Overview

Speak to your doctor or dietitian. They can help you make a high-fibre meal plan based on your health and what you prefer to eat. Talk to your doctor or dietitian if you have questions about changing the way you eat and how much fibre you need.

Before you make changes to the way you eat, be sure to talk with your doctor or dietitian.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Choose high-fibre foods more often. These foods include:
  • Whole grain breads and cereals.
  • Fruits, such as pears, apples, and oranges. Eat the skins and peels if you can.
  • Vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, spinach, carrots, asparagus, and squash.
  • Legumes and soy beans, such as kidney and lima beans, edamame, and refried beans.
• Getting fibre from foods is best. But if you can’t get enough fibre from foods, a fibre supplement can help. Speak to a dietitian to find out how much fibre you need.
• When you eat more fibre, extra fluid is needed to make soft stools. If you have a health condition that limits your fluids, talk with your healthcare team before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
• Get some exercise every day. Exercise helps stool move through the colon. It also helps prevent constipation.
• Keep a food diary. Try to notice and write down what foods cause gas, pain, or other symptoms. Then you can avoid these foods.
Visit the Alberta Health Services Nutrition Education Materials page for more resources on high-fibre eating.
Visit AHS.ca and enter "Nutrition Education Materials" into the search box.
Go to ahs.ca/nutrition to find a dietitian in your area.
Visit AHS.ca and enter "Nutrition Services" in the search box to find a dietitian in your area.