Dietary residue is any indigestible part of food, including both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and becomes gelatinous, which slows movement of food through the intestines. It helps control the amount of glucose that enters the blood and helps remove cholesterol. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve. It adds bulk and softness to stools, helping to prevent constipation and diverticulosis. U.S. Department of Agriculture recommendations are to consume 14 g of fiber for every 1,000 calories consumed.
Whole Grains
Whole grain breads, cereals and pasta are mainstays of a healthy high residue diet and an excellent source of insoluble fiber. The USDA recommendation for all grain intake is 5 to 8 oz. daily for adults. Examples of equivalents of a 1 oz. serving are one slice of bread or three cups of popped popcorn. The USDA advises getting a minimum of half the recommended amount from whole grains rather than refined ones. If possible, use whole grain products to meet all your daily requirements for grains.
Fruits and Vegetables
USDA recommendations for fruits and vegetables are 2 to 3 cups daily for adults. Fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of soluble fiber, but also some insoluble fiber. For extra residue, eat edible peels of fruits such as apples and pears. Don't scrape carrots or peel tomatoes, and eat the skin of potatoes. If you use a juicer, save the pulp to add to soups and baked goods, such as muffins, for added fiber.
When preparing for a fecal occult blood test, Elliott Hospital in Manchester, NH, advises to follow a high-residue diet in general, but to avoid cantaloupe, raw turnips, broccoli, cauliflower, red radishes and parsnip for two days prior to the test. These fruits and vegetables contain a chemical that can cause a false positive result.
Beans, Nuts and Seeds
Beans are a good source of protein and a good meat substitute. They are also a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. USDA recommendations for the meat and beans group are 5 to 6 1/2 oz. daily. A 1/4 cup of cooked dried beans is considered equivalent to 1 oz., as is 1 tbsp. of peanut butter or 1/2 oz. of nuts or seeds. An example of a nutritious high-fiber meal is beans over brown rice topped with chopped tomatoes and onion and accompanied by whole grain bread.
Considerations
If you have not been eating a high-residue diet, it's best to start by slowly increasing the fiber in your diet. A sudden increase can result in diarrhea and gas. The Cleveland Clinic advises to drink at least 8 cups of water and other fluids daily to aid in digestion of fiber-containing foods. Soluble fiber needs water in order to dissolve; water and other fluids are needed as well to help soften stool.
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