Low-Fiber and Low-Residue Diets
What is it?
These terms are used interchangeably at times, but there is a difference. Fiber is a
material found in plants that is difficult for the body to digest. It adds bulk to your
stool and is good for digestive health. However, it may not be a good option for
patient with active inflammation of their intestines such as Crohn’s and colitis. It can
cause blockage and can essentially scrapes the lining of the intestine which can be
quite painful. This is why a high fiber diet may not be tolerated well during active
disease. Residue is undigested food. This may be made up of fiber, but it also
includes other foods as well. As you would imagine, foods that have more residue
can remain in the intestines for a longer period of time and irritate the mucosa. This
can also limit the number of daily bowel movements.
When is it Used?
A low-fiber or low-residue diet is a great option for those experiencing a flare
because the bowels become narrow and inflamed. It is also a good option for after
an intestinal surgery. As your digestive system returns to normal, more fiber and
residue can start to be reintroduced. A long discussion should take place with your
health care provider before starting any new diet or eating plan
Foods to Enjoy
Refined or enriched white breads, plain crackers, rolls without seeds
White rice, plain wheat pasta, noodles, or macaroni
Refined cereals like Cream of Wheat, grits, farina
Cold cereals, such as puffed rice and corn flakes
Pancakes or waffles made from refined, white flour
Most canned or cooked fruits. Avoid the skins, seeds, and membranes. The best
fruits include ripe bananas, soft cantaloupe, honeydew, applesauce, canned pears,
avocado
Canned or well-cooked vegetables. Avoid the skins, seeds, or hulls. The best
vegetable options include asparagus tips, beets, green beans, carrots, mushrooms,
spinach, squash without seeds, and pumpkin
Fruit and vegetable juice with little or no pulp
Tender meats, poultry and fish
Eggs
Creamy peanut butter (limit to 2 tablespoons per day)
Milk products are OK in moderation. This is a contributor to residue. Limit intake to
2 cups a day. This would include any you use in cooking.
Butter, margarine, oils and salad dressings
Clear jelly, honey, and syrup
Mayonnaise, ketchup, and soy sauce
Foods to Avoid
Seeds, nuts, or coconut. This includes any of these ingredients being in any breads,
cereals, desserts, and candy
Whole-grain products. This includes bread, cereal, crackers, pasta, and rice
Bran, barley, brown and wild rice
Cornbread and graham crackers
Raw or dried fruits. Watch for berries, prunes, raisins, figs, and pineapple
Raw or undercooked vegetables. Watch for vegetables with seeds, corn, sauerkraut,
winter squash, peas, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, onions, cauliflower, and
potatoes with skin
Beans and lentils
Tough, fibrous meats
Meats prepared with whole-grain ingredients, seeds, or nuts
Chunky peanut butter
Raw clams and oysters
Yogurt containing fruit skins or fruit seeds
Strongly flavored cheeses
Pickles, relishes, olives, mustards, horseradish, vinegar
Jam or marmalade with nuts and seeds
Chocolate and popcorn
Pepper, chili pepper, and other hot sauces
Caffeine
How Much Fiber?
Your daily fiber goal should be less than 10-15 grams of fiber while on this diet.
Sample Menu
Breakfast
Milk (limit of 2 cups daily)
Egg
White toast with seedless jelly
Cream of wheat
Canned peaches
Cranberry juice
Puffed rice or corn flakes cereal
Milk for the cereal
White toast with seedless jelly
Canned pears
Lunch
Hamburger made with lean beef patty and bun with no seeds
Canned fruit cocktail
Well cooked or canned vegetables
Tea or water
Tuna Sandwich on white bread
Chicken noodle soup
Saltine crackers
Tea or water
Broiled fish
White rice
Well cooked or canned vegetables or baked potato without the skin
Applesauce
Tea or water
Dinner
Tender roast beef
White rice
Well cooked or canned green beans
White dinner roll with margarine or butter
Tea or coffee
Chicken breast
White rice
Well cooked or canned carrots
White dinner roll with margarine or butter
Tea or coffee
White pasta with butter or olive oil
French bread
Canned fruit
Tea or coffee
Remember:
No diet for IBD is one size fits all. You may be able to tolerate foods that others have
to avoid. The best way to determine which foods are your problem foods is to keep
a food diary for a few weeks. Keep track of what you ate and also how you felt. This
way you will have a better idea of what is best for your IBD.
Again, before starting any new diet or eating plan have a discussion with your health
care provider to determine what is best for you.