Low residue diet – what can and cannot be eaten?

A low-residue diet, also called a low-fiber diet, is a specially composed form of nutrition that may be helpful for people with sensitive intestines and in the case of various digestive system diseases.In this article, we will take a closer look at this diet, understand its benefits and limitations, and find out what you can and cannot eat while following it.

Low residue diet – to help sensitive intestines

A low-residue diet is often used to alleviate the symptoms of various digestive problems.One of the main groups of people who can benefit from this diet are those with a sensitive gut, such as patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).Sensitive gut often reacts to dietary fiber, which can lead to abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea or constipation.A low-residue diet aims to reduce intestinal load and alleviate these symptoms.

Low-residue diet – fiber in the crosshairs

The basic assumption of a low-residue diet is to limit the intake of dietary fiber.Fiber is an extremely important component of our diet that has many health benefits, such as regulating digestion, lowering cholesterol levels and managing weight.However, for people with sensitive gut or medical conditions such as Crohn’s disease, excessive fiber consumption can lead to worsening symptoms.

The basic principles of a low-residue diet include limiting the consumption of raw vegetables and fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grain products and legumes, which are rich in dietary fiber.Instead, the diet is based on easily digestible foods such as white rice, mashed potatoes, cooked meat, eggs and low-lactose dairy products.

Low residue diet – what can and cannot be eaten?

The following products can be included in a low-residue diet:

• White rice
• Mashed potato
• Cooked meat (e.g. chicken, turkey, fish)
• Eggs
• Low-lactose dairy products (e.g. yogurt, cottage cheese)
• Gently cooked vegetables (e.g. potatoes, carrots, pumpkin)
• Wheat bread with low fiber content
• Low-fat cheeses
• White flour pasta

Products that should be avoided on a low-residue diet are:

• Raw or undercooked vegetables
• Raw or undercooked fruit
• Nuts and seeds
• Whole grain cereal products (e.g. whole grain bread, oatmeal)
• Legumes (e.g. beans, lentils)
• High-lactose products (e.g. milk, cream)
• Spicy spices and hot sauces

Low residue diet for everyday life

Following a low-residue diet on a daily basis can be challenging because it may lead to a reduction in dietary diversity.Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor or dietitian before starting this diet.You may need to use dietary supplements to ensure adequate nutrient levels.

It’s also worth trying to gradually introduce more fiber-rich foods into your diet as your gut begins to improve.This will avoid long-term loss of fiber, which is beneficial to health.

Your suggestions

If you have a sensitive gut or suffer from a digestive condition, it is always worth consulting your doctor or dietitian to determine whether a low-residue diet is right for you.They can help you adapt the menu to your individual needs.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in the topic of healthy eating and diet, we also recommend reading our articles on other diets, such as the ketogenic diet, plant-based diet or low-calorie diet.You will find a lot of valuable information about a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition.

To sum up, a low-residue diet can be an effective tool in alleviating the symptoms of sensitive gut and digestive system diseases.However, its use requires caution and consultation with a specialist to ensure adequate supply of nutrients.Also remember that this diet should be considered as a temporary measure and gradually introduce more fiber into your diet whenever possible.