Low-residue diet: summary table of foods

Low-residue diet : what exactly is it?

A low-residue diet is one designed to reduce the amount of food material (residues) that remains in the digestive tract (1). This includes substances which are not fully absorbed by the small intestine – such as plant fibre – and which end up in the colon. In its strictest version, it also bans foods likely to irritate the intestinal mucosa or accelerate intestinal transit.

Low-residue diet: before a colonoscopy, but not exclusively

Excluding many foods, a low-residue diet is designed to put minimum strain on the intestines.

In fact, it is routinely prescribed by gastroenterologists 3 days before an exploratory colonoscopy, as well as in preparation for a lower digestive tract operation (colon, rectum, anus) (2). It is also indicated post-intervention to protect the areas operated on, with soft, semi-liquid or liquid foods.

It can also relieve the acute inflammatory flare-ups associated with certain digestive disorders (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis) (3).

The two main types of low-residue diet

Strict low-residue diet

A strict low-residue diet is one that puts the least strain on the digestive mucosa, and is therefore the most restrictive.

The foods prohibited are:

• sources of plant fibre which are not broken down by digestive enzymes and are particularly fermentable. This automatically excludes all forms of fruit and vegetables (fresh, juice, compotes …), wholegrain or semi-wholegrain cereals, pulses (lentils, chickpeas …), as well as seeds and oilseeds (4) ;
• resistant starches, not easily broken down by amylases, which are mainly found in chilled or frozen starchy foods (pasta salads, tabbouleh …) ;
• lactose, the ‘milk’ sugar also found in yogurt and fromage blanc, which can cause diarrhoea in those with lactase deficiency (5) ;
• fermented cheeses, likely to cause bloating and flatulence: Camembert, Roquefort, Munster… ;
• polyols (xylitol, maltitol, sorbitol…) used as sugar substitutes, which cause excessive fermentation in the colon (6) ;
• fatty meats, cooked fats, spices, alcohol and caffeine in excess, which tend to attack the digestive mucosa (7-8).

Expanded low-residue diet

The expanded or less strict low-residue diet is similar to a low-fibre diet . More flexible, it only excludes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses and seeds. It can take over from a strict low-residue diet when you want to gradually reintroduce food categories without ‘rushing’ your digestion.

Strict low-residue diet: detailed table of permitted and prohibited foods

Important: this list of foods may vary depending on the patient, practitioner and disorder. If in doubt, refer to the dietary recommendations provided by your doctor.

Low-residue diet: what to eat for breakfast?

Here are 3 examples of breakfasts compatible with a strict low-residue diet :

• 3 crispbreads + butter + gooseberry jelly + 1 cup of coffee
• 1 slice of toasted baguette + 1 portion of Comté + 1 cup of rooibos tea
• 1 bowl of cornflakes + lactose-free milk + 1 cup of tea

Low-residue diet: example of a full day’s menu

Breakfast:

• toast + margarine + honey
• 1 white coffee with lactose-free milk

Lunch:

• 1 grilled turkey escalope + semolina
• 1 piece of Gruyère + white toast
• 1 fruit jelly

Tea (optional) :

• 3 petits-beurre biscuits
• 1 cup of weak tea or coffee

Dinner :

• vegetable broth with vermicelli
• 2 hard-boiled eggs
• 1 piece of Edam + crispbreads

Low-residue diet: potential fatigue

As the low-residue diet excludes a number of nutrients, it should not be followed for a long time. In actual fact, it is rarely continued for more than 3 or 4 days.

Any longer and it can lead to significant fatigue, constipation and vitamin and mineral deficiencies(9). It should also not undertaken without medical advice.

If you suffer from chronic digestive sensitivities, it’s worth knowing that there are supplements that specifically target these problems (such as Lectin Flush which contains chelators of lectins - proteins ubiquitous in our diet which are potentially involved in various inflammatory reactions).