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Dietary
fiber (or roughage) is the undigestible portion of plants.
Fiber is usually found in the seeds, fruits, roots, stems, flowers
and leaves of plants. Fiber
totally lacks nutrients and contains no calories for energy, but it does
have an important function. Increasing
fiber and fluids in the diet creates larger, softer stools resulting in
greater distention of the bowel. This
causes the colon to contract more and propel its contents more quickly.
The larger stool volume reduces pain and cramping.
The
High Fiber Eating Plan includes:
Eating
adequate amounts of foods which are high in fiber (see lists).
Include at
least:
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3
to 4 servings of high fiber breads, cereals, and starches
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2
to 3 servings of high fiber vegetables
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2
to 3 servings of high fiber fruits |
Whole
grain breads and cereals and wheat bran are the major sources of dietary
fiber and appear to have a greater laxative effect than fruits and
vegetables. To achieve
frequent bowel movements without straining, it may be necessary to
increase the amount of fiber by adding milled or unprocessed bran to the
diet. The amount of bran
required must be determined by trial and error.
Unprocessed
bran can be added to the diet by mixing in soup or milk or by sprinkling
on cereal and other foods. It
can be added to products such as meat loaf, meat patties, muffins,
pancakes, breads and rolls. Unprocessed
bran may cause distention and increased gas formation, but this generally
disappears as the patient adjusts to the diet.
Drinking
at least 2.5
quarts (10 cups) of fluid each day.
Too
little fluid in the high fiber diet may cause dehydration and lead to
constipation. It is essential
to drink large quantities of water when consuming large amounts of
unprocessed bran.
Selecting
additional foods to complete a balanced diet:
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4
to 5 ounces of meat, poultry, fish, cheese or eggs
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2
cups of milk or servings of dairy products (yogurt, cheese)
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Other
items such as fats and sweets can be used to provide additional food,
but should not be included in place of high fiber foods.
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Eating
three meals each day.
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