High Fiber Diet
A high-fiber diet will help prevent conditions of hemorrhoids, constipation, diverticulosis, diverticulitis, colon polyps,colon cancer, and high cholesterol. Fiber keeps stool soft and lowers pressure inside the colon so that bowel contents can move through easily. Fiber works best when water is ingested, so remember to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water per day. On average, Americans eat about 5 to 20 grams of fiber daily.
The American Dietetic Association recommends 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day. Over 35 grams of fiber a day may cause excess bowel gas, and therefore some discomfort. The table below shows the amount of fiber in some foods that you can easily add to your diet. The doctor may also recommend taking a fiber product such as Citrucel, Konsyl, or Metamucil once a day. These products are mixed with water and provide about 2 to 3.5 grams of fiber per tablespoon, mixed with 8 ounces of water.
Amount of Fiber in Some Foods |
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| Fruits | ||
| apple | 1 medium = | 4 grams |
| peach | 1 medium = | 2 grams |
| pear | 1 medium = | 4 grams |
| tangerine | 1 medium = | 2 grams |
| Vegetables | ||
| acorn squash, fresh, cooked | 3/4 cup = | 7 grams |
| asparagus, fresh, cooked | 1/2 cup = | 1.5 grams |
| broccoli, fresh, cooked | 1/2 cup = | 2 grams |
| brussels sprouts, fresh, cooked | 1/2 cup = | 2 grams |
| cabbage, fresh, cooked | 1/2 cup = | 2 grams |
| carrot, fresh, cooked | 1 = | 1.5 grams |
| cauliflower, fresh, cooked | 1/2 cup = | 2 grams |
| romaine lettuce | 1 cup = | 1 gram |
| spinach, fresh, cooked | 1/2 cup = | 2 grams |
| tomato, raw | 1 = | 1 gram |
| zucchini, fresh, cooked | 1 cup = | 2.5 grams |
| Starchy Vegetables | ||
| black-eyed peas, fresh, cooked | 1/2 cup = | 4 grams |
| lima beans, fresh, cooked | 1/2 cup = | 4.5 grams |
| kidney beans, fresh, cooked | 1/2 cup = | 6 grams |
| potato, fresh, cooked | 1 = | 3 grams |
| Grains | ||
| bread, whole-wheat | 1 slice = | 2 grams |
| brown rice, cooked | 1 cup = | 3.5 grams |
| cereal, bran flake | 3/4 cup = | 5 grams |
| oatmeal, plain, cooked | 3/4 cup = | 3 grams |
| white rice, cooked | 1 cup = | 1 gram |
| Source: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA Nutrient Database for standard reference. Accessed September 19, 2001. | ||
The doctor may also recommend taking a fiber product such as Citrucel, Konsyl, or Metamucil once a day. These products are mixed with water and provide about 2 to 3.5 grams of fiber per tablespoon, mixed with 8 ounces of water.
| Answers to Your Most Asked Questions |
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| What are Hemorrhoids? |
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| What is a Colonoscopy? |
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| What is Colon Cancer? |
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| What are Polyps? |
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| What is Constipation? |