Low-Residue Diet Plan

Low-Residue Diet Plan – Overview

Every individual requires a unique diet plan for a healthy lifestyle. There is a unique diet plan for every type of person, whether healthy or recovering from surgery. There is a unique diet plan for people with higher weights and a different plan for those who want to increase their body weight. There is no fixed diet plan for everyone.

If you are on the web and concerned about following diet plans recommended by a dietician or healthy providers, you might have heard of the term Low Residue Diet Plan. Many of you might not be aware of this diet plan, as healthcare providers recommend it in exceptional cases. Everything you need to know about the Low Residue Diet Plan is given in this article.

What is a Low-Residue Diet Plan?

In simple terms, a low-residue diet means a low-fiber diet. In a low-residue diet, your healthcare provider recommends you cut off the fruits and vegetables and all the other food items high in dietary fiber. A low-fiber diet boosts your digestive system.

Residue refers to undigested foods that pass through the human intestine. A residue-free diet is recommended for those recovering from bowel surgery, such as resection, colostomy, or ileostomy. The same diet is recommended for those constantly experiencing abdominal pain or bloating.

A low-residue diet reduces fiber intake. A high-fiber diet requires your intestines to work harder for digestion. Your healthcare provider may suggest a low-residue diet to speed up healing from bowel surgery or restore your digestion system.

What Foods Can You Eat on a Low-Residue Diet?

Food products that are allowed on a low-residue diet

While following the low-residue diet, you are requested to eat the following food items. We have included all types of food categories and the items from each category that are low in fiber.

Refined Grains such as pasta, cereals, white bread, etc.
White rice
Eggs, fish, meats
Fruits without seeds and peels
Fruit and Veg juices without pulps and seeds
Dairy products such as milk, cream, puddings, yogurt, etc.
Vegetables include beets, mushrooms, carrots, beans, and cucumbers.
Salad, oil, mayonnaise, margarine, etc.

Foods to Avoid on Low Residue Diet

Food products that are not allowed on a low-residue diet

As noted above, a low-residue diet consists of food items low in dietary fiber. The above list includes the food items you can consume while following the low-residue diet. However, the below-listed food products are not allowed on a low-residue diet. Let’s check out the list of food categories and food items.

Whole grain products such as cereals, bread, pasta
Dried fruits
Raw vegetables
Nuts and seeds
Dried beans
Peas and lentils
Tough meats
Peanut butter
Cabbage, swiss chard, broccoli, sprouts, kale, cauliflower
Alcohol and caffeine

Healthcare experts have developed a unique 7-Day Diet Plan under the low residue diet. If your healthcare provider has asked you to follow a low-residue diet, consider this 7-Day Diet Plan. Or your healthcare provider will give you a different plan as per your current health condition. Let’s decode the term “Low Residue Diet Plan.”

Low Residue Diet Plan: A 7-Day Diet Plan

Preparing for a low-residue diet is effortless. However, the preparation time makes the entire diet plan a bit hectic. We have provided enough information to help you prepare for the whole week’s diet, i.e., the 7-Day Diet Plan.

We have prepared a seven-day Diet Plan that includes meals throughout the day. The meals and food items listed below are low in fiber, making this the ultimate low-residue diet plan. It is best for those experiencing digestion and other stomach problems. Let’s get on to the diet plan!

Day 1:

White toast with butter on the top,
Ripe banana
White rice
Finely cooked broccoli
White bread
Yogurt
Cooked tomato sauce
Mayonnaise

Day 2:

White rice
Peeled and cooked apple
White flour waffles
White pasta
Mushrooms
Ground beef
Tomato sauce
Boiled green beans
Cooked salmon
Orange juice without pulp
Cooked spinach

Day 3:

Cooked peel-free potatoes (finely meshed)
Cheddar cheese
Chicken thigh
White rice
Boiled green peas
Sauteed spinach
Scrambled eggs
Meatloaf
Butter

Day 4:

Boiled eggs
Mayonnaise
White bread
Smooth peanut butter
Ripe banana
Cheese with finely cooked potatoes
Applesauce
Tomato sauce
Poached chicken

Day 5:

Pulp-free orange juice
Boiled egg salad
Mayonnaise
White bread
White pasta
White dinner roll with butter
Peeled grapes
Apple sauce

Day 6:

Yogurt
Ripe banana
Cooked blueberries
Cooked ground beef
Tuna casserole
White eggs
Peeled cooked carrots
Mayonnaise
Sour cream
Cheese
Cooked tomatoes

Day 7:

Peeled sweet potato (finely meshed)
Scrambled eggs
Cream soup with sweet potato
Cooked carrots
Chicken soup
Boiled broccoli
White rice

Low Residue Diet: Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Good for patients with IBD

IBD stands for inflammatory bowel disease. For faster relief and healing from surgery, patients with IBD follow a low-residue diet. The large intestine is responsible for the absorption of dietary fiber, and following the low-residue diet gives it proper rest.

On the other hand, the bowels don’t require you to work on breaking down the dietary fiber as you consume it moderately. You will not have to face digestion issues while following this diet plan.

2. Managing Bloating and Gas

People who follow a low-residue diet can get relief from diarrhea, bloating, gas, and other bowel imbalance issues. It also helps patients who experience cramping in their abdominal area.

3. Good before Colonoscopy or Bowel Surgery

Your healthcare provider recommends you stay on a liquid diet before the bowel surgery or colonoscopy. It is the standard procedure to follow before this type of unique surgery. You will be asked to follow the low-residue diet for a week. It is recommended because, during the surgery, your bowel will be empty, which makes the surgery faster and with positive results.

4. Good for Those Who are on a Liquid Diet

If you are on a liquid diet and want to jump on to the solid diet, a low-residue diet is what you should follow before starting the regular solid diet. It is because of the better functioning of your organs. It can balance your digestion system and also improve your overall health.

Cons:

A low-residue diet is not suitable for everyone. Normal humans require dietary fiber in their daily food intake to keep their systems functioning. Here are some disadvantages of the low-residue diet, as healthcare providers do not recommend it to everyone.

1. Reduces Important Fibers

If you follow a low-residue diet for a long time, you may develop chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart problems. Dietary fiber is good for your heart’s health, so you should not follow this diet plan if it is not required.

2. Imbalance Bowel Movements

If your bowel movement is regular, then avoid following this diet plan. If your bowel movement is regular and you follow this diet plan, it can imbalance your bowel movement and, hence, your digestion system. As a result, you will start experiencing many other problems.

3. Invites Nutrient Deficiency

A low-residue diet requires you not to consume whole grains. Whole grains contain essential nutrients that your body requires. This could lead to nutrient deficiencies. A low-residue diet eliminates minerals and vitamins.

4. Improves Your Hunger

You may feel hungry all the time due to low fiber intake. Dietary fiber is responsible for your hunger. You’ll always be hungry if you cut down on dietary fiber from your meals.

Final Thoughts:

Before starting the low-residue diet, discuss it with your dietician or healthcare provider. They can suggest whether the diet plan is right for you, as it is unsuitable for everyone.

A low-residue diet is recommended for exceptional cases, such as bowel surgery or colonoscopy. However, if your bowel movements are reasonable, they are not required. It is all about managing your daily fiber goals.