How to make a residue-free diet?

A residue is a food portion that has not been digested by the intestine, not absorbable by the body: it is generally vegetable dietary fiber, sometimes animal. A residue-free diet, also known as the fiber-free diet and the hypo-residual diet, is a diet prescribed as part of the preparation before an endoscopy or colonoscopy, as well as in the treatment of flare-ups of certain intestinal diseases. It is designed to reduce the frequency and volume of stool, to regulate intestinal transit to reduce the risk of irritation of the lining of the colon or intestines. It is an unbalanced diet inducing dietary deficiencies, to be followed only for a short time and on medical prescription.

Definition: What is a residue-free diet?

A residue-free diet is a diet that limits foods that increase stool volume and speed up bowel transit. Twenty years ago, it was strict, monotonous, and so-called 'forbidden' food was not always justified. Today, it gives way to a little more flexibility with the introduction of foods rich in mixed and cooked fiber.

Residue-free diet before a colonoscopy

The residue-free diet is prescribed a few days before a colonoscopy (exploration of the inside of the colon) either as part of outpatient consultations or for inpatients in the gastroenterology department. The purpose of such a diet is to 'wash' the intestine (we speak of colic preparation), to reduce the frequency and amount of stool. It must be set up 3 days before the exam.

Permitted foods

The residue-free diet is essentially based on lean meat and fish (cooked without fat), ham, starchy foods (pasta, rice, semolina, cornstarch, tapioca...), stale bread and rusks, milk when allowed, cooked pressed cheeses, butter, raw oil, sugar, honey, fruit jelly,  defatted cocoa powder. Drinks: still water, coffee, tea, herbal teas, filtered vegetable, and fruit broths.

The goal is to remove whole vegetables and fruits. 

Foods to be removed

The principle is to remove whole vegetables and fruits. The only ones allowed will be those that will be in the form of purees or compotes mixed very finely so based on non-aggressive fibers cooked and mixed. Sauces and spices are also to be avoided. 

Dietician's Advice

Above all, it is necessary to adapt this type of diet to the patient for easier follow-up and better adherence. If it is flexible, it is less unbalanced because it offers greater variety.