Low Residue Diet Plan

Low Residue Diet Plan – Overview

Every individual requires a unique diet plan for a healthy lifestyle. There is a special diet plan for every type of person, be it a healthy one or one who is in the recovery period from the surgery. There is a unique diet plan for obese people and a different plan for one who wants to increase his 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 special 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 that are high in dietary fiber. A low-fiber diet boosts your digestive system.

Residue means undigested foods that pass through the human intestine. It is recommended for those who are recovering from bowel surgery such as resection, colostomy, or ileostomy. The same diet is recommended for those who are constantly experiencing abdominal pain or feeling bloated.

A low-residue diet cuts off the fiber intake. High fiber diet requires your intestines to work more for digestion. For faster healing from bowel surgery or to restore your digestion system, a low-residue diet is suggested by your healthcare provider.

What Foods Can You Eat on a Low Residue Diet?

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 food items from each category that are low in fiber.

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

Foods to Avoid on Low Residue Diet

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 that are low in dietary fiber. The above list includes the food items that 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.

  1. Whole grains products such as cereals, bread, pasta
  2. Dried fruits
  3. Raw vegetables
  4. Nuts and seeds
  5. Dried beans
  6. Peas and lentils
  7. Tough meats
  8. Peanut butter
  9. Cabbage, swiss chard, broccoli, sprouts, kale, cauliflower
  10.  Alcohol and caffeine

Healthcare experts have developed a special 7-Day Diet Plan under the low residue diet. If your healthcare provider has asked you to follow a low-residue diet, then consider following 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

It’s easy to prepare for the low-residue diet. However, the preparation time is what makes the entire diet plan a little bit hectic. Well, here we have provided enough information to help you prepare for the entire week’s diet i.e. for the 7-Day Diet Plan.

We have prepared a 7-Day Diet Plan, which includes meals for the entire day. The meals and food items listed below are low in fiber which is 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. A low-residue diet is prepared for patients with IBD for faster relief and healing from the surgery. The large intestine is responsible for the absorption of dietary fiber. When you follow the low residue diet, it will give proper rest to the large intestine.

On the other hand, the bowels don’t require you to work on breaking down the dietary fiber as you are consuming it moderately. You will not have to face any kind of 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 special 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 now want to jump on to the solid diet, a low-residue diet is what you should follow first before starting the normal solid diet. It is because of the better functioning of your organs. It can balance your digestion system and also improves your overall health.

Cons:

A low-residue diet is not good for everyone, as normal human beings require dietary fiber in their daily food intake to keep things functioning well. Here are some disadvantages of the low residue diet as it is not recommended to everyone by healthcare providers.

1. Reduces Important Fibres

When you are on a low-residue diet for a longer period, you may face chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart problems, etc. Dietary fiber is good for the health of your heart. If not required, then you should not follow this diet plan.

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 which are required for your body. 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. If you cut down on dietary fiber from your meals, you’ll be hungry all the time.

Final Thoughts:

Before starting to follow the low-residue diet, discussing it with your dietician or healthcare provider is best. They will suggest whether the low-residue diet is right for you or not, as the diet plan is not good for everyone.

A low-residue diet is recommended for special cases i.e. bowel surgery or colonoscopy. It is not required if your bowel movement is good. It is all about managing your daily fiber goals.

See Also

High Fiber Breakfast Recipe

High Fiber Foods for Constipation

Diverticulosis vs Diverticulitis

Low Purine Foods List

Purine Rich Foods List

Best Foods for Colon Health