Low Residue, Low Fiber Diet Instructions
A low residue, low fiber diet is designed to help reduce the amount of undigested food that passes through your intestines. It’s often recommended if you’re recovering from certain surgeries, have digestive issues like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, or if you’re preparing for a medical procedure.
This diet limits foods that are high in fiber, which means avoiding certain fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other foods that are harder for your body to digest. Following these guidelines will help ease your digestive system and reduce symptoms like diarrhea, cramping, and gas.
What to Eat and What to Avoid
| What to Eat: | What to Avoid: | |
| Grains & Breads: | Choose white bread, rolls, and refined grains like white rice, plain pasta, and simple crackers. | Whole grains, brown or wild rice, breads or cereals with seeds, nuts, or whole grains.
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| Vegetables | Opt for soft, well-cooked vegetables like carrots, green beans, beets, and peeled potatoes. You can also have vegetable juices, but skip the ones with pulp. | Raw veggies, any with skins or seeds (like corn, peas, or tomatoes), and gas-forming vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, or cauliflower.
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| Fruits
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Stick to canned or cooked fruits (without skins), like applesauce, canned peaches, or ripe bananas. Fruit juices are okay, but strain them to remove any pulp. | Raw fruits, especially those with seeds or tough skins like apples, berries, or grapes. Prune juice should also be avoided. |
| Protein
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Lean meats that are baked, broiled, or boiled are great. Chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, and tofu are all easy to digest. Peanut butter (smooth) is also fine in moderation. | Fried meats, sausages, fatty or heavily seasoned meats, and beans or legumes.
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| Dairy
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If you can tolerate dairy, small amounts of milk, cheese, or yogurt are okay, but limit to 1 cup a day. Lactose-free options are a good choice if you’re sensitive. | High-fat dairy products and creams, as well as any dairy if it triggers symptoms like diarrhea or bloating.
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| Fats & Oils | Use small amounts of butter, margarine, oils, or mayonnaise. Limit to about 1-2 teaspoons per meal | Fried foods, as well as fatty gravies and sauces.
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| Snacks & Sweets
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Simple snacks like plain cookies (e.g., sugar or animal crackers), Jell-O, Popsicles, and sherbet are okay. Hard candies and plain cake (like angel food cake) are also gentle on the stomach. | Sweets with nuts, seeds, coconut, or chocolate, as well as anything with whole grains or added fiber.
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| Beverages | Drink plenty of clear fluids like water, tea, and clear broths. Coffee and soda are okay in moderation, but limit to one cup a day. Sports drinks, fruit punch, are also fine. | Alcohol and high-fat dairy drinks like milkshakes. |
General Tips for Following the Diet
- Eat Smaller Meals: Try to have several smaller meals throughout the day rather than large ones. This is easier on your digestive system.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help keep things moving and prevent dehydration, especially if you’re experiencing diarrhea.
- Cook your food well: Cooking helps break down foods, making them easier to digest. Stick to boiling, baking, or steaming your meals.
- Avoid High-Fiber Foods: Skip foods like whole grains, nuts, seeds, and raw vegetables that add bulk to your stool and can irritate your digestive system.
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