Low Fiber Diet You might hear the terms “fiber” and “residue” being used as if they mean the same thing, but technically, they're not the same. Fiber is the undigested part of plants that remains in the intestinal tract and contributes to stool. Residue is a more general term that includes fiber and any other foods that may increase stool output. For example, prune juice and lactose-containing products like cow’s milk sometimes increase stool output, but neither provide any fiber.1 As a general guideline, look for foods with less than 3 grams of fiber per serving. Recommended Foods Breads Enriched white bread, toast, rolls, cornbread, biscuits, muffins, crackers, pancakes, and waffles. Look for “enriched” flour as the first ingredient listed. Refined, ready-to-eat cereals such as puffed rice and puffed wheat (e.g., Rice Krispies®, Cornflakes®). Hot cereal made from refined wheat, corn, or rice (e.g., Cream of Wheat, grits). White rice, white pasta, macaroni, egg noodles, couscous.
Foods to Avoid and Grains Any bread product that lists whole grain flour or graham flour as the first ingredient. Breads made with whole grains, cracked grains, bran, seeds (including ground flaxseed), nuts, coconut, and/or dried fruit. Any whole grain, bran, or granola cereal; Fiber One® or store brand equivalent; oatmeal; cereal with seeds, nuts, coconut, or dried fruit. Bran, barley, brown and wild rice; farro; quinoa; kasha (buckwheat). Whole wheat pasta, quinoa or brown rice pasta.
Dairy All dairy and non-dairy (plant-based) alternatives are allowed except Yogurt, smoothies, and ice cream products with added or blended fruit containing fruit, seeds, or nuts in excess or nuts. Check nutrition label for total of 3 grams. Check nutrition label for fiber content. fiber content.
1
Dried prunes contain about 6 grams of dietary fiber per 100 gram serving, while prune juice has no fiber due to filtration before bottling. The laxative action of prune juice is instead due to its high sorbitol content (6 grams/100 gram serving).
11-2017
MB
www.GInutrition.virginia.edu