Living With Inflammatory Bowel Disease; Should You Try A Low-Residue Diet?

Foods To Avoid Whenever Possible

A low-residue diet is quite inclusive of different types of food. Since this is a diet, however, there are some foods individuals need to avoid as much as possible. These foods include high fiber foods such as nuts, seeds, and coconuts, raw vegetables, dried fruit, et cetera. Individuals following this diet should pay attention to labels of all packaged foods for the fiber content, particularly cereals and whole grains. Other sources of fiber those with IBD and who have chosen to be on a low-residue diet should avoid are beans, tofu, lentils, jams and marmalades, popcorn, relish, horseradish, and pulp or seeded juices.

Tracking Consumed Foods and Symptoms

One of the best ways for an individual living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis to control their symptoms is to keep a food journal. This may sound like a tedious task, but it can be quite helpful for those trying a low-residue diet. This is best to do when the individual is just starting the diet, and they should ideally keep the journal for a minimum of two weeks. In addition to tracking what they eat during each meal (and how much fiber it contains), the individual should record any changes in their symptoms. It is especially important to record when a particular food seems to trigger a symptom, as different individuals will have different triggers and should tailor their diet accordingly. Over the course of a few weeks, this journal should serve as a good indicator as to how the individual is feeling and whether or not the diet is truly effective for them.