Patient/caregiver was educated on indications for low residue diet as follows:
- Residue is poorly digested & undigested portion of the diet that turns into stool and is eliminated from the body.
- Increased residue in the intestines can result in increased gas production, contributing to bloating, cramping, and discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Low residue diet aims at limiting consumption of foods that are poorly digested and promoting consumption of foods that are easily digested.
- By limiting foods that are poorly digested, compliance with low residue diet recommendation results in formation of less residue.
- Decreased residue in the intestines contributes to reduced gas production and eases the discomfort of bloating and cramping in the gastrointestinal tract.
- This diet is usually recommended to individuals with health conditions such as
- Diarrhea: Though fiber is needed to prevent constipation, excessive intake of fiber, especially insoluble fiber, can push the intestinal contents too fast, and result in loose stools and diarrhea. So, low residue diet is recommended in such individuals to prevent the risk for diarrhea and fluid loss from the body.
- Inflammatory bowel disease: Low residue diet is recommended for individuals with history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as, Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis, and acute diverticulitis. Eating foods that can form excessive residue can make the stools very bulky in such individuals and it can be difficult to pass the bulkier stools through the inflamed and irritated bowels, resulting in severe abdominal pain and discomfort. Low residue diet in such individuals helps ease the pain and discomfort.
