Low Residue Diet

The Low Residue diet is one that focuses on near elimination of foods that remain in your intestinal tract, such as fiber. In fact, a low fiber diet and the low residue diet are generally used interchangeably because they're so alike. While the two diets are similar, the low residue diet is a more restrictive diet than the low fiber diet.

The amount of undigested items and fiber that pass through your intestine are limited on the low reside diet. Because of this, the diet will lower the amount of stools you will have which will help to alleviate diarrhea, stomach pain, or other flare ups of the inflammatory bowel disease kind.

The low residue diet lacks nutrients, so it is not a good idea to stay on the diet for too long. The amount of time to be on the diet should be determined by your doctor.

The benefits to the low residue diet include alleviating annoyances with your digestive system. Low residue diet is normally prescribed from your doctor after surgery (generally abdominal) or if you happen to be experiencing a flare up of some digestive problems such as IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) or diverticulitis.

If you're looking for the kinds of food to eat on the diet, you should look at the Nutrient & Calorie label on the backs of food. You will want to look for food that doesn't have any dietary fiber. If you're a fan of breaded or pasta products, you will want to look for grains that are refined (which are usually listed as the first ingredient on the label).

Other examples of foods that can be eaten on the low reside diet are:

- Juiced vegetables and fruits that do not contain pulp or seeds.
- Most dairy products such as yogurt, milk, and pudding (which need to be limited to no more than two cups a day).
- Lean meat (fish, chicken, turkey, eggs).
- Oils (that don't arrive from nuts or olives) such as butter and margarine.
- Salad dressings, syrups, and honey.

Foods that should be avoided are:

- Whole wheat (bread, crackers, pasta etc)
- Fruits and vegetables that are whole and not juiced.
- Treats that include pieces of fruit, vegetables, or nuts.
- Nuts and nut butters (for instance, peanut butter).

The low residue diet doesn't provide the needed amount of nutrients to remain a diet that's healthy. If you are going to use the low residue diet, be sure to stay on for a short period of time. Symptoms are generally alleviated within a day or two.

You can see what diet works for me and get more information.