People diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, IBS or Crohn’s disease is often advised to follow a low residue diet. This diet allows consuming foods that can be easily digested by the body. Such a diet can ease symptoms like stomach cramps and diarrhoea.
A low residue diet comprises of restricting fiber and other foods that are difficult to digest. Fiber is made up of plant material that the body cannot digest completely. It includes foods such as whole grain breads, nuts, seeds, cereals, raw fruits and dried fruits..
Residue is the undigested food, mostly fiber, which makes up the stool. In case your intestinal walls are damaged or inflamed, your body will not be able to digest or absorb the nutrients properly. For instance, if you have Crohn’s disease, your small intestine will become narrow. Consuming a low residue diet will not just reduce the number of bowel movements on a daily basis but will also reduce its size. As a result, the symptoms of the disease, namely cramps, gas, bloating and diarrhoea are reduced. However, this diet will have no effect on the disease or inflammation.
Soft Low residue diet is usually followed for a short duration. You should always consult a nutritionist to help plan a low residue diet for you. Because of impaired nutrient absorption, you may have to include vitamin supplements to your diet.
A low residue diet limits your intake of fibre and several other important nutrients. Hence, you should not be looking at this diet as a long-term solution to your symptoms. Generally, you need to stay away from whole grains, nuts and seeds, as they are full of fibre. But, there are many other foods you can enjoy as a part of your diet.
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Grains:
Usually the skin and seeds of fruits are fibrous. Hence, you should peel off the skin and avoid the seeds to enjoy a bland low residue diet. Following is a list of fruits and vegetables, you can include in your low residue diet.
Dairy Products:
You can consume milk and other dairy products but in moderation. But, if you suffer from lactose intolerance, you should stay away from milk and other dairy products.
Meats:
The good news about low residue diet is that there is no restriction on meat and poultry consumption. You can eat beef, chicken, lamb and pork, provided they are soft, tender and lean..
You can eat the following as a part of your low residue diet:
You can also eat plain cakes, cookies, puddings, custard, pretzels, hard candies, ice creams and popsicles. Where the beverages are concerned, you should be looking to decaffeinated coffee and sodas. The caffeine present in them can irritate your stomach. If you like, you can drink fresh vegetable juices, but, make sure to strain it before consumption.
Foods to Avoid:
There are certain foods that should be completely eliminated from your diet when you follow a low residue diet. These foods include the following:
Every individual is different. Hence, you should analyze how the foods you eat under the low residue diet suit your physiology. Following this diet will take some fortitude if you have always been a healthy eater. Otherwise, you should not have an issue with it. Try it to believe it.
You can keep these simple points in mind while on low residue diet to stay healthy. Please share your views and experiences in the comments section below.