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
- Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach empties into the small intestine more slowly than it should. Since the stomach remains full for longer periods of time, individuals with gastroparesis can be at risk to present with nausea & vomiting, bloating, heartburn, and abdominal discomfort. Soft and simpler foods that are easier to chew, swallow, and digest are usually recommended to individuals with gastroparesis. Foods containing excessive fiber and forming excessive residue can be hard to chew & digest, stay longer in the stomach, result in excessive bloating, discomfort, & heartburn, and so, are better avoided in individuals with gastroparesis.
- Chemotherapy and radiation: Low residue diet is recommended for individuals undergoing chemotherapy and radiation for any cancers. 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.
