Low Roughage Diet: Meaning, Benefits, Drawbacks, and Food List

A low roughage diet, also known as a low-residue diet, is a dietary approach that restricts the intake of foods high in fibre and roughage. This type of diet is often prescribed for individuals with certain medical conditions or digestive issues, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, or following specific types of gastrointestinal surgeries.  

A low roughage diet aims to reduce the volume and frequency of bowel movements, minimise intestinal irritation, and alleviate symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, and bloating.   

Typically, a low roughage diet involves avoiding or limiting foods high in fibre, such as whole grains, fruits with skins or seeds, vegetables with skins or seeds, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Instead, it emphasises consuming refined grains, well-cooked vegetables without skins or seeds, lean proteins, dairy products, and certain processed foods.   

While a low-roughage diet can relieve individuals with specific digestive issues, it is important to ensure that it meets nutritional needs. Additionally, monitoring how the body responds to the diet and adjusting as needed to optimise health and well-being is crucial. Keep reading to learn more about a low-roughage diet. 

Table of Contents 

1. What Is Roughage?  

2. Why Is Low Roughage Important In Our Diet? 

3. Pros And Cons Of Low Roughage Diet  

4. What Foods Are Low In Roughage? 

5. Dietitian’s Recommendation  

6. The Final Say 

7. FAQs 

8. References 

What Is Roughage?  

Roughage, or dietary fibre or bulk, is the stuff in plant-based foods that does not break down when you eat it. Unlike other nutrients that give you energy, roughage has no calories or nutrients. Still, it is super important for keeping your gut healthy and ensuring everything moves smoothly through your digestive system.   

Also Read: 15 High Fiber Foods For Weight Loss & Diet Plan 

There are two primary dietary fibre types: soluble and insoluble fibre.   

Soluble fibre soaks up water and becomes a gel-like substance in your belly. This helps lower your cholesterol, keep your blood sugar levels steady, and make you feel full, which is excellent if you are trying to watch your weight. You can find soluble fibre in oats, beans, fruits (like apples and berries), and certain veggies (like carrots and sweet potatoes).   

It does not dissolve in water and adds bulk to your poop. This helps keep things moving along in your digestive system and prevents constipation. You will find insoluble fibre in whole grains (like wheat bran and brown rice), veggies (like broccoli and cauliflower), and the skins of fruits.  

Also Read: Soluble & Insoluble For High-Fibre Diet Tips & Precautions 

Eating enough roughage by including plenty of fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes in your diet has many benefits. It keeps your digestion on track, helps you manage your weight, lowers your risk of certain diseases (like heart disease and diabetes), and keeps you satisfied after meals.   

Why Is Low Roughage Important In Our Diet?  

Cutting back on roughage in our diet, as in following a low roughage diet, can be necessary for a few reasons:  

1. Digestive Issues 

If someone has conditions like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), eating high-fiber foods can make symptoms worse. These conditions can cause things like diarrhoea, belly pain, and bloating. So, a low roughage diet helps ease these symptoms by reducing the amount of bulky or irritating foods in the gut. 

2. Recovery From Surgery 

Doctors might suggest a low-roughage diet while the body heals after certain gut surgeries, like removing part of the bowel or the colon. This diet prevents the gut from processing tough or hard-to-digest foods, which could cause problems while trying to heal.     

3. Managing Symptoms 

Some people do not feel great when they eat many fibre-rich foods. They might experience gas, bloating, or cramps. Sticking to a low-roughage diet can help control these uncomfortable symptoms.    

4. Before Medical Procedures 

Doctors sometimes recommend a low-roughage diet before medical tests like colonoscopies to help clear the gut. This makes it easier for them to see what is going on inside during the procedure.   

Also Read: How To Get Enough Fiber In Your Low Cost Balanced Diet  

Pros And Cons Of Low Roughage Diet  

While a low roughage diet might temporarily relieve certain health issues, it is essential to consider its long-term effects. Here are the pros and cons of a low roughage diet:  

Also Read: 10 Types Of High Fibre Foods In India 

What Foods Are Low In Roughage?  

Following are the food alternatives that are low in roughage:  

1. Refined Grains 

These grains have been processed to remove the bran and germ and are fibre-rich. Examples include white bread, white rice, and refined pasta. Refined grains are easier to digest without the fibre-rich components and less likely to cause digestive discomfort. Removing fibre also lowers roughage, making them suitable for individuals with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues.    

