I've seen this diet as an option for people with IBD and I wasn't sure what it consisted of. Well, now I do and I wanted to share it with all my crohnie peeps. I've made comments that you will see in bold and underlined throughout the article. Just FYI.
The Low-Residue Diet
What Is a Low-Residue Diet?A low-residue diet is a diet in which fiber and other foods that are harder for your body to digest are restricted. Fiber is made up of plant material that cannot be completely digested by the body. High-fiber foods include whole-grain breads and cereals, nuts, seeds, and raw or dried fruits.Residue refers to undigested foods, including fiber, that make up stool. If intestinal walls are inflamed or damaged, digestion and absorption of nutrients and water may be impaired, depending on the location of disease activity.In some people with Crohn’s disease, the small intestine may also become very narrowed. The idea behind a low-residue diet is to reduce the number and size of bowel movements you have each day, thereby lessening painful IBD symptoms such as cramping, diarrhea, bloating, and gas. However, it does not affect inflammation or the disease itself.A low-residue/low-fiber diet may be recommended for short-term use during disease flare-ups or following surgery to help with recovery. However, it is not a general eating plan for all people with IBD. Your health care provider or nutritionist can help make sure your diet plan is appropriate. In addition to dietary changes, your health care provider or nutritionist may recommend vitamin supplements.Low-Residue Diet: Foods to EnjoyEating a low-residue/low-fiber diet goes against what nutritionists tout as a healthy way to eat because it severely limits fiber intake and other important nutrients. A low-residue/low-fiber diet usually stays away from grainy, nutty foods that are loaded with fiber.Here are foods you can eat if you are on a low-residue diet:Grains
- Refined or enriched white breads and plain crackers, such as saltines or Melba toast (no seeds).
- Cooked cereals, such as farina, cream of wheat, and grits.
- Cold cereals, such as puffed rice and corn flakes.
- White rice, noodles, and refined pasta.
Fruits and VegetablesThe skin and seeds of many fruits and vegetables are loaded with fiber, so peeling skin and avoiding seeds is part of a low-residue diet. The following vegetables can be eaten on a low-residue diet:
- Well cooked fresh vegetables or canned vegetables without seeds, such as asparagus tips, beets, green beans, carrots, mushrooms, spinach, squash (no seeds), and pumpkin.
- Cooked potatoes without skin.
Fruits include:
- Canned or cooked fruits without seeds or skin, such as applesauce or canned pears
Milk and DairyMilk products are OK to eat, in moderation. Milk does not contain fiber but it may trigger symptoms such as diarrhea and cramping for some people with lactose intolerance. Alternatively, using lactase supplements or eating lactose-free products may be options.Meats and ProteinYou can enjoy most meats, including beef, lamb, chicken, fish (no bones), and pork as long as they are lean, tender, and soft. Eggs are also OK to eat.Fats, Sauces, and CondimentsAll of the following condiments are fine to eat on a low-residue diet:
- Margarine, butter, and oils
- Smooth sauces and salad dressing
- Clear jelly, honey, and syrup
Sweets and SnacksYou can still satisfy your sweet tooth on a low-residue diet. The following desserts and snacks are OK to eat, in moderation:
- Gelatin, plain puddings, custard, and sherbet
DrinksSafe drinks to enjoy on a low-residue diet include:
- Decaffeinated coffee, tea, and carbonated beverages (caffeine can irritate the stomach) Be careful with carbonated drinks as they sometimes irritate. Coffee for me is a no-no.... Yes, even decaf.
Milk AVOID if you are flaring or are lactose intolerant/dairy sensitive
- Juices made without seeds or pulp, such as apple juice, no-pulp orange juice, and cranberry juice
- Strained vegetable juices
Low-Residue Diet: Foods to AvoidWhile on a low-residue diet, these foods or drinks are generally avoided:
- Seeds, nuts, or coconut, including those found in bread, cereal, desserts, and candy.
- Whole-grain products, including whole-grain breads, cereals, crackers, pasta, rice is okay, and kasha. ***If you have Celiac or feel sick after eating anything grainy, avoid products that have gluten in them and get the gluten free option. If you are flared, AVOID gluten all together until your condition calms down. Make sure to slowly reintroduce these foods back into your diet after restricting this food for a certain period. FYI - The reason that so many people are sensitive to grains and/or developing allergies to gluten, is because of the way companies make the grain products. The quality of our food is on the decline. Because of the need to mass produce, the grain products are made in a way that has a negative effect on digestion. (companies skip some of the vital steps that is necessary to make a good quality bread/pasta/cereals because it cuts back on the time it takes to make the product.)
- **Remember - All Rice is free of gluten
- Raw or dried fruits, such as prunes, berries, raisins, figs, and pineapple.
- Certain cooked vegetables, including peas, broccoli, winter squash, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, corn (and corn bread), onions, cauliflower, potatoes with skin, and baked beans.
- Beans, lentils, or tofu. Tough meats with gristle and smoked or cured deli meats.
- Cheese with seeds, nuts, or fruit.
- Peanut butter, jam, marmalade, or preserves.
- Pickles, olives, relish, sauerkraut, and horseradish.
- Fruit juices with pulp or seeds, prune juice, or pear nectar.
Low-Residue Diet: Sample MenuThere are many meal options to choose from on a low-residue diet. In fact, you can even buy cookbooks that specialize in low-residue meals. Here are some meal options to get you started:Breakfast
- Decaffeinated coffee with cream and sugar
- Cup of juice, such as no-pulp orange juice, apple juice, or cranberry juice
- Waffles, French toast, or pancakes
- White bread toast with margarine and grape jelly (no seeds)
Lunch
- Baked chicken, white rice, canned carrots or green beans
- Salad with baked chicken, American cheese, smooth salad dressing, white dinner roll
- Baked potato (no skin), with sour cream and butter or margarine
- Hamburger with white seedless bun, ketchup, and mayonnaise -- lettuce if it doesn't worsen your symptoms
Dinner
- Tender roast beef, white rice, cooked carrots or spinach, white dinner roll with margarine or butter
- Pasta with butter or olive oil, French bread, fruit cocktail
- Baked chicken, white rice or baked potato without skin, and cooked green beans
- Broiled fish, white rice, and canned green beans
Low-Residue Diet: Making It Work
You may find that some of the foods listed under "foods to avoid" do not bother you, while others on the "foods to enjoy" list cause discomfort. Everyone tolerates food differently. To determine what's right for you, keep a food diary for a few weeks. By tracking what you eat and how it makes you feel, you can get a better idea of what works for you.If you are generally a healthy eater who enjoys whole grains, nuts, and raw fruits and vegetables, shifting to a low-residue diet may be hard. But if you enjoy your white bread and pasta, don't mind canned fruits and vegetables, and are content to snack on saltines and vanilla wafers, a low-residue diet may come naturally. But remember, a low-residue diet is not a healthy way to eat for a long period of time because it omits many important nutrients. If your condition requires you to stay on a low-residue diet over a long period of time, talk to a registered dietitian or nutritionexpert to make sure you are getting all the nutrients you need to stay healthy. You may need to supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals.
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