When we refer to a healthy and balanced diet, most experts recommend having a good daily fiber intake. The problem is that there are people with diseases or special characteristics that negatively affect fiber consumption. The zero-residue diet can be a solution for many patients.
That is why following a low-residue diet should also be taken into account; or what is the same: poor in fiber and in other substances that stimulate the intestine (purines, lactose, fructose, acids...). The zero-residue diet offers a break from fiber-induced GI upset. The diet reduces dietary fiber to 8 grams per day from the normal 25 to 38 grams of fiber recommended for generally healthy people.
What is the zero residue diet?
When following a low residue diet, the usual advice is to consume no more than 10 to 15 grams of fiber per day. We must also avoid dairy products and certain types of carbohydrates. They can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea. We should be monitored by a doctor or dietitian if we decide to follow a low-residue diet. Low-residue diets are generally only recommended for short-term use.
It can also change the gut microbiome. Individual needs should determine the amounts and types of food, as well as the time to follow the diet. This diet is generally not followed long term.
Fiber is not that it is a harmful substance for our body (in fact it regulates intestinal transit), but since it is not absorbed by the body, it can cause annoying alterations. This substance is found in foods of plant origin (cereals, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes), so we will have to reduce or eliminate them from our diet.
As we said before, in this type of diet it is necessary to eliminate the presence of any substance that causes disturbances in the digestive system. Therefore, most of the diet will be based on drinking water, non-integral cereals, white rice, white bread, tea, strained broths, boiled eggs, white meats, etc.
In general, the diet is low in residues and they will be incorporated gradually until their tolerance improves. Red meat, coffee and ultra-processed products with a high sugar content must be avoided at all costs. These foods are rich in purines, which are not very beneficial in this health context.
By following a low residue diet, we are demanding as little as possible from the digestive tract. It's similar to a low-fiber diet, but it also excludes some foods that can stimulate intestinal contractions. The term residue refers to the material that remains in the digestive tract after the initial stages of digestion are finished. These materials often contain a lot of fiber because the body cannot fully digest it.
A zero residue diet increases the time food spends traveling through the digestive tract. A slower digestion process decreases the amount of feces the body produces. This is thought to increase the chances that the body absorbs nutrients and can also reduce the incidence of diarrhoea.
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Foods that are high in fiber tend to leave some plant particles in the colon that cannot be digested. This undigested matter comes mainly from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, although dairy products can also leave residues.
These leftovers usually do not present a problem. In fact, it's the waste that helps keep stool bulky and moving through the intestines. However, in situations where the intestine needs to slow down to allow healing, for example if we have a digestive disorder, the main solution is to adjust the diet.
fewer bowel movements
When we eat low-fiber foods, the intestines don't need to work as hard because little or no undigested material remains. With less waste to get rid of, we have fewer bowel movements. These foods are also less likely to stimulate contractions of the intestines (peristalsis).
Limiting foods with fiber and those that leave residues may not only play an important role in reducing IBD symptoms, but also in remission. Similarly, although there is only limited evidence on low-residue diets that include solid foods, science has shown that a mostly liquid, zero-residue diet may be beneficial for people with Crohn's disease.
colonoscopy prep
Bowel preparation, i.e. removal of waste from the colon, is required before intestinal surgery, and a residue-free diet plays an important role in this process. It can also help during recovery from surgery.
For people who do not have intestinal disorders, research has shown that zero-residue diets may also be a beneficial part of colonoscopy preparation.
Avoid diarrhea
While the residue-free diet could favor constipation, it is ideal for severe cases of diarrhea. Having little (or no) fiber, it favors constant evacuations or without much form.
Also, most hemorrhoid treatments involve relieving symptoms until the condition resolves on its own, so it's important to make your stools smaller and softer through a low-fiber diet or stool-softening medications.
When to follow this type of diet?
If we do not have any problems with intestinal transit when we eat foods rich in fiber or in any other substance mentioned above, it is not necessary to use these tips. What it can do is become a relief for people who suffer from gas, abdominal inflammation, diarrhea, vomiting...
The low residue diet is highly recommended in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, acute gastritis, or ulcerative colitis. Even people who have undergone surgery also tend to follow these eating guidelines.
The normal thing is that we only have to opt for this diet in a short time, thinking of giving the intestine a break. Although only a nutritionist or a doctor will be in charge of advising you regarding the duration of the low-residue diet. Keep in mind that the combination and distribution of meals is also essential, so always have the opinion of an expert.
Crohn's disease
This is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and damage to the digestive tract. People with a family history of it are more likely to develop it, although it is not clear how it occurs or why the body attacks its own tissues.
Unfortunately, there is still no cure for Crohn's disease. Although a good treatment is the changes in the diet to remit the annoying symptoms. Some people with Crohn's disease experience intestinal blockages and narrowing of the small intestine. By eating a low-residue diet, symptoms such as pain and cramps can be reduced.
However, the science is still inconclusive or contradictory on the effectiveness of the diet without residues in inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's.
Ulcerative colitis
A zero-residue diet may also be helpful for people with ulcerative colitis, although there is a similar lack of consensus. This inflammatory bowel disease causes inflammation and ulcers in the inner lining of the large intestine. The irritation can cause some people to lose their appetite and eat less. But this situation can lead to malnutrition.
