Supriya Ghosh (Editor)

Low residue diet

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A low residue diet is a diet designed to reduce the frequency and volume of stools while prolonging intestinal transit time. It is similar to a low-fiber diet, but typically includes restrictions on foods that increase bowel activity, such as milk, milk products, and prune juice. A low residue diet typically contains less than 7–10 grams of fiber per day. Long-term use of this diet, with its emphasis on processed foods and reduced intake of fruits and vegetables, may not provide required amounts of nutrients including potassium, vitamin C, calcium, and folic acid.

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A low residue diet may not be beneficial for diverticular disease. A Mayo Clinic review from 2011 finds no evidence for the superiority of low residue diets in treating diverticular disease and in fact tends to show that a high-fiber diet can prevent diverticular disease. A systematic review published in 2012 found no high quality studies, but found that some studies and guidelines favor a high-fiber diet for the treatment of symptomatic disease.

Foods that are included

  • White bread, refined pastas and cereals, and white rice
  • Limited servings of canned or well-cooked vegetables that do not include skins
  • Moderate fresh fruits without peels or seeds, certain canned or well-cooked fruits
  • Tender, ground, and well cooked meat, fish, eggs, and poultry
  • Milk and yogurt (usually limited to two cups per day), mild cheese, ricotta, cottage cheese
  • Butter, mayonnaise, vegetable oils, margarine, plain gravies and dressings
  • Broth and strained soups from allowed foods
  • Pulp-free, strained, or clear juices

    • Foods to avoid

  • Whole grain breads and pastas, corn bread or muffins, products made with whole grain products, or bran
  • Strong cheeses, yogurt containing fruit skins or seeds
  • Raw vegetables, except lettuce and other leaves
  • Tough meat, meat with gristle
  • Peanut butter, but up to 2 tablespoons a day of creamy peanut butter is generally allowed
  • Millet, buckwheat, flax, oatmeal
  • Dried beans, peas, and legumes
  • Dried fruits, berries, other fruits with skin or seeds
  • Chocolate with cocoa powder (white chocolate has no fiber)
  • Food containing whole coconut
  • Juices with pulp
  • Highly spiced food and dressings, pepper, hot sauces
  • Coffee and other foods with caffeine
  • Popcorn
  • Nuts and Seeds

    • Conditions that may require a low residue diet

  • Pre- and post- abdominal or intestinal surgery
  • Bowel inflammation
  • Crohn's disease
  • Diverticulitis
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Radiation therapy to the pelvis and lower bowel
  • Chemotherapy
  • Preparation for and participation in space flight (as per the space toilet)
  • Preparation for a colonoscopy
  • Gastroparesis
  • Internal hemorrhoid surgery

    • References

    Low residue diet Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA