It can be challenging to eat healthy with a low-fiber diet. Some medical conditions, such as certain tumors, cause your bowel to narrow. In this case, you will have to decrease your fiber intake.
Why Does Your Body Need Fiber?
Fiber is a nutrient that we don’t digest at all. However, it is still very important to consume enough of it. Here are some of the ways that fiber is useful:
- It evens out your blood sugar levels and your cholesterol.
- Regularly consuming high-fiber foods will help your digestion.
- Studies show that it can help prevent breast cancer.
The recommended dosage for adults is 20-35 mg a day, and slightly less than that after the age of 50.
So What Does a Low-Fiber Diet Look Like?
If you have to restrict your fiber intake, you should avoid whole grains and seeds. Raw fruits and vegetables are forbidden as well. You must also give up on nuts and nut butter.
Most of these foods contain important nutrients, so if you don’t find acceptable alternatives, your health could be at risk. This is why you need to follow the advice of an experienced nutritionist. Your exact nutrient needs will depend on a number of things, including your age, weight, and any other medical conditions you may have.
Professional advice may include:
- Simmer or steam your vegetables. You can still eat vegetables if you make the texture softer and easier to digest.
- Canned fruits can be a good option. They can provide you with the vitamins and anti-oxidants you need, while keeping your fiber levels low.
- Consume a lot of liquids, including high-quality fruit juice. A low-fiber diet usually causes constipation. Thus, you should drink a lot of water and other liquids that can help your digestion.
- Choose tender meat, and keep consuming milk and eggs. Keep your protein intake high, and also avoid roasting your food.
Conclusion
It is possible to eat healthy with a low-fiber diet, but you will have to maintain a careful balance. You definitely shouldn’t cut fibers out of your life unless there is a medical reason to do so.
