Diet & NutritionKetogenic DietExplore This TopicShare this articleShareShare on FacebookShare on XShare on PinterestCopy LinkKetogenic DietHere's what to know about the ketogenic diet, from the basics to variations of this popular eating plan. Learn how best to begin the diet, what to eat and avoid, and how to maintain ketosis for optimal weight loss benefits.LEARN MORE1Ketogenic Diet 101: A Complete Scientific Guide to Keto210 Types of the Keto Diet3Keto Diet: A Complete List of What to Eat and Avoid, Plus a 7-Day Sample MenuSEE MOREThe 12 Best Sources of Fiber on the Keto DietThese foods in your meal plan will help you avoid some of the pitfalls of the diet, like constipation.ByJessica MigalaUpdated on November 9, 2022Medically Reviewed byKayli Anderson, RDNAdherence to the keto diet doesn't have to mean neglecting your digestive health.Maksim Shebeko/Adobe Stock; iStock (2); CanvaOne thing that’s often missing from the keto diet? A little bit of roughage. The popular diet, which typically requires you to get up to 80 percent of your calories from fat and only 20 to 50 grams (g) of carbohydrates per day, is often criticized for its lack of fiber.And that’s certainly true in the case of some of its followers. “A poorly planned keto diet is at risk of being deficient in fiber,” says Dana Elia, RDN, an integrative and functional medicine dietitian in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She notes that dietitians frequently see patients who complain of constipation when they go keto.Thing is, most Americans don’t get enough of the GI-friendly nutrient anyway, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): More than 90 percent of women and 97 percent of men don’t meet their recommended daily amount of fiber. Rule out most sources of carbohydrates, including whole grains, fruits, and legumes, and it’s even more likely you’ll be fiber deficient.Fiber plays a key role in digestive health. Because it’s not digested by your body, it passes through your system and keeps you regular by softening and adding bulk to your stools, per Mayo Clinic. And it has benefits beyond bowel movements: It feeds the good bacteria in your GI tract, aiding healthy digestion and nutrient absorption.“The digestive tract is where your body’s second brain is, and it’s home to the majority of your immune system,” says Elia. “If you’re following keto, it should be one of your biggest priorities to make sure you get adequate fiber to keep your gut healthy and happy,” she adds. And, she notes, high-fat diets slow digestion and decrease GI motility, so it’s especially important to get enough.Particularly if you’re on certain drugs, like proton pump inhibitors for heartburn, you may notice changes in your digestion if you transition to a high-fat diet, says Elia.The USDA’s 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans set a goal of 28 to 34 g of fiber a day, depending on age and sex. Following a keto diet food list doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get what you need, but you have to remain diligent and determined to make it happen, says Keri Glassman, RDN, who is in private practice in New York City. Many fiber-rich foods contain few net carbs — that is, total carbs minus fiber and sugar alcohols, per Atkins.com — and will keep you in ketosis, which is the metabolic state that causes your body to burn fat instead of carbs. Here are 12 to help keep your fiber intake up without derailing your keto goals!Sign up for our Diet and Nutrition Newsletter!Subscribe to get the latest from our Diet and Nutrition newsletterEnter your emailSubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. , Fiber has health benefits but often comes with lots of carbs. In our new guide, we share 15 high-fiber foods that are keto-friendly., Constipation is a common keto diet side effect caused by reduced fiber intake. But you can reach for these 12 high-fiber, relatively low-carb foods to combat this discomfort. Read about how many .