Low Residue Diet for Crohn's Disease

A low-residue diet restricts the type of food you consume to reduce residue, which is later turned into stool and can cause digestive problems. According to the Mayo Clinic, this diet is suggested if you suffer from Crohn's disease, irritable bowel disease (IBD), or have recently had surgery. Due to the lack of nutrients in the diet, a low-residue diet should only be used for short periods. Alert your doctor if you notice any painful or uncomfortable side effects from dieting.

Breads

• Whole-grain bread and other high-fiber grains must be eliminated from your meals to maintain your low-residue diet. Oatmeal, bran and cornbread are also forbidden as they increase the density of your bowel movements. According to the Mayo Clinic, consume refined bread, cereal, white rice and pasta. According to HealthSquare.com, you should have 6 to 11 daily servings of bread.

Fruits and Vegetables

• Eliminate berries, oranges, prunes and dried fruit from your diet. According to HealthSquare.com, fruits add bulk to your bowel movements, and the goal of a low-residue diet is to reduce the amount of waste in your intestines. Do not eat fruits that have skin and seeds, and instead eat applesauce, strained fruit juices, bananas, cooked or canned fruit. You should eat two to four servings of fruit daily. Limit or eliminate vegetables that are raw, with seeds or skin. Thoroughly cook your vegetables, or drink vegetable juice. Chopped lettuce is safe, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Dairy and Meat

• Because meat produces a lot of residue, limit consumption to three oz. daily. Meat must be completely broiled, grilled or baked. Do not eat fried food, and avoid eating tough and stringy meats. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should not eat lunch meats or meats with gristle. Limit dairy consumption to 16 oz. daily, and should only include: yogurt, custard, cottage cheese, pudding, milk and milk products.