LOW RESIDUE DIET

Question 1

INDICATION FOR A LOW RESIDUE DIET

Answer 1

• Acute phases of diverticulosis
• Infectious enterocolitis
• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn’s disease when the bowel is markedly inflamed
• Presence of fixed radiological strictures
• The intestinal lumen is narrowed
• The transition between a completely liquid diet and a normal diet in patients convalescing from surgery, trauma, or other illnesses

Question 2

CONTRA-INDICATIONS IN A LOW RESIDUE DIET

Answer 2

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Diverticulosis, except in acute phases when the lumen of the colon is narrowed or stenosed
• Duodenal ulcers
• Crohn’s disease

Question 3

DEFINITION OF A LOW RESIDUE DIET

Answer 3

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Diverticulosis, except in acute phases when the lumen of the colon is narrowed or stenosed
• Duodenal ulcers
• Crohn’s disease

Question 4

PURPOSE OF A LOW RESIDUE DIET

Answer 4

o To prevent the formation of an obstructing bolus of high fibre foods in patients with narrowed intestinal or oesophageal lumens
o To reduce the frequency of painful stools in acute phases of diverticulitis or inflammatory bowel disease

Question 5

NOTES FOR IMPLEMENTING A LOW RESIDUE DIET

Answer 5

o Patients with gastrointestinal disorders may need a great deal of supportive help from the dietician
o If a low residue diet is indicated, all fruits and vegetables, including prune juices, should be eliminated except white potatoes without skin and strained fruit and vegetables juices
o There is limited evidence that milk, which contains crude fibre, may contribute to faecal residue. Thus with certain patients it may be wise to restrict milk to 2 cups a day
o The diet should be individualized according to the patient’s specific food tolerances