Has your physician advised you to follow a low residue diet? If so, chances are that you are wondering what to do. The low residue diet is not one that is in the media spotlight and it is likely that you have never heard of it. To put some of your uncertainty at rest, the low residue diet is simply a low roughage diet with a few more stipulations.
Rationale and Basic Guidelines
The low residue diet is usually a diet that is followed on a short-term basis. It may be prescribed during flare ups of diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. The low residue diet may also be prescribed for pre- or post-op bowel clearing. While following this regimen, avoid high fiber food choices as well as nuts, seeds and hulls. Consider utilizing an online fiber intake calculator to monitor your daily fiber consumption. Minimize fiber intake to no more than 10 to 15 grams per day. If recommended by your doctor, limit milk to no more than 2 cups per day.
Entrees
Meats generally do not contain fiber. Choose soft varieties of meats that are not spicy and are soft in texture. Avoid fried meats as well as legumes. Consider boiling or grinding meats to achieve the soft consistency. If you like to eat pasta, pick one that is not whole grain. Regular white pasta is your best bet. When you eat sandwiches, prepare them with white rather than wheat bread. Look at the nutrition label -- if your bread has less than 2 grams of fiber per serving, it is a good choice.
Side Dishes
Fruits and vegetables are often side dishes of choice. Due to the fact that you have to limit your fiber, your choices are somewhat limited in this area. Avoid fruits and vegetables with seeds, pulp, or a peel. Do not consume raw or dried fruits or those mixed with nuts. Avoid vegetables that are cruciferous and thus, gas forming, such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage. Appropriate examples include applesauce, bananas, melons, wax beans, green beans, asparagus and carrots.
Desserts and Beverages
Choose desserts and beverages that follow the established guidelines. Avoid fried and spicy selections, nuts, hulls, seeds, as well as whole grains. Consume beverages such as coffee, tea, water, soda, milk within the 2 cup limitation, and juice without pulp. Ideas for desserts include ice cream, gelatin, ice pops, and plain baked goods prepared with white flour. Follow the low residue diet closely until your physician recommends diet advancement. At that point, slowly add high fiber foods back into your regimen.
References
- Overview of low residue diet
- Medline Plus: Low-Residue FIber Diet
