If you have a digestive disorder, your doctor may prescribe a low-residue diet. On this type of diet, you will eat foods that are very low in dietary fiber, which is the opposite of most balanced diet plans. A low-residue diet is usually a short-term diet because it may not provide all the nutrients you need to stay healthy, according to MayoClinic.com. Follow a low-residue diet only under your doctor's supervision.
Function
Dietary fiber, a non-digestible food, swells in your stomach, making you feel fuller and adding bulk and softness to your stools. It also increases the size and the amount of your stools. By eating a diet low in fiber, you will have smaller and less-frequent bowel movements, which puts less pressure and strain on a sensitive or irritated digestive system. Residue, or fecal matter, is what remains after your digestive system removes the nutrients from the foods you eat.
Reasons for Low-Residue Diet
While eating lots of fiber is usually good for your health, it may be counterproductive to do so if you have an intestinal infection or you're recovering from abdominal surgery. A low-residue diet may be helpful for diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or inflammatory bowel disease, according to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.
Suggested Foods
Refined white bread and white rice are on the menu. Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo advises those on a low-residue diet to eat processed breads, muffins, crackers, refined macaroni and noodles. You may eat refined breakfast cereals made from rice and corn, such as low-fiber crispy rice or corn-flake-type cereals. Limit fruits to canned and well-cooked fruits and remove all skins and seeds. Strain fruit juices to all pulp. Eat well-cooked and tender cuts of meat and enjoy eggs and smooth peanut butter.
You may also eat dairy products on a low residue diet, including fruitless yogurts, and mild cheeses. You may have snacks, including cakes, pies and pastries, gelatin, candy, whipped cream and even carbonated drinks.
Restricted Foods
Restrict or eliminate all foods that contain fiber. Avoid eating whole grain breads and cereals, graham crackers, brown rice, beans, barley, raw vegetables and raw fruits. Do not drink prune juice or juices that contain pulp. Gristly meats and shellfish are not on a low-residue diet.
Avoid eating nuts, coconut, popcorn, hot peppers, raisins, chocolate and spicy sauces or salad dressings. Coffee and other caffeinated beverages, although they do not contain fiber, are not on a low-residue diet because they may irritate the stomach, according to Women and Children's Hospital.
Concerns
Although a low-residue diet can provide many nutrients if food selections are varied, according to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, it may not provide adequate amounts of vitamin C and folic acid. Ask your doctor if a vitamin or mineral supplement is in order.
