I was talking to a client of mine, and they asked me about the low residue diet. And to be honest, I had zero clue what they were talking about. So, I did my due diligence and did some research on the diet to get a better understanding of what it’s all about and the claims.
Surprisingly, there are some interesting benefits to the diet that I thought would make for a good article.
Essentially, a low residue diet is often recommended for people with digestive issues or those preparing for procedures like a colonoscopy. The objective of this eating plan is to limit undigested food in the intestines, which allows the digestive system to rest and recover.
In this article, we will dive deeper and learn what a low residue diet is, who may benefit from it, which foods to eat or avoid, and how to follow it safely.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program, making changes to your nutrition plan, or adding any new supplements into your current regimen.
What is a Low Residue Diet?
A low residue diet limits foods that are high in fiber. The term “residue” refers to material left in the digestive tract after the first stages of digestion, which eventually becomes part of your stool.
Because the body cannot fully digest fiber, stools often contain a large amount of it. For individuals with digestive conditions, this can lead to diarrhea, bloating, gas, and stomach cramps.
The purpose of a low residue diet is to reduce the size and frequency of bowel movements. This can ease symptoms and lower the risk of intestinal blockage.
What Are Low Residue Diet Foods?
Below are some foods that you can have when you are following the low residue diet.
1. Grains
- Refined or enriched white breads and plain crackers (such as saltines or Melba toast, no seeds)
- White rice, noodles, and refined pasta
- Cooked cereals like farina, grits, and cream of wheat
- Cold cereals such as puffed rice and corn flakes
2. Fruits and Vegetables
Since skins and seeds are high in fiber, peel fruits and vegetables and avoid seeds.
Vegetables you can eat:
- Soft or canned seedless vegetables, such as asparagus tips, green beans, beets, carrots, mushrooms, spinach, and squash
- Cooked potatoes without skin
- Tomato sauce without seeds
Fruits you can eat:
- Ripe bananas
- Avocado
- Pumpkin and other winter squashes (canned or cooked without seeds)
- Soft cantaloupe and honeydew
- Cooked or canned fruits without seeds or skin, such as applesauce or canned pears
3. Milk and Dairy
Milk and dairy products contain no fiber, so they are allowed in moderation. However, if you are lactose intolerant, they may cause diarrhea or cramping. Use lactase supplements or lactose-free options if needed.
4. Meats
Animal products contain no fiber and are allowed if they are lean, tender, and soft. Options include beef, lamb, chicken, pork, and fish without bones. Eggs are also acceptable.
5. Fats, Sauces, and Condiments
- Margarine, butter, and oils
- Sour cream
- Smooth sauces and salad dressings
- Soy sauce
- Mayonnaise and ketchup
- Clear jelly, honey, and syrup
6. Sweets and Snacks
These treats are fine in moderation:
- Plain cakes and cookies
- Hard candy
- Pretzels (not whole-grain)
- Vanilla wafers
- Gelatin, plain puddings, custard, and sherbet
- Ice cream and ice pops
7. Drinks
- Decaffeinated coffee, tea, and carbonated drinks (avoid caffeine if it upsets your stomach)
- Milk
- Strained vegetable juices
- Juices without seeds or pulp, such as apple, cranberry, or pulp-free orange juice
What Foods Should You Avoid on the Low Residue Diet?
To get the best results, you should work with a dietitian. A dietitian can guide you in choosing the right foods for a low residue diet. That said, in general, avoid the following:
- Prune juice or juice with pulp
- Chocolate
- Legumes, nuts, and seeds
- Most raw fruits and vegetables
- Popcorn
- Spicy foods and dressings
- Caffeine
- Tough, fibrous meats with gristle
- Unprocessed coconut
- Whole grains, including bread or pasta
- Figs, prunes, and berries
- Dried fruits
- Deli meats
What Are the Benefits of the Low Residue Diet?
A low residue diet provides benefits mainly for digestive health. It is especially helpful for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), who may experience the most relief from following it. Below are some of the benefits of the low residue diet.
1. It may help with IBD
A low residue diet is designed to help people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
By limiting fiber, the digestive system, especially the large intestine, gets a chance to rest. Without the strain of breaking down high-fiber foods, the bowels have more opportunity to heal.
2. Colon surgery preparation and recovery
Before undergoing colon surgery, such as an ileostomy, colostomy, or bowel resection, patients are often advised to switch to a low-residue or liquid-only diet.
This diet may also be recommended after surgery to support healing and reduce stress on the digestive tract.
In one 2014 study involving 111 patients undergoing colorectal surgery, those who followed a low residue diet instead of a liquid diet after surgery returned to normal bowel function sooner and had shorter hospital stays.
3. Transitioning from a liquid diet
People coming off a liquid-only diet may need to reintroduce fiber gradually. A low residue diet can be a useful step in this process, allowing the digestive system to adjust before returning to normal eating habits.
Jumping straight from a liquid diet to a high-fiber diet can cause discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract. Slowly increasing fiber intake helps reduce this risk and makes the transition smoother.
Author Bio:
Matt Weik, BS, CSCS, CPT, CSN, is the owner of Weik Fitness. He is a globally recognized and prolific writer. With a passion for creating health and fitness content, Matt’s work has been featured on thousands of websites, over 100 magazines, and he has authored more than 25 published books.
