Emphasize
foods of plant origin for your diet: Whole grain breads
and cereals, fruits, vegetables and beans.
Add
fiber to your diet gradually. Some people experience
gas when they first add more fiber to their diet. Fortunately,
this problem will go away as the digestive system adapts
to the increased amount of fiber.
Drink
plenty of water: 6-8 glasses daily. Since fiber draws
water into your intestines, it is important to drink
enough liquid at the same time you add fiber to your
diet.
Try
to include a concentrated source of bran to your diet
such as bran cereal and baked goods containing bran.
Limit
the amount of high-refined foods in your diet. Foods
high in sugar, starch, white flour, and fat replaces
fiber rich foods in your diet.
Select
breads made from whole grain flours instead of white
flour. Note: The color of bread does not indicate its
fiber content. Sometimes breads are colored with caramel,
molasses, or brown sugar. READ THE LABELand make
sure that the bread you choose is made from 100% whole-wheat
flour and/or contains cracked wheat or bran.
Eat
the peel on fruits and vegetables as often as you can.
Potatoes can be cooked and eaten with their skins. Many
raw vegetables and fruits (tomatoes, apples, and pears)
can be eaten, peel and all.
Increase
physical activity. If you are not used to exercise,
check with your physician before increasing physical
activity.
If
you have diverticulosis, it is a good idea to avoid
seeds, nut and corn.
