Patient Education                                                                                          
                 High Fiber Diet
                 What is Dietary Fiber? 
                 Dietary Fiber is a part of plants or grains that cannot be digested in the intestines and stays in the 
                 intestines to help digest other foods.  There are two types of fiber: soluble fiber or insoluble 
                 fiber. The benefits of a high fiber diet are decreases risk of hemorrhoids, fissures, colon cancer, 
                 controls cholesterol levels, improves control of diabetes, and helps maintain normal bowel 
                 habits. 
                 Soluble Fiber: Absorbs water and becomes bulky in the stomach and works through the whole 
                 intestines to increase your bowel movements and helps stool pass through the intestines.  
                 Insoluble Fiber: Absorbs little water and adds bulk only in the lower intestine and helps the 
                 stool pass through the intestines faster.   
                  
                 What are good sources of fiber? 
                  
                 Soluble Fiber:
                     •   Psyllium.                                        Insoluble Fiber:  
                     •   Oatmeal and oat bran.                                •   Whole grains (wheat bran, whole 
                     •   Barley.                                                  grain breads). 
                     •   Legumes (dried beans, peas, and                      •   Rye. 
                         lentils).                                            •   Other grains. 
                     •   Fruits and most vegetables.                          •   Fruits and vegetables with edible 
                                                                                  skins and seeds (apples, pears, 
                                                                                  blueberries, strawberries, and 
                                                                                  tomatoes). 
                 How can I increase my Fiber? 
                 You can increase the amount of fiber in your diet by adding a fiber supplement (extra fiber) to 
                 your diet. Suggested daily intake of fiber is 25-35 grams a day. 
                  When you decide to increase the amount of fiber in your diet, increase the amount slowly. Too 
                 much fiber all at once may cause bloating, gas, and/or cramping.  
               What are some fiber choices? 
                
               Breakfast Cereals (1/2 – ¾ cups each)                 •   Citrucel. 
                   •  Fiber one.                                     •   Benefiber. 
                   •  Bran Buds.                                     •   Generic Drug Store Brand. 
                   •  Kashi. 
                                                                  Chewable Tablets 
               Breakfast Bars                                        •   Fiber Choice – 2 tablets 1 to 2 times 
                   •  Fiber one Bars (9 grams each).                     a day as told by your doctor. 
               Powders                                               •   Fiber Gummies. 
                   •  Metamucil.                                     *These products are available sugar free
                   •  Konsyl. 
               Few Reminders when you increase fiber in your diet:  
                   •  Add fiber to the diet slowly. 
                   •  Drink plenty of water, 8 glasses of water per day with a high fiber diet will help with 
                      constipation.  
               Good sources of fiber are whole grain cereals, beans, peas, and lentils. Fruits and vegetables, 
               whole grain breads, brown rice, and whole grain flours are also high in fiber. 
                
               How can I learn more? 
               You can also find information through the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons 
               (ASCRS) at http://www.fascrs.org/patients/conditions/ 
                
               Do you have any questions or comments for your doctor? 
                
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             PTED#0000119 
                                                                                  Division of Colon & Rectal Surgery