High Fiber & Low Residue Diet

Useful for individuals who are suffering from a variety of digestive disturbances such as colitis or Crohn's, a low-residue diet can help to alleviate symptoms by easing the burden on the digestive tract by decreasing the frequency and volume of bowel movements. According to the Mayo Clinic, high fiber and low residue are conflicting terms, as a low-residue diet will function by reducing fiber intake to reduce the amount of material that passes through the digestive tract unscathed.

Low Residue Theory

• Understand the general purpose and theory behind a low-residue diet to avoid improperly applying it to your particular situation. While many people use the terms low-fiber and low-residue interchangeably, that is not entirely accurate. A low-residue diet is actually a more restrictive type of diet than a low-fiber diet, as the low-residue diet also aims to remove other types of food that might cause digestive discomfort besides fiber. Also note that a low-residue diet is only a temporary solution, as it provides an insufficient range of products to allow your body access to adequate levels of vitamins and minerals.

Following a Low-Residue Diet

• Minimize fiber intake as part of the first step in complying with a low-residue diet. This means eliminating consumption of typical high-fiber foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Beyond avoiding high-fiber foods, you should also avoid meats which are exceptionally chewy or fatty, as fat digestion can also cause the buildup of residue in your stool. Additionally, cut back strictly on your dairy intake, limiting yourself to no more than two servings per day. Stick to items such as white rice, white flour breads and pastas that contain one or zero grams of fiber per serving, poultry, seafood, eggs, broth soups, condiments such as butter, jelly, oils, honey, and syrup, and fruit juice that is pulp free. Remember that this type of diet is only for a short period of time, so consult with your physician about setting an appropriate duration for a low-residue diet.