When it comes to certain medical conditions, you might need to make adjustments to your diet. Conditions like Crohn’s Disease, Small Bowel Obstruction (SBO), acute diverticulitis, or bowel narrowing due to tumors or inflammatory diseases can necessitate a Low-Fiber Diet. You may also require this diet after bowel surgery or following treatments like radiation that can harm your gastrointestinal tract. To help you through this transition, we’ve put together some easy-to-follow guidelines for moving back to a regular diet.
1. Opt for Gluten-Free Whole Grains
Many people with digestive issues find that gluten-free foods are gentler on their stomachs. Starting your day with a gluten-free whole grain breakfast can provide sustained energy and help regulate blood sugar. Each day, aim to have one serving of grains like amaranth, brown rice, millet, or quinoa. Mix them with a touch of olive oil, Himalayan salt, and avocado, with about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of grains in one serving.
2. Include Leafy Green Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables are highly alkalizing and can be great for your digestion. Stir-fry these greens with a bit of olive oil and garlic. Consider trying collard, dandelion, kale, mustard, sorrel, or Swiss chard for variety.
3. Be Mindful of Caffeine
Caffeine can be tough on your gastrointestinal system, potentially causing upset or diarrhea. It’s best to limit or avoid coffee, decaffeinated coffee, iced tea, caffeine-containing teas, chocolate drinks, and energy drinks with caffeine or stimulants. Mate should also be on your watchlist.
4. Focus on Produce
When it comes to produce, here are some handy tips:
- Frozen Vegetables: Believe it or not, frozen vegetables can be more nutrient-rich than fresh ones. They’re frozen right after picking, preserving their nutritional value. Consider having a variety of organic frozen vegetables on hand, such as asparagus, butternut squash, broccoli/cauliflower mix, and chopped spinach. Chopped spinach can even give your dishes a creamy, cheesy-like texture.
- Avocado: Men can enjoy up to one whole avocado per day, while women can have half of one daily.
- Beets and Bananas: Beets help thin gall bladder bile, cleanse the liver and intestines, and can promote healthy elimination when steamed and eaten in the evening. Bananas can assist with slow elimination.
5. Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is crucial, so make sure to drink six to eight 8-oz. glasses of water daily. Avoid plastic water bottles due to their potential health risks.
- Filtered Water: Use a filtered water source like Brita®, reverse osmosis, or carbon filtration for clean and healthy water for your gut.
- Bottled Water: Mountain Valley Spring Water® is a good option as it’s bottled at the natural spring source without chlorine or other chemical additives. This is also available in glass bottles, although it might be a bit more expensive.
- Coconut Water: A natural electrolyte drink that can give you an energy boost. Limit your intake to 12 oz. per day and avoid drinking it at night due to its sugar content.
- Organic Lite Thai Kitchen Coconut Milk: A lower-fat coconut milk substitute for cooking and herbal teas. It’s free of preservatives and additives found in other coconut milks.
- Living Harvest Hemp Milk (Unsweetened Original): Use it sparingly to replace milk or cream in your coffee as it’s processed.
Making these dietary adjustments will help you transition smoothly from a Low-Fiber Diet, supporting your recovery process. For more information and helpful resources, you can download the complete Digestive Health Guide for free. Inside, you’ll find tips on stool softeners, recipes, and more to aid in your journey to better digestive health.
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