Low Residue and Low Fiber Diet

A low-residue diet includes foods that are low in fiber.

A low-residue diet is a diet that is designed to "rest" the bowel. It is a type of low-fiber diet with added restrictions. A low-residue diet is not a diet plan to follow regularly. It is advised for some people for the short term during a flare of inflammatory bowel disease, instances of intestinal narrowing, before or after bowel surgery, and other conditions for which it is useful to reduce the amount of stool in the intestines.

The food we eat is digested so that the body can extract the nutrients it needs to function. What's left over is "residue" or undigested food that passes through the colon (large intestine) and is eliminated as stool or feces. A low-residue diet limits fiber and other substances to reduce stool volume. This results in fewer and smaller bowel movements, potentially relieving symptoms of bowel diseases that can cause inflammation, such as abdominal pain and cramping, bloating, and gas formation.

In diseases and conditions in which the colon has the potential to be inflamed, a low-fiber diet may "rest" the colon. The low-residue diet limits the amount of work the colon has to do in forming feces because most of the content of the diet is absorbed and less waste is required to be eliminated. Since there is a reduced quantity of stool, the time it takes to pass through the length of the colon is increased, resulting in smaller, less frequent bowel movements.

Low-fiber diets are often recommended for patients with several different conditions, including the following:

• Flares of inflammatory bowel disease, either Crohn's Disease or ulcerative colitis
• Bowel tumors
• Inflamed bowel due to radiation or chemotherapy treatments
• Before or after bowel surgery, or before colonoscopy
• Inflammation or narrowing of the bowel

In the past, individuals with diverticulosis or irritable bowel disease syndrome (IBS) might have been prescribed a low-residue diet; however, current recommendations now suggest that a high-fiber diet might be of more benefit in these conditions. Special diets may be prescribed during flares of acute bowel inflammation (as with diverticulitis), but a high-fiber diet is generally recommended for people with diverticular disease, as this is protective for the development of diverticula.

Any diet like this one that restricts certain foods may also be responsible for the decreased intake of important minerals and vitamins. Calcium, potassium, folic acid, and vitamin C supplements may be required with a low-fiber diet.

Individuals on a low-fiber diet will want to limit their fiber intake to 7-10 grams per day. Read food labels carefully. Most food packaging will list the amount of fiber on their label.

Examples of low-fiber, low-residue foods include the following:

• White bread with no nuts or seeds
• White rice
• Refined cereals and pasta
• Vegetables, without skin or seeds that are well-cooked
• Fresh fruits including ripe bananas, cantaloupe, apricots, honeydew, papaya, peach, plums, and watermelon
• Canned fruits without seeds or skin, like applesauce or pears
• Lean, tender, ground, or well-cooked meats
• Eggs
• Fish
• Poultry
• Dairy products, like milk and yogurt
• Fats such as vegetable oils, salad dressings, margarine, and creamy peanut utter
• Decaffeinated beverages
• Clear juices without skin or seeds, like apple or cranberry
• Strained vegetable juices

A low-residue diet encompasses more than eating less fiber. In addition to decreasing the amount of fiber, individuals eating a low-residue diet also should try to restrict foods that increase bowel activity, and make the stools looser. Examples include dairy products and fruit juices such as prune juice that do not have pulp fiber but do stimulate the bowel.

A low-residue diet typically consists of foods that are low in fiber, simple to digest, and gentle on the digestive system. This diet may consist of well-cooked vegetables with no skins or seeds, lean proteins such as chicken or fish, refined grains such as white bread or pasta, and fruits with no skins or seeds such as bananas or applesauce. On this diet, you should avoid high-fiber foods, raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

Make your low-residue diet meals from these options:

Starches and carbohydrates

• Potatoes: Boiled, baked, mashed, or roasted (as long as the skin is removed)
• White bread: Plain white bread, rolls, biscuits, and crackers
• Pasta: Plain white pasta, noodles, and spaghetti
• Rice: White rice and refined cereals like puffed rice
• Cereals: Refined cereals such as cornflakes and cream of wheat

Fruits: Choose ripe, skinless, and seedless options, such as:

• Apricots
• Bananas
• Cantaloupe
• Honeydew melon
• Nectarines
• Papaya
• Peaches
• Plums
• Watermelon

Vegetables: Opt for well-cooked or canned options with no skin or seeds, such as:

• Artichoke hearts
• Asparagus
• Beets
• Carrots
• Eggplant
• Green beans
• Mushrooms
• Potatoes
• Pumpkin
• Spinach
• Yellow squash

Raw vegetables: Small amounts of raw, shredded lettuce and skinless, seedless cucumber are allowed.

