice
• Snack: pretzels with peanut butter

Day 2

• Breakfast: pancakes made with white flour, topped with sliced bananas
• Lunch: roasted skinless turkey with steamed spinach and white bread
• Dinner: tuna pasta with asparagus tips
• Snacks: plain crackers with sliced cheese

Day 3

• Breakfast: cooked farina with creamy almond butter and omelet
• Lunch: baked lemon chicken with roasted beets and skinless sweet potato
• Dinner: cooked acorn squash stuffed with ground turkey, cheese and tomato sauce
• Snacks: cottage cheese with melon chunks

Tips

In most cases, a low-fiber diet should be followed for short periods of time. A low-fiber diet for colonoscopy, for example, is typically only necessary for a few days before your procedure.

For other issues, like Crohn’s disease or diverticulitis, a low-fiber diet is typically recommended only during flare-ups to help decrease symptoms.

Over time as symptoms subside, you can typically start to slowly add fiber back into your diet. It’s recommended to work closely with your doctor or dietitian to determine how long you should follow a low-fiber diet, as it may vary on a case-by-case basis.

Following a low-fiber diet long term is not usually recommended because a diet low in fiber is associated with an increased risk of developing constipation and other digestive issues, like hemorrhoids, diverticulitis and intestinal ulcers. Fiber consumption is also linked to other health benefits, including better blood sugar control, decreased cholesterol levels and improved digestive health.

When you are following a low-fiber diet, here are some tips to help stay on track:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help maintain regular bowel movements.
• Consume small, frequent meals: Eating smaller amounts more frequently can ease digestion.
• Chew thoroughly: Proper chewing can aid in the digestive process.
• Monitor symptoms: Keep track of foods that may cause discomfort, and adjust accordingly.
• Limit or avoid insoluble fiber foods: Insoluble fiber can be difficult to digest and may aggravate symptoms.
• Use foods with two grams of fiber or fewer per serving: Check nutrition labels to ensure you’re consuming low-fiber foods.
• Peel your produce: Removing skins from fruits and vegetables helps reduce fiber content.
• Avoid triggering foods: Identify and steer clear of foods that cause bloating or discomfort.
• Start slowly: When modifying your diet, introduce changes gradually to prevent digestive distress.
• Cook at home, preferably from scratch: Preparing meals yourself allows for better control over ingredients and fiber content.
• Focus on food preparation: Opt for methods like boiling, steaming or baking to make foods easier to digest.

Risks and side effects

Although a low-fiber diet is often necessary for the treatment of a variety of conditions, it’s not meant to be followed for long periods of time. Not only is fiber associated with several health benefits, but it’s also found in many nutritious ingredients that supply a number of other important vitamins and minerals.

In most cases, fiber can be slowly added back into the diet once any digestive side effects subside. Be sure to work with a trusted healthcare practitioner to determine how long you may need to be on a low-fiber diet and whether any other dietary modifications are necessary.

While a low-fiber diet can be beneficial short-term, prolonged adherence may lead to certain risks, such as:

• Nutrient deficiencies: Limiting fruits, vegetables and whole grains can result in inadequate intake of essential nutrients, like vitamins and minerals.
• Constipation: Ironically, reducing fiber can lead to constipation in some individuals.
• Altered gut microbiota: A low-fiber diet may negatively impact the diversity of gut bacteria, potentially affecting overall health.

How to start eating fiber again

Reintroducing fiber should be done gradually:

• Start slowly: Introduce small amounts of fiber-rich foods (such as keto fiber foods) to allow the digestive system to adjust.
• Choose soluble fiber: Foods like oats, peeled apples and carrots contain soluble fiber, which is generally easier to digest.
• Monitor tolerance: Pay attention to how your body responds, and adjust the diet accordingly.
• Consult a professional: Work with a dietitian or healthcare provider to ensure nutritional needs are met during the transition.

Frequently asked questions

What can I eat on a low-fiber diet?

A low-fiber diet includes foods that are easy to digest and do not leave much residue in the intestines. Some low-fiber foods include:

• White bread, white rice and plain pasta
• Lean meats, poultry, eggs and fish
• Dairy products (if tolerated), such as milk, yogurt and cheese
• Well-cooked or canned vegetables without skins or seeds (e.g., carrots, potatoes, zucchini)
• Ripe bananas, canned peaches and applesauce
• Plain cereals like cornflakes or puffed rice

What is a low-fiber diet for colonoscopy? What foods are low in fiber for a colonoscopy?

A low-fiber diet for a colonoscopy helps reduce residue in the intestines before the procedure. This diet is typically followed for a few days before switching to a clear liquid diet the day before the colonoscopy.

Allowed foods include:

• White toast with butter or cream cheese
• Scrambled eggs
• Skinless chicken or turkey
• Mashed potatoes (without skin)
• Plain yogurt or cottage cheese
• Canned or well-cooked vegetables (like carrots or green beans)
• Ripe bananas and applesauce

Can I eat bananas on a low-fiber diet?

Yes, ripe bananas are low in fiber and can be eaten on a low-fiber diet. However, avoid unripe (green) bananas, as they contain more resistant starch, which can be harder to digest.

Can I eat salad on a low-fiber diet?

Most raw leafy greens, such as lettuce, spinach and kale, are high in fiber and should be avoided on a low-fiber diet. However, iceberg lettuce is lower in fiber and may be consumed in small amounts if tolerated.

Can you eat oatmeal on a low-fiber diet?

Instant or quick oats are lower in fiber than steel-cut or rolled oats and may be allowed in small portions on a low-fiber diet. However, some doctors recommend avoiding all types of oats before a colonoscopy or surgery.

What is a low-fiber diet for breakfast?

A low-fiber breakfast could include:

• Scrambled or boiled eggs with white toast
• Plain pancakes or waffles (without whole grains)
• Instant oatmeal (if allowed)
• Yogurt with honey
• White bread with butter, peanut butter (smooth) or cream cheese
• Cottage cheese with canned peaches

How long do you have to stay on a low-fiber diet after colon surgery?

After colon surgery, a low-fiber diet may be recommended for about two to six weeks, depending on how well the digestive system is healing. Your doctor will provide specific guidelines on when to reintroduce fiber gradually.

Conclusion

• A low-fiber diet serves as a therapeutic approach for managing specific medical conditions affecting the digestive system.
• While it offers benefits in reducing symptoms and allowing intestinal healing, it’s crucial to be mindful of potential risks associated with long-term adherence.
• Collaborating with healthcare professionals ensures that the diet is followed safely and effectively, with a plan to reintroduce fiber as appropriate to maintain overall health.