Low Residue Diet

What is a Low Residue Diet?

Residue is a term used to describe what is left after digestion. A low residue diet is simply a diet that does not have much left after the digestion process is completed. The main element that our digestive system does not digest well is fiber. So, simply it is a diet that contains smaller amounts of fiber.

Why Do I Need This Diet?

This diet is usually recommended to patients who have history of bowel obstruction, or narrowing in the small bowel related to inflammatory bowel disease, or surgery. It can also help if there is delay in the emptying of the stomach, or what is called gastroparesis in combination with frequent small meals.

What Should I Avoid?

Fresh fruits and vegetables with some exceptions, mainly the seeds and the peels as those contain a lot of fiber.

What Can I Eat?

• Meats in general are considered low residue diet
• Milk and Dairy
• Canned or cooked vegetables with no seeds or peels. examples include ripe bananas, cooked potatoes, tomato sauce without seeds, avocado.
• Grains: refined white breads, plain crackers, cooked cereals (grits and cream of wheat). Corn flakes are acceptable. Refined pasta and white rice is also an option and considered low residue.

What Are The Benefits?

The main benefit from this diet will be decreasing the risk of episodes of obstructions. Especially of you have a previous hospitalization for bowel obstruction, this diet will be a good choice to decrease the frequency of recurrences. Another benefit will be easier emptying of the stomach if you have gastroparesis.