Dairy and eggs

• Cheese: Mild, soft cheese such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, and mild American cheese are generally tolerated.
• Milk: Smooth milk products such as milk, yogurt, custard, and ice cream are allowed.
• Eggs: Soft, baked, boiled, or hard-boiled eggs are fine. Avoid fried eggs.
• Butter and margarine: Use these for cooking and as spreads.

Meat: Choose tender, well-cooked options such as:

• Beef
• Lamb
• Pork
• Ham
• Poultry
• Fish

Fish: Fresh, tinned, smoked, breaded, and battered fish are all acceptable.

Eggs: Soft, baked, boiled, or hard-boiled eggs are fine.

Snacks and desserts

Snacks: Plain options such as cake, cookies, custard, hard candy, ice cream, popsicles, pretzels, pudding, and sherbet are allowed.

Desserts: Enjoy plain desserts such as apple sauce, banana, and seedless jams.

Fluids: Drink plenty of water, clear broths, clear fruit juice, and strained vegetable juice to avoid constipation.

Cooking methods

• Steaming
• Braising
• Poaching
• Simmering
• Microwaving

Foods to avoid when on a low-residue diet

• Legumes, nuts, and seeds
• Raw fruits and vegetables
• Popcorn
• Unprocessed coconut
• Most whole grains
• Figs, prunes, and berries
• Dried fruits
• Deli meats
• Spicy foods and dressings
• Caffeine
• Prune juice or juice with pulp
• Chocolate
• Tough, fibrous meats with gristle

Breakfast

• Scrambled eggs
• White toast with butter or margarine
• Plain pancakes or waffles (without added fiber)
• Cream of wheat or refined cereals
• Smoothies made with low-residue fruits such as bananas and yogurt
• Scrambled eggs with white bread toast
• Rice or corn cereal with milk and cooked or peeled, seedless fruit
• French toast or pancakes with cooked or peeled, seedless fruit
• French toast with butter
• Pulp-free juice
• Decaffeinated coffee with milk and sugar

Lunch

• White bread sandwich with turkey or chicken breast
• Creamy soups without seeds or husks
• Canned peaches or pears in light syrup
• Grilled cheese sandwich (on white bread) with tomato soup
• Turkey noodle soup with oyster crackers or a side of white bread toast
• Baked chicken breast with cooked carrots
• Cheeseburger with a seedless bun, onion, lettuce, and ketchup, or turkey
• Chicken sandwich on French bread

Dinner

• Baked or broiled chicken or fish
• Mashed potatoes (without skins)
• Cooked carrots or green beans
• White rice or pasta
• Baked lemon chicken breast with white rice, cooked green beans, and skinless sweet potatoes
• Beef or chicken broth with white bread and carrots
• Macaroni and cheese with well-cooked zucchini
• Steamed vegetables
• Baked potato with the skin removed, butter, and sour cream

Snacks

• Low-fat yogurt
• Saltine crackers
• Hard candies or plain cookies

Can you eat cheese on a low-residue diet?

Yes, you can eat cheese on a low-residue diet. Soft cheeses such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, and other mild varieties are generally well-tolerated. Hard cheeses should be included in moderation to avoid digestive discomfort.

Can you eat chocolate on a low-residue diet?

You can eat chocolate in moderation on a low-residue diet, especially if it’s plain milk chocolate. Opt for dark chocolate with higher cocoa solids and less sugar. Avoid chocolate that contains nuts, seeds, or dried fruits, as these add fiber and can be harder to digest.

Can you eat avocado on a low-residue diet?

You can consume avocado in small amounts on a low-residue diet as they are typically high in fiber. It's best to limit your intake to about a quarter of an avocado to avoid exceeding your recommended fiber limits. For personalized advice, consult with your health care provider.

Can you include applesauce on a low-residue diet?

Yes, applesauce is generally acceptable on a low-residue diet as long as it doesn’t contain added fiber or large chunks of apple peel. It’s a good alternative to raw apples, which have more fiber.

Can you eat scrambled eggs on a low-residue diet?

Yes, you can. Eggs are low in fiber and are easily digestible, making them a great option for breakfast or any meal.

Always consult with your health care provider before making dietary changes to ensure they align with your specific health needs.

• Why would you have a low-residue diet? A low-residue diet is recommended to minimize bowel movements and ease gastrointestinal stress. It’s typically prescribed for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease flares, bowel surgery preparation, and acute diverticulitis. The diet includes low-fiber foods and excludes foods that increase intestinal residue.
• What is a low-residue diet for bowel rest? It is a diet that limits foods high in fiber and other substances that increase bowel activity. It’s designed to reduce the frequency and volume of stools to rest the digestive system. The diet typically includes refined carbohydrates, white rice, seafood, poultry, and limited dairy products, while excluding high-fiber foods and whole grains.