Florence J Martin

Guide to Low Residue Diet Florence J Martin

Your health care provider might recommend that you follow a temporary low residue diet (LRD) if you are recovering from recent bowel surgery (e.g., ileostomy, colostomy, resection), preparing for a colonoscopy, or experiencing heightened symptoms of abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, or active digestive flare-ups associated with a gastrointestinal condition, such as Crohn's or diverticular disease. The term 'residue' refers to any solid contents that end up in the large intestine after digestion. This includes undigested and unabsorbed food (which consists mostly of dietary fibre), bacteria, and gastric secretions. A low residue diet limits dietary fibre to less than 10-15g per day and restricts other foods that could stimulate bowel activity. The goal of a LRD is to decrease the size and frequency of bowel movements in order to reduce painful symptoms. It is similar to a low fibre diet (LFD) except that a LRD also limits some other foods, such as milk, which can increase colonic residue and stool weight. A low-residue diet increases the time food spends traveling through the digestive tract. A slower digestion process decreases the amount of stool your body produces. This is believed to increase the chance that your body will absorb nutrients. It also may reduce the incidence of diarrhea.