What is the residue-free diet?

As its name suggests, the objective of this diet is that there is no no more food residue in the digestive system. And if its name evokes the desire to lighten a few kilos, the residue-free diet has nothing to do with a goal of slimming or of weightloss. Nothing to see even. It is first of all a diet prescribed for people who are regarding to undergo certain gastroenterological examinations such as colonoscopy.

In practice, this “diet” consists of eliminating from one’s diet all foods likely to generate food residues, namely a piece of food – or food compound – that the body is unable to digest. In most cases, the residues are dietary fiber, both of vegetable and animal origin, present in a multitude of foods. Result ? People who want to follow this diet must strictly control the food ingested.

Doing the residue-free diet, what’s the point?

Prescribed to people preparing to undergo a medical examination or to certain patients, thefood without residue will allow to decrease the activity of the intestinal transit. Results ? The digestion time is longer and the consequences are also observed in the saddle. The stools are less important than usual which spares the sensitivity of the mucous membrane of the wall of the intestine which is thus less prone to irritation. This diet may also be of interest to relieve certain intestinal disorders.

In all cases, this diet is only indicated if it has been prescribed by a doctor – and is strongly discouraged without medical advice -.

Diets without residue, what foods to avoid?

We’re totally going cut out food containing fiber of his diet but also foods likely to irritate the mucous membrane or accelerate intestinal transit. Foods containing fiber are thus prohibited:

raw or cooked fruits
the vegetables
dry vegetables
legumes
seeds
oilseed products
whole grains

Are also prohibited foods likely to harm the health of the mucous membrane of the wall of theintestine :

the cold cuts
frying
fermented cheeses
the sauces
cooked fats,
alcoholic beverages

Like us, you wonder what can stay on the plate? More than it seems! As part of a strict no-residue diet we can thus consume rice, pasta, semolina, certain unfermented dairy products, fish (but not if it is smoked), lean meats, eggs…

A strict residue-free diet is generally indicated for certain people who have undergone a specific medical procedure or treatment. But there is also a much more flexible version of this scheme. We are talking regarding expanded residue-free diet ; it is moreover this type of more flexible diet that is most often prescribed to patients preparing to undergo a medical examination. In the latter, we have the right to eat more food, perhaps a low dose of fiber, certain fruits, vegetables or certain dairy products. It is moreover the case of dairy products which most often makes it possible to distinguish strict no-residue diet et expanded residue-free diet. On the one hand, milk stimulates intestinal transit and can harm the health of a weakened mucosa; on the other hand, by stimulating transit, milk can help cleanse the digestive system.

Who is the residue-free diet for?

The residue-free diet is prescribed in different situations:

for people regarding to undergo certain gastroenterological examinations or surgery on the colon, rectum or anus. They must generally adopt this diet for the 3 days preceding the operation.
for people who have had surgery on the digestive system and who are recommended to expand the restrictions as soon as possible, with the agreement of a healthcare professional.
for people suffering from Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other ailments causing flare-ups and acute inflammation.

Food without residue, what are the risks?

The interest of fiber in the diet? They help to give a feeling of satiety, by increasing the bolus of food without adding calories, and make the stools softer. What are we risking by adopting a residue-free diet?! Deficiencies! In particular in vitamins, calcium or folic acid … hence the need not to adopt the residue-free diet for more than 3 days. In some cases and on medical indications, it happens that the diet lasts up to a week. After following this diet, it is recommended to gradually reintroduce the foods you have been deprived of.

What is the residue-free diet?