Why A Low Fiber Diet Is Beneficial For Some People
Although for most people, fiber is incredibly good to have in your diet, for others, a low fiber diet is necessary. Foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains are all traditionally seen as being healthy but are they actually good for you?
What Exactly Is Dietary Fiber?
Foods that contain indigestible plant matter are called dietary fiber, therefore, this is only found in plant derived products, not meat. Even though you are unable to absorb or digest dietary fiber, it still plays a very important role in nutrition because it is required for bulking purposes by your gastrointestinal tracts.
Dietary fiber absorbs water which bulks your stool and makes it softer so that you can experience a bowel movement more regularly. Dietary fiber is a necessary component to have in your diet to help promote a healthy colon and bowel regularity.
Unfortunately, the average American consumes a diet that is full of dairy products, meat, refined breads, processed foods and only a small amount of fruit and vegetables. This type of low fiber diet is not considered healthy for most people which is why there is always an encouragement to consume more vegetables and fruits and to also choose breads that are made from whole grain.
Who Benefits From A Low Fiber Diet?
Certain individuals actually need to consume a low fiber diet when they are having acute bowel problems such as delayed gastric emptying, abdominal pain, strictures, diarrhea, obstructions or a flare up of inflammatory bowel disease. A stricture occurs when the intestine narrows which makes it difficult to pass anything through and an obstruction is a type of blockage in the intestine.
When a stricture or blockage occurs, dietary fiber can be very irritating and can cause discomfort. Dietary fiber slows down the process in which your stomach empties as well so for individuals that have been diagnosed with delayed gastric emptying, a low fiber diet can be very beneficial.
If a person has obstructions or strictures, a diet that is high in fiber can cause a minor narrowing to become completely blocked. Additionally, food particles can get stuck and cause inflammation.
Individuals that suffer from ulceration colitis or Crohn's disease may find a low fiber diet beneficial during a flare up. Reducing fiber can reduce abdominal pain as well as improve dietary tolerance. Sufferers with any type of chronic inflammatory bowel disease are always advised to avoid whole grains as well as raw vegetables or fruit during a flare up.
The important thing to remember is that a low fiber diet should only be used as a short term treatment to aid in an acute abdominal condition that is uncomfortable or painful. After the abdominal pain, diarrhea, obstruction or inflammation has been resolved, fiber needs to be added back into your diet.
When introducing fiber back to your body, it should be done gradually, allowing the intestine time to adapt to it and resume to a normal bowel movement schedule.
Why You Should Resume To Eating Fiber
Dietary fiber is food for your heart, colon and it helps to control body weight. In addition to the fiber, eight glasses of water should be accompanied with it daily. Individuals that have a history in their family of colon cancer or happen to have chronic constipation or irritable bowel syndrome are advised to consume a diet that is high in fiber with plenty of water.
People are urged to follow a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in meat and dairy. It is recommended to minimize restaurant meals as well as processed food intake since these types of foods are typically extremely low in fiber and nutritional content.