If you have IBD, you’ve probably noticed that certain foods can trigger your symptoms – and fiber is no exception!
Patients with fiber and IBD definitely have a love-hate relationship. Fiber can be very helpful, but if you have intestinal problems, it can also lead to a number of complications. I personally had a VERY difficult time with all fiber, resulting in symptoms waxing and waning from one extreme to the other – so believe me, I understand!
According to WebMD, eating 23 grams of fiber per day can contribute to your overall health — including cholesterol and blood pressure. The problem is that for people with Crohn’s disease and colitis, eating so much fiber can cause symptoms and even trigger a flare-up.
Jini points out that the best way to calm a severe flare-up and ensure minimal fecal production is with an elemental diet – but since this can be costly, you can try a low-residue diet first and see if that’s enough to reduce the inflammation. As Jini mentions in this blog post, a low-residue diet (or low-fiber diet) includes less than 10 grams of fiber per day to reduce intestinal volume.
However, if the inflammation is severe, Jini suggests that you start with the elemental diet and, as things calm down, slowly switch to a low-residue diet.
Types of fibers
There are now two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. One of the reasons the low-residue diet is so effective is because it consists of soluble fiber. Jini recommends including this soluble fiber because it soaks up extra fluid in your intestines – slowing your digestion and relieving diarrhea.
Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, can increase the amount of water in your intestines. This can cause things to be digested too quickly, which can cause cramps, diarrhea, and even constipation in IBD sufferers.
When it comes to fiber and easily digestible foods, I’ve always avoided seeds or peels, as well as anything spicy like chips or popcorn. These can cause tears as they travel through the gastrointestinal tract, and no one wants more ulcers! Even when I’m on a low-residue diet, I make sure my food has the consistency of applesauce. I know this by picking up my food and squishing it between my fingers. If I can crush it easily, it is soft enough for my gastrointestinal system.
As I mentioned before, I personally view it as a way of babysitting my body through this difficult time when it’s weakening. The consistency of the food should therefore be reminiscent of baby food! Now, this may not be ideal, and I know the texture may be an issue for some. None of us as adults want to eat “baby food,” but that doesn’t mean your food can’t be delicious while still being soft and gentle on the gut.
Of course, the other option is to chew until the food is the consistency of baby food before swallowing – but many people don’t have the patience for that. This is also the best diet for long-term health because the digestive enzymes in your saliva can do their work before you swallow. If you can chew your food until it forms a liquid paste – then do it!
Helpful links
I hope you found this video and blog post helpful! I highly recommend you check out Jini’s low-residue diet plan here as well as all of Jini’s gut-friendly recipes featured on the blog here.
Here are two fantastic recipes that also provide intestinal rest:
Gut-soothing congee rice porridge with bone broth
Creamy rice pudding (dairy-free)
We would also be happy to present you with your recipe ideas that are gentle on your stomach! Please leave a comment below with your own recipes or email us.
Have fun healing – and remember to listen to your gut!
Linsy is Jini’s assistant. From a highly sensitive/reactive case of ulcerative colitis to a fully medical and surgical treatment using all-natural methods, Linsy truly understands first-hand the interplay of mind/body/spirit on the healing journey.