Sometimes, a special type of diet can help reverse the symptoms and promote appetite. In this case, a low-residue diet could potentially help keep us well-nourished while we recover from intestinal obstruction or surgery. However, it is important to speak with a specialist to assess our case and provide exact recommendations on food.
Gastrointestinal tract infection
This is usually caused by food poisoning from bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli. Many doctors recommend bland, low-fiber foods when you are recovering from a gastrointestinal infection.
We may have eaten crackers, toast, Jell-O, applesauce, and broth while recovering. But none of these foods contain much fiber. Many medical experts will also recommend avoiding milk and other dairy products that contain lactose, caffeine, alcohol, and fatty or spicy foods.
Colonoscopy or surgery
There is good news for people who avoid colonoscopies because of a day's preparation with a clear liquid cleansing diet. Some research shows that eating small portions of low-residue (low-fiber) solid foods the day before your colonoscopy led to better results than eating a clear liquid diet.
For example, in the case of a colonoscopy, This type of no-residue diet is used to limit the size and number of bowel movements. So it's a common practice to do when someone is going to have these kinds of tests and the doctors need to be clear of obstacles. Typically, this procedure is used to detect abnormalities in the large intestine and rectum.
Low-residue foods, such as eggs, yogurt, cheese, bread, cottage cheese, chicken nuggets, and macaroni and cheese, break down easily in the stomach and are eliminated with the bowel preparation. On the other hand, foods with a high residue content, such as fruits, nuts or vegetables, do not degrade as much and make it difficult to visualize the colon.
It is even common for a low-residue diet to be recommended when we are recovering from a bowel surgery recent. A doctor might recommend that you temporarily follow such a diet if you're recovering from recent bowel surgery. For example, if you just had an ileostomy, colostomy, or resection.
Cancer
This includes people who experience cancer of the gastrointestinal tract or gastrointestinal discomfort due to certain cancer treatments (such as radiation therapy) or cancer surgery.
Some cancer treatments make it harder to pass stool. A zero-residue or low-fiber diet can promote easier movement of food through the digestive tract, reducing the chances of a bowel obstruction forming.
Athletes
Although a low residue diet is commonly adopted to aid in the acute process of weight gain, it can also provide performance benefits outside of weight class sports.
In power sports, for example, athletes often seek to move their body a maximum height or distance (high jump or long jump). Acute weight loss associated with decreased gut contents would increase power-to-mass ratio by decreasing body mass, which could improve jumping performance outcomes. Endurance athletes can also benefit from a low residue diet prior to competition.
In general, endurance athletes are recommended to follow a carbohydrate loading protocol of 6-12 g/kg/day prior to competition to ensure glycogen stores are saturated. Such protocols have repeatedly been shown to improve exercise performance; however, it also facilitates the binding of water to stored glycogen, causing an increase in body mass.
By choosing low-residue carbohydrate-rich foods (such as refined grains) during a carbohydrate-loading phase, an athlete can partially mitigate this increase in body mass while still saturating glycogen stores. Although this may facilitate only a slight change in body mass, it can influence the outcome of elite competition when the margin of victory is exceptionally small.
Therefore, a low residue eating pattern may be justified in endurance or power sports athletes prior to an event. So a low residue eating pattern may be justified in endurance or power sports athletes before competition.
zero waste food
A low-residue diet limits fiber and other substances with the goal of reduce the volume of stool. This results in fewer and smaller bowel movements, which could alleviate symptoms of intestinal diseases that can cause intestinal discomfort.
But, obviously, you cannot leave out any nutritional group. Especially protein, micronutrients (minerals and vitamins) and water to hydrate you. It may be necessary to drink more fluids, especially water, to prevent constipation by reducing the bulk of your stool on a low-residue diet. Even so, it will be the nutrition expert who will advise you the maximum amount of daily fiber that you should consume (normally they will not exceed 10-15 grams).
Some general advice to follow a low residue diet are the following: (each case is personal, always follow the instructions of the doctor or nutritionist). In addition, low-residue foods should be well cooked. Avoid cooking methods such as broiling, broiling, or grilling, as these can toughen or dry out the food. The most recommended cooking methods for a low-residue diet are steamed, stewed, boiled or microwaved.
Proteins and dairy products
Experts recommend consuming up to 2 cups total of soft dairy products per day, and avoiding adding any nuts, fruits, or vegetables. They also advise eating meat with a high percentage of protein and little fat. In this case, we must avoid all kinds of red meat.
- Yogurt
- Skimmed milk
- lactose free milk
- Cured cheese
- lumpy fresh cheese
- Low fat cheese
- Buttermilk
- Cooked meat
- Fish
- Birds
- Eggs
- Tofu
- White meats
breads and cereals
Despite the fact that whole grains are the most recommended option when we seek to take care of our diet, in some moments or illnesses it is advisable to take the refined option. When whole wheat pasta or bread is consumed, we are adding a good amount of fiber, which is why the refined version is preferred for a diet without residues.
