Low Residue Diet

The food that we eat plays a major role in maintaining our health. Often at times, when we are faced with health problems, we are prescribed certain changes in our diet, since any remedial procedures or medicines need to be supplemented with specific dietary requirements. There exist several diets, which are specially designed or formulated for certain health conditions. A low residue diet is one such diet that has several benefits while treating certain health related issues and helping certain medical procedures.

What is a Low Residue Diet?
A low residue diet is a special diet, which is low in fiber and high in other dietary elements. The low residue diet is used as a preparation for certain medical examinations as well as an aid to treat certain health problems. The low residual diet is thus prescribed under certain special conditions only. It contains less than 10-15 grams of fiber per day. It should not be followed unless under express medical prescription.

What Does the Low Residue Diet Aim At?
Basically, by lowering the dietary fiber content, the low residue diet is designed to reduce the frequency and volume of stools. The low residue diet helps to prolong the intestinal transit time. Simply put, the low residue diet aims to reduce the bowel activity.

When do People Need to go on a Low Residue Diet?
As mentioned earlier, a low residue diet is prescribed when a person is suffering from certain diseases or in case a person is planning to undergo specific medical examinations and procedures that require reduced bowel activity.

• A low residue diet is used during the first or second stages of labor.
• It is also used in case of bowel inflammation, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis or ulcerative colitis.
• The medical examinations and procedures that call for a low residue diet are radiation therapy for pelvis and lower bowel, chemotherapy, and colonoscopy.
• In addition to this, people who are participating in a space flight program are also advised to maintain a low residue diet.

What Foods can be Included in a Low Residue Diet?
All the foods that are allowed in a low residue diet have to be essentially low in fiber.

• Meals can include white bread, refined pasta, cereals, white rice, well-cooked meat, poultry or fish.
• Vegetables are high in fiber, hence you cannot include them directly. In such cases, broths or strained soups are an option.
• In addition to that, canned vegetable purees that do not include the skins and seeds of the vegetables can be used.
• Similarly for fruits, fresh juices, devoid of any pulp, can be used in this diet.
• A low residue diet allows milk and milk products like yogurt and cheese.
• A low residue diet also allows you to consume margarine, butter and various oils.

What should one Avoid in a Low Residue Diet?
Any food items that are rich in dietary fiber are essentially avoided in a low residue diet.

• Common items with high dietary fiber include whole grain breads and pastas, bran, seeds, or nuts. These should be avoided.
• Whole fruits and raw vegetables are a complete no-no on a low residue diet.
• Hard meat, which has not been cooked adequately should be avoided.
• Various cereals, beans, legumes or oatmeal are not allowed on a low residue diet.
• Food containing chocolate, caffeine, spices, etc., are not allowed in a low residue diet as well.

Low Residue Diet Meal Plan
Given below are meal plan options that you can try out if you have been recommended a low residue diet.

Breakfast

• A glass of milk
• Fruit juice (minus the pulp)
• White bread with jelly
• Eggs
• French toast
• Pancakes
• Muffins
• Milkshake

Snack

• Yogurt
• Banana slices
• Plain cake
• Plain donut
• Fresh fruit juice (without pulp)
• Ice cream

Lunch

• Soup (strained if vegetable or chicken)
• White bread sandwich (with drained tuna and mayonnaise or other smooth salad dressing)
• Soda crackers

Snack

• Crackers
• Iced Tea

Dinner

• Steamed vegetables (beans, carrots)
• Steamed white rice
• Lean meat, fish, poultry
• Tea

These are not the only options. You can try out various combinations of the food items that are allowed to be eaten. Make sure you follow the advice given by your doctor before trying out any meal plan.