Tips

Fluids

It is important that you have an adequate fluid intake while following a low fibre diet. You should aim to have at least 8 to 10 cups of fluid daily.

What do I do if I have a poor appetite or have lost weight?

Food fortification

Try adding one of the following to low fibre bread:

• thickly spread butter or margarine
• seedless jam, honey, syrup,
• cream cheese, meat or fish paste

Try adding one of the following to puddings:

• double cream
• clotted cream
• full fat yoghurt
• ice cream
• custard
• seedless jam
• honey
• syrup
• sugar

Additionally, remember to do the following:

• eat three small meals and two to three snacks every day. Include a variety of foods that you enjoy
• have starchy foods at each meal:
  • bread
  • potatoes
  • rice
  • pasta
  • cereals
• include a protein source in at least two of your meals throughout the day:
  • meat
  • fish
  • eggs
  • cheese
  • yoghurt
• drink fluids 30 minutes before/after a meal to avoid feeling too full or bloated
• have a pudding at least once a day - if you are too full after a meal, wait 30 minutes before having a dessert
• have high-calorie snacks between meals, such as cake, biscuits, crackers, bread sticks and toast with butter/margarine and honey/seedless jam
• make fortified milk by mixing 4 tablespoons of skimmed milk powder to a pint of full fat milk. Use whenever you would use ordinary milk.

Nutritional Supplements

If you continue to lose weight you, try nutritional products such as Complan (nutricia), which is a powdered nutritional supplement that you make up with whole milk. It's available over the counter at most chemists and supermarkets.

There are also oral nutritional supplements that your doctor can prescribe for you. These are available in a variety of flavours and consistencies. Your dietitian or doctor can offer you more information and advice on the most appropriate products for you.

Constipation

Some people may get constipated whilst following a low fibre diet, drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day will help.  Your GP can advise appropriate medication if needed, such as a laxative. You may find that as dietary fibre is increased you can reduce or even stop these medications.

Reintroduction of Fibre into your diet

Fibre foods should be reintroduced gradually. The aim is to identify a level of fibre that you can tolerate. Start with a small amount of a fruit, vegetable or cereal, introducing a new food each day.

• Chew food slowly and thoroughly
• When introducing new foods, introduce one at a time. This will help you rule out foods that will aggravate your symptoms
• Again, ensure you are drinking plenty of water when reintroducing fibre back into your diet.