Low Fibre Diet

Low fibre diet

You have been advised to follow a low fibre diet.

This means you should:

• Avoid or limit foods containing a lot of fibre. For example fruit, vegetables, nuts, wholegrain cereals and bran
• Try to drink a variety of fluids including water, tea, coffee, milk, smooth fruit juice and squash. Aim to have 1.5 – 2 litres (6-8 mugs or glasses) each day. Unless specific fluid restriction advised by medical team.

Why is a low fibre diet necessary?

Certain foods cannot be completely digested by the human body. One example is fibre which helps to bulk up your stools. This helps with regular bowel movements and keeps your bowel healthy.

However, there are cases when it is better to reduce stool volume as much as possible in order to keep the bowel clear or help to settle symptoms.

How long will I need to follow a low fibre diet for?

This depends on the reason for which you have been asked to follow such a diet. 

In some cases where inflammation in the bowel is suspected then a few weeks on a low fibre diet may be necessary. 

The need for a low fibre diet is usually temporary but in some cases it may be required for longer. Your dietitian/doctor/nurse will advise if this is needed on a more long-term basis and whether a multivitamin may be required.

Helpful Hints

• Canned/stewed fruits can be blended further and passed through a sieve to remove seeds/pulp
• Soups can be blended and passed through sieve also
• A multi-vitamin may be required, this should be discussed with the IBD Nurse, Consultant or Dietitian.
• It is important that you include a small glass of smooth fruit juice without pulp (e.g. orange juice) to ensure you have a source of Vitamin C in your diet.
• Although meat, dairy, fats and oils do not contain fibre, these foods can be difficult to digest. Avoid tough and fatty cuts of meat and very fatty/fried foods.
• If dairy foods are poorly tolerated, eat/drink in small amounts and spread intake of dairy foods throughout the day.

Remember:

• Take time to eat meals
• Eat regularly throughout the day
• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day
• Eat ‘Little and Often’ – eat smaller amounts more often during the day

The following table will help you choose lower fibre foods.

In your daily diet, try to include a variety of foods from the food groups listed.

Suggested meal plan

Breakfast

• A bowl of cornflakes or  rice krispies with semi-skimmed milk
• White bread or white rolls (you can toast them if you like) with eggs
• A glass of smooth fruit juice
• Smooth yoghurt (with no fruit pieces)

Mid-morning

• Hot beverage
• Plain biscuit or plain scone (made from white flour)

Lunch

• Clear soup
• White toast/bread/crackers or jacket potato (no skin) with toppings e.g tuna mayo, cheese, eggs, chicken etc.
• Rice pudding or jelly

Mid-afternoon

• Hot beverage
• Plain shortcake or a slice  of Madeira cake, cheese and plain crackers

Dinner

• A portion of tender lean meat, or fish, or chicken with skin removed, with gravy
• A portion of white pasta, or white rice, or boiled potatoes without skins
• Small portion of well boiled veg e.g cauliflower /swede/carrots/deskinned and de-seeded tomatoes
• A small pot of plain low fat natural yoghurt or smooth Formage Frais
• Tinned /stewed fruit without seeds, skin, pith

Supper

• A cup of Oxo or Bovril or Drinking Chocolate
• A slice of white bread with spread

Note: The above menu is provided to illustrate how low fibre foods can be used. It is not intended as and should not be relied upon as the only menu choice.

If you need this information in another language or format, please e-mail:

Translation.Services@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk