Low fibre diet
Last edited: 16/12/2022
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A low fibre diet contains foods which are likely to be completely digested by the body. It will still contain small amounts of fibre, but will avoid foods high in fibre.
Fibre is the structural part of plants like bones are the structural part of humans. It is not digested or broken down but passes through the gut adding bulk to our diet.
A low fibre diet may decrease the amount of gas produced and thereby help to alleviate symptoms such as bloating and stomach discomfort.
You may only need to follow this diet for a limited time, so check with your doctor regularly to see if you should keep following it. Contact your dietitian if you need further advice or if you feel it is not benefiting you.
| Breads | White crackers, Rice cakes | Brown, Best of both, Equivalent supermarket brands, Tortillas, Rye crispbread, White nann, Chapatti, Poppadums, Crumpets | Wholemeal, Rye, Granary, Seeded, Soda, Soya flour |
| Cereals | Cornflakes, Rice Krispies, Special K, Supermarkets own brand and sugar coated cereals | Weetabix, Fruit ‘n Fibre, Sugar Puffs, Porridge | All Bran Muesli, Shredded Wheat, Bran Flakes, Cereal with added fruit and/or nuts |
| Cakes and biscuits | Spongecake, Plain biscuits | Chocolate biscuits and wafers, Wholemeal biscuits (digestives), Hob Nobs, Oatcakes, Fruit scones, Buns, Flapjacks | Fruit cakes, Malt loaves, Coconut cake, Pastries |
| Pasta and rice | White pasta, White rice | Noodles, Cous cous | Wholemeal pasta, Brown rice |
| Potato and potato products | Boiled potatoes with or without skins, Mash potato, Roast potato, Potato croquettes, Crisps | Chips, Potato wedges, Potato waffles | |
| Confectionary | ‘Cream of’ soups, Honey, Syrup, Jam without seeds and pips, Marmalade without peel, Smooth pickles and chutneys, Tapioca, Custard, Sago, Bovril, Marmite | Nuts, Seeds, Peanut butter, Soups with vegetable pieces |
Fruit
Avoid skins and seeds. Keep to a maximum of two portions a day. If you have recently had a bowel obstruction, you may initially need to avoid all fruit. Contact your dietitian if you are unsure.
| Fruit | Stewed apple, Cherries, Grapes, Pears, Satsuma, Tangerines, Small ripe banana, Tinned cherries, Tinned mandarins, Tinned grapefruit, Tinned peaches, Tinned pears, Watermelon, Melon, Lychees | Peeled fresh apple, Apricots, Grapefruit Nectarine, Rhubarb, Tinned pears, Banana chips, Raspberries, Blackberries, Damsons, Plums, Gooseberries, Guava, Pawpaw, Mango, Oranges, Fresh peaches, Fresh pineapple, Rhubarb, Strawberries, Tinned pears, Kiwi fruit | Dried fruit, Raisins, Figs, Dates, Sultanas, Prunes, Blackcurrants, Coconut |
Vegetables
Avoid skins, seeds and stalks. Keep to a maximum of two portions a day plus potato. You should try to spread your vegetables through the day. If you have recently had a bowel obstruction you may initially need to avoid all vegetables, contact your dietitian if you are unsure.
| Pulses and vegetables | Asparagus, Avocado, Lettuce, Cauliflower florets, Chicory, Courgette, Marrow, Peeled cucumber, Pumpkin, Tinned tomatoes, Cress, Alfalfa sprouts, Bean sprouts, Mushrooms | Aubergine, Beetroot, Broccoli, Sprouts, Carrots, Celery, Fennel, Spring greens, Onions, Sweet potato, Swede, French beans, Runner beans, Leeks | Peas, Chick peas, Parsnips, Sweetcorn, Broad beans, All raw vegetables, Pips and skins, Baked beans, Lentils, Dhal |
Vitamin and mineral supplements
When following a low fibre diet for long periods of time, it is sometimes necessary to use a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement to make sure you meet your requirements. Please contact your dietitian if you need more information.
Fluid
It is important that you have a good intake of fluid to help your bowels work. Aim for six to eight cups a day.
Contact us
Please contact the service though our Central Appointments Team:
0300 123 0861
kcht.centralisedappointmentteam@nhs.net
Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm
This information should only be followed on the advice of a healthcare professional.
Do you have feedback about our health services?
0800 030 4550
Text 07899 903499
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm
kentchft.PALS@nhs.net
kentcht.nhs.uk/PALS
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
Trinity House, 110-120 Upper Pemberton
Ashford
Kent
TN25 4AZ
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