What
is fiber? Fiber is the structural part of plants. Fiber
is sometimes called roughage. Foods with plant origin have
fiber, whereas foods of animal origin do not have
fiber.
Why more fiber? Fiber is an important
part of your diet because it provides bulk to the contents
of the bowel and helps to normalize bowel function. Since
fiber absorbs water, it softens the stool making it easier
to pass. More fiber in the diet helps patients with many
chronic intestinal disorders, including constipation and
diverticulosis.
FOODS HIGH WITH FIBER
Breakfast Cereals: 1 Serving
Daily Any whole grain ready-to-eat
cereal such as All Bran, bran
flakes, bran buds, Raisin Bran or Shredded Wheat. Whole
grain cooked cereals such as oatmeal are also a
good source of fiber.
Breads and Flour: 3 Servings Daily
Whole wheat bread with wheat bran added, raisin bran
bread, or pumpernickel bread, whole wheat or bran
muffins.
Fruits: 2 Servings Daily Dried and
stewed prunes, apricots and raisins,fresh fruits
especially apples, plums, peaches. Pears and grapes eaten
with skins are also a good source.
Vegetables: 2 Servings Daily Raw
vegetables, fresh cooked only until fork tender (not
mushy). Potatoes with skins, baked beans, peas and
lentils, soybeans are also good sources of
fiber.
FOODS LOW WITH FIBER
Breakfast Cereals: Sugar-coated cereals,refined dry cereal and refined
cooked cereals such as Cream of Wheat or Cream of
Rice.
Breads and Flour: Whole wheat
bread made from refined flour with caramel added for
color;white and rye bread;cookies,pies,cakes,pastries and
other products made from refined flour.
Fruits: Canned fruits and fruit
juices; pared raw fruits.