2. Lean Proteins 

Foods like skinless poultry, lean cuts of beef or pork, fish, eggs, and tofu are low in roughage. These protein sources contain minimal fibre and are easily digested by the body. They provide essential nutrients without straining the digestive system, making them ideal choices for those following a low roughage diet. 

3. Dairy Products 

Milk, cheese, yoghurt, and dairy-based desserts like pudding or ice cream are relatively low in roughage. While dairy products contain some lactose, which can cause digestive issues for some individuals, they generally do not contain significant amounts of fibre. However, it is essential to choose lactose-free options if lactose intolerance is a concern. 

4. Processed Foods 

Certain processed foods, such as plain crackers, pretzels, and refined snack foods, have low roughage. These snacks are typically made from refined grains and contain minimal fibre. While they may not offer many nutritional benefits, they can be easier on the digestive system for individuals with specific dietary restrictions or digestive issues.   

5. Fruit Juices 

Strained fruit juices, such as apple or grape juice without pulp, are low in roughage. When fruits are juiced and strained, much of the fibre is removed, leaving behind a smooth liquid that is easier to digest. However, choosing 100% fruit juices without added sugars is essential to minimise potential digestive discomfort.   

Also Read: 5 Surprising Health Benefits of Eating Fibre-Rich Foods 

Dietitian’s Recommendation 

As a dietitian, I advise roughage as balanced food in specific situations, like managing digestive conditions or aiding recovery after gastrointestinal surgeries. While roughage is reduced, essential nutrients are still taken in. It is also suggested that easy-to-digest foods such as lean proteins, refined grains, dairy products, and cooked vegetables be included while cutting back on high-fibre options. Hence, do not avoid roughage foods; consume them in moderation. 

Dt. Aditi Upadhyay 

The Final Say 

A low roughage diet is a helpful strategy for easing digestive issues like diarrhoea, stomach discomfort, and bloating. Limiting foods high in fibre reduces the burden on the digestive system, offering relief during periods of illness, recovery from surgery, or flare-ups of ongoing conditions.    

However, it is crucial to acknowledge that while this diet can provide short-term relief, it may pose risks of nutritional deficiencies and impact long-term digestive health. Hence, it's vital to approach a low roughage diet with guidance from healthcare professionals or dietitians to ensure it meets nutritional needs while supporting overall digestive well-being.  

FAQs 

1. Can you explain roughage food meaning? 

Roughage is the portion of plant foods, such as whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, that your body can't digest. 

2. What should be added to a low-fibre diet? 

These foods should be added to a low-fibre diet: 

3. What are low-fibre do's and don'ts? 

Avoid food made with seeds, nuts, or raw or dried fruit. Avoid whole-grain breads and cereals; purchase products made from refined white flour. Do not eat raw fruits or vegetables, and remove skins before cooking. 

4. What is the importance of roughage in food? 

Roughage has numerous health benefits. It helps improve digestion and promotes gut health. It may also improve certain risk factors for heart disease and help you manage your weight and blood sugar. 

5. What foods should I avoid on a low-roughage diet?  

You must avoid foods high in fibre, such as whole grains, fruits with skins or seeds, veggies with skins or seeds, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Instead, focus on eating refined grains, cooked veggies without the tough parts, lean meats, and dairy products.   

6. What is the benefit and role of roughage in food?  

A low-roughage diet might help ease symptoms like tummy pain and bloating for people with digestive issues like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or those recovering from tummy surgeries.   

7. How does a low roughage diet affect your body?    

Following a low roughage diet can help manage tummy troubles, lessen the number of trips to the bathroom, and make you feel more comfortable, especially after surgery or certain medical procedures. 

8. Are there any downsides to low-roughage food?  

While it can be helpful in the short term, cutting out high-fibre foods might mean missing out on important nutrients. It could also lead to constipation and upset the balance of good bacteria in your gut over time.  

9. What does roughage help to avoid? 

Roughage, or fibre, has long been recommended to help with digestive issues like constipation, but it also plays many other important roles in your body. For example, the roughage in plant foods can promote optimal gut health, help you manage your weight, and even reduce your risk of heart disease. 

References 

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