It's logical to assume that digestive diseases like Crohn's and colitis are caused by diet, but that is not the case. Diet is not the cause, and changing the diet is not a cure, but it can have an impact on symptoms. One option recommended in some situations is a low-residue diet.
What is Residue?
The low-residue diet is sometimes referred to as a low-fiber diet, although the two diets are not exactly the same. MyIBDCentral uses the Harvard Health Publications definition of residue. Medically, residue is solid contents that reach the lower intestine, which is anything that has not been fully digested. The fiber found in foods like whole grains, seeds, nuts, dried fruits, or vegetable and fruit skins make up the majority of this residue. Generally, a diet containing less than 10 g of fiber daily is usually considered low-fiber.
Theory
Normally, a healthy diet would be high in fiber and with plenty of fluids to help keep the bowel operating normally. During flare-ups of inflammatory bowel disease, however, patients may be switched to a low-residue diet to limit the amount of undigested or partially digested food to reach the lower intestine. This allows the bowel to rest and heal.
Foods to Avoid
Many of the foods to be avoided are normally thought of as good choices for a healthy diet. Avoid beans and lentils as protein sources, and stay away from nuts and seeds, or foods containing seeds. Avoid dried fruits, raisins, and berries, as well as whole grains. Keep cruciferous vegetables to a minimum, if you eat them at all, including broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or cabbage.
Low-Residue Foods
Despite the restrictions, many foods are appropriate for a low-residue diet. Enriched refined white bread or buns, white rice, and refined pasta and noodles are allowable grain products. Low-residue fruit and vegetable choices also exist. Choose fruit juices except for prune, applesauce, melons like cantaloupe, watermelon, or honeydew, grapes, peaches, or canned fruit cocktail. Vegetable juices are a good choice, as well as potatoes (no skin), and tender or well-cooked vegetables such as green beans, lettuce, mushrooms, green or red peppers, squash, zucchini, lettuce, carrots and celery. Get protein from fish, eggs, soy, and tender meats.
Precautions
Check with your doctor before beginning a low-residue diet for specific recommendations. Not all low-fiber foods are good choices; for instance, dairy products and coffee are low in fiber, but can stimulate the bowel. Ask your doctor if you should take a vitamin supplement, especially if you are on a low-residue diet for an extended period.
Tags: low-residue diet, dried fruits, good choices, healthy diet, lower intestine, reach lower