- White bread
- non-whole wheat pasta
- White rice
Vegetables for the zero residue diet
Vegetables are recommended in small amounts because they are a great source of fiber. Although we have previously commented that foods are recommended boiled or cooked, there are some vegetables that we can consume without risk of a worse situation. It is important that you do not eat fried vegetables, with seeds or shells.
- Raw:
- Lettuce
- Cucumber (without skin and seeds)
- Zucchini
- Cooked or canned:
- Yellow squash (seedless)
- Spinach
- Eggplant
- Broad beans
- peeled potatoes
- French Fries
- Jewish
- Asparagus
- Beets
- Carrots
Fruits
Fruits are also necessary in any type of diet. They are usually recommended as a good food to improve intestinal transit, maintain good digestion and be fully nourished. However, there are some types (such as kiwis or plums) that provide too much fiber. Here we recommend the best ones to digest without too much effort.
- Natural fruit juices without pulp
- Apricots
- Bananas
- Melon
- Watermelon
- Peach
- Papaya
- Pear
- Apple
- Nectarine
Healthy fats
Another essential nutrient for the body is fat. In this case, as nuts should be avoided in residue-free diets, the best sources of healthy fats can be found in:
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Avocado
- Natural nut butter
Although the avocado also contains fiber, it only provides 7 grams per 100. It is recommended to take it in a controlled manner and without abusing it. In addition, it favors satiety, so it is a great food when our stomach hurts but we need to eat.
Menu example
Although it is recommended that a specialist design the weekly menu for the zero-residue diet, here we can have a slight idea of what is eaten on this type of low-residue diet.
For breakfast:
- Scrambled eggs
- Pancakes or buttered French toast
- Juice without pulp or decaffeinated coffee with milk and sugar
For lunch:
- Baked chicken breast with cooked carrots
- Cheeseburger with seedless bun, onion, lettuce and ketchup
- Turkey or Chicken Sandwich on French Bread
For dinner:
- White rice, steamed vegetables and baked chicken
- Baked potato without skin, butter and sour cream
- Grilled fish, asparagus and pasta with butter or olive oil
What are the residual foods?
A low-residue diet can still contain foods you are used to eating, such as cooked vegetables, fruits, white bread, and meats, but you should eliminate those high in fiber. For example:
- Vegetables
- Whole grains (whole grain)
- Raw vegetables
- Fruits and their juice
- Vegetables and fruits with peel
- Nuts
- Seeds
- nerves in the flesh
Among the foods and drinks to avoid we find meals spicy This type of food is not unhealthy, but it does contain substances that can alter our intestinal tract. Heartburn is very common in these types of diseases, so it is better to stay away from foods like chili peppers.
Moreover, the Sausages and red meat should also disappear from our regular consumption. These foods contain high doses of saturated fats that can promote intestinal and digestive inflammation. Opt for lean meats or other types of proteins that help you reach the right levels.
Foods Fried or with a lot of oil should be out of any type of diet. If you have digestion problems, oil raised to high temperatures has unwanted effects on the body. As is the case with booze, being a toxic substance for the organism. On the other hand the coffee It is not dangerous in a normal diet, but it can cause discomfort in people with a sensitive digestive system.
Fruits, vegetables, cereals and legumes provide important antioxidants, phytonutrients and vitamins, minerals. Normally, we should try to eat a balanced diet, unless otherwise directed by a specialist doctor, since the low-residue diet may not provide enough nutrients that the body needs to function optimally.
All of these nutrients are essential for good health. Supplements may be necessary to correct deficiencies. It is recommended to speak with a medical professional before making dietary changes or adding supplements on our own.
Risks
Although the zero-residue diet can help alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms, it still carries some risks. For example, it lacks enough nutrients to keep us healthy, eating large amounts of starchy foods can lead to weight gain and cause spikes in blood sugar.
It is recommended to do this type of diet advised by a dietitian to ensure that we include as many nutrients as possible in the diet. It may also be beneficial to exercise daily to maintain good health and prevent weight gain. However, the zero-residue diet not meant for the long term. For acute problems, it is advised to follow the diet for five to seven days and then add fiber again. But everything is specific to each person.
In some cases, it can take more than a week to control gastrointestinal symptoms. That may be safe for some people. But if we maintain this diet for years, it can be develop deficiencies and we will have to find other ways to incorporate healthy foods into the diet. That can be especially challenging for people with gastrointestinal cancer whose treatment can take many months. Maintaining any type of restrictive diet is difficult. We should not hesitate to ask for help.
Tips
A zero-residue diet is designed to provide temporary relief from digestive symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, gas, and bloating. It is not intended to be a long-term lifestyle change.
If we have an inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, a doctor may recommend a short-term low-residue diet to relieve gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, and cramps.
A low-residue diet allows for some nutrient-dense foods, but is also restrictive and can make it difficult to meet nutritional goals. This diet is not recommended long-term and should be followed under the supervision of a doctor or dietitian. Normally, zero-residue dieters can gradually return to their normal diet once their symptoms improve.
Many of the foods on a low residue diet are low in fiber, which is an essential part of a healthy diet. Although a low fiber diet can relieve gastrointestinal symptoms, it is not sustainable in the long term.