Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
- Managing cancer-related symptoms like diarrhea and constipation can be challenging, but dietary adjustments like watching your fiber can help.
- For diarrhea, a lower fiber diet may ease discomfort, focusing on easily digestible foods like white bread and dairy products.
- Conversely, for constipation, increasing fiber intake with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, alongside adequate hydration, can promote regular bowel movements.
How Does Fiber Impact Your Cancer?
Managing cancer can come with many challenges. Both diarrhea and constipation can be symptoms of cancer management and can occur after cancer treatment or from medications.
These uncomfortable bowel-related symptoms can make you feel so much worse, but the good news is that there are a few solutions. Adding different amounts of fiber to your diet may help to manage your diarrhea or constipation symptoms better.
A low or high-fiber diet has both been shown to make a difference in how diarrhea and constipation are managed with cancer. But how do you know which diet is right for you?
Low-Fiber for Diarrhea as a Result of Your Cancer Treatment
Typically, if you are experiencing diarrhea as a result of your cancer treatment, medication, or digestive issues, you may benefit from following a lower-fiber diet. Having less fiber in your diet can help to lessen diarrhea because it is usually easier for your body to digest. The general recommendation for fiber is typically around 25 grams of fiber per day.
However, if you are experiencing diarrhea, you may want to aim for less than this. You can try choosing lower-fiber foods like applesauce, white bread, white rice, meats, fish, eggs, tofu, and dairy products more often. For example, scrambled eggs, white toast, and applesauce could be a lower-fiber meal.
High-Fiber for Constipation as a Result of Your Cancer Treatment
If you are experiencing constipation, increasing your fiber and water intake can help relieve it. You may want to aim for at least 25 grams of fiber per day to ensure that you are helping to move your bowels along. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water, too! A higher-fiber meal could be beans, brown rice, and a fresh salad.
Remember, it’s important to discuss your symptoms and diet with your healthcare team to make sure you are making the right choices for you. This article is not a substitute for medical advice.
Dietician's Recommendations for the Best High and Low-Fiber Foods
Higher fiber foods
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Nuts and seeds
- Whole grains
- Dried fruit
- Beans
- Legumes
Lower fiber foods
- Melon
- Applesauce
- Bananas
- Dairy products
- White pasta, rice, or bread
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Meats, fish, eggs, and cheeses
- Seedless and skinless fruits and vegetables
High fiber recipes
- Pea soup
- Tofu curry
- Black bean quinoa bowl
- Sweet potato black bean burgers
- Fruit salsa and chips
- Chicken and asparagus penne
- Chicken fajitas
- Whole wheat pizza
Low fiber recipes
- Grilled salmon
- Sweet carrots
- Tomato soup
- Italian meatballs
- Orange smoothie
- Southwestern frittata
- Mango salad
- Garlic mashed potatoes
The bottom line
When it comes to managing symptoms of cancer, like diarrhea or constipation, you may want to follow a modified fiber diet. Adding more or less fiber to your diet can help you manage your symptoms and feel better overall. You may even want to try a low or high-fiber recipe to enjoy your mealtimes and stay well-nourished. It’s important that you speak with your doctor about your symptoms to determine the best course of action for you.
References: