FIBER: LOW FIBER DIET

Dietary fiber is the indigestible portion of plant foods and an important nutrient for health. Most Americans consume less fiber than their body requires for optimal function. A low fiber diet contributes to constipation, bowel irregularity, and bowel diseases like colon cancer. Low fiber diets have caused Americans to become big consumers of laxative and stool softening agents. Most of these agents would not be needed if people added more fiber to their diets.

The recommended intake of dietary fiber is 25 to 30 grams per day. The average American adult consumes only 10 to 12 grams of fiber each day. Many consume a diet high in animal and processed foods that contain little or no fiber.

High fiber diets not only promote bowel regularity, they also reduce our risk of breast and colon cancer. Fiber also helps to reduce cholesterol and blood glucose levels.

Some intestinal disorders require low fiber diets during acute flare-ups. These include:

intestinal inflammation
Crohn's disease and
diverticulitis

For these disorders, a low fiber diet is followed only for a short time as advised by a healthcare provider. A high fiber diet is normally resumed once the acute symptoms have subsided.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of fiber as are whole grain breads, cereals, pastas, brown rice, and beans.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File NUTR4820.rf2 VRS# 7000 Data Version 7.0