Acid reflux occurs when acid travels back up from the stomach into the esophagus. Your stomach produces acids to help break down food, and certain items can increase stomach acid production. A diet rich in bland foods can benefit several types of digestive conditions, including acid reflux, also known as heartburn.
General Guidelines
A bland diet primarily focuses on specific types of foods. MedlinePlus.com, a website created by the National Institutes of Health, notes that this type of diet involves eating soft, non-spicy, low-fiber foods that will not overstimulate the gastrointestinal tract.
Fruits and Vegetables
The Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters in Norfolk, Virginia, advises you to avoid certain fruits and vegetables if you suffer from acid reflux. These include berries of all kinds, citrus fruits, prunes, onions, peppers, olives, tomato and tomato products. MedlinePlus also cautions against gas-producing foods like broccoli, cabbage and corn, as well as dried fruits.
As for appropriate vegetables and fruits, stick to canned, frozen and cooked versions rather than raw.
Refined Vs. Whole Grains
Whole grains have retained the parts of the grain that account for the bulk of their fiber content. Whole grains are usually recommended over their lower-fiber refined counterparts, but the opposite applies when you're following a bland diet. Stick to white breads, pastas, crackers and most commercially produced waffles, pancakes and muffins. Items to avoid include foods made with whole wheat, oats, millet, barley, rye and bulgur.
Beverages
When it comes to bland diet beverages, the focus falls more on what to avoid rather than what to include. Stay away from alcohol, coffee, carbonated drinks, tea, citrus juices, apple juice and cranberry juice. MedlinePlus.com notes that you can safely drink other types of fruit and vegetable juices.
Other Dietary Considerations
When it comes to proteins, stick to lean, tender poultry and fish. Avoid processed and smoked meats, as well as greasy, fatty items like tacos. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy over full-fat versions. Eggs and soy products are good protein choices for a bland diet. Avoid nuts, seeds, spicy items like garlic and horseradish, fried foods, pickles, sauerkraut and foods rich in sugar.
Eat soft-creamy desserts made with low-fat or fat-free dairy, like pudding and custard. Choose soups made with clear broth. Creamy peanut butter is also okay.
Eating Tips
The way you eat can also help with acid reflux. Eating smaller amounts of food more frequently throughout the day, rather than three large meals, can help. Do not eat at least two to three hours before you go to bed. Chew food thoroughly and slowly. The Children's Hospital recommends keeping a food diary to help you link symptoms and foods you have been eating. Note amounts of foods and the time of day you ate them, as well.
