The Low Residue Diet: List of High and Low Residue Foods

The Low Residue Diet: List of High and Low Residue Foods
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What is a Low Residue Diet?

A low-residue diet is often prescribed for people who have recently had abdominal surgery or who are having digestive problems. Residue is material in foods that can be difficult for the body to digest. The prime example of food residue is fiber, which can be tough on a weak digestive system, but there are other types of residue as well. Avoiding foods that are high in residue can ease recovery from surgery and minimize digestive issues.

Foods Containing Fiber

Although the terms low-residue diet and low-fiber diet are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. However, all foods that should be avoided on a low-fiber diet should also be avoided on a low-residue diet. Examples of these foods include whole grains (often found in bread, brown rice, pasta, cereals, and crackers), fresh and canned fruits or vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

Small pieces of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can hide in many ordinary foods, including soups, salad dressings, and sauces. Make sure that you avoid these high-residue foods as much as possible when on a low-residue diet.

Other High-Residue Foods

Although fiber is one of the main residues that are difficult for the body to digest, there are other residues that should also be avoided while on a low-residue diet. For example, tough meat or poultry, gristle, and deli meat are all difficult on the digestive system. Coconut and marmalade (which often contains small pieces of fruit) should be avoided as well.

Permissible Foods

Low-residue foods are permissible when on the low-residue diet. Examples of acceptable low-residue foods include refined grains (white bread, white rice, cereal devoid of whole grains), vegetable and fruit juices without pulp, soft meat and poultry products, fish, eggs, smooth dairy products, oils and other smooth fats, strained soups, syrup, and honey. These low-residue foods are easily digestible, and are therefore often suggested in response to digestive problems or after abdominal surgery.