Your esophagus is a thin, muscular tube that ferries food from your mouth to your stomach. At the end of the tube lies a specialized layer of muscles called the lower esophageal sphincter, which closes off the stomach from the esophagus, except when you are swallowing. When these muscles do not contract as they should, stomach contents escape back into the esophagus, producing the uncomfortable sensation known as heartburn. While anyone can get heartburn occasionally, MedlinePlus says getting it more than twice a week may mean that you have GERD. If you have GERD, a bland diet may relieve your symptoms.
Definition
MedlinePlus defines a bland diet as one made up of foods that are soft, not spicy and low in fiber. If you are on a bland diet, MedlinePlus says you should not eat spicy, fried or raw foods. Similarly, you should avoid alcohol or drinks that contain caffeine. A bland diet can also be useful for people with ulcers, nausea, vomiting, intestinal gas, mouth sores such as fever blisters and those who are recuperating from stomach or intestinal surgery.
Function
For people with GERD, the purpose of the bland diet is to avoid irritating the esophagus and stomach. Raw foods are harder for the stomach to digest, so they remain there longer, increasing the probability of reflux. Fried and other fatty foods stimulate the stomach to secrete more acid, increasing discomfort when reflux occurs. Spicy foods irritate the esophagus on their way into the stomach.
Foods to Enjoy
Choose cooked, canned or frozen fruits and vegetables without skin or seeds. Consume carbohydrate calories in the form of breads, crackers and pasta made with refined white flour. Among cereals, soft cooked cereals such as oatmeal and cream of wheat are better than flaky or fibrous cold cereals. Lean, tender cuts of meat, poultry and fish that are baked, grilled, broiled are steamed are easier for your body to handle than marbled, fried or heavily seasoned versions. Other safe sources of protein include tofu and boiled or scrambled eggs.
Foods to Avoid
Dairy products are usually allowed for people on the bland diet. However, in the 2004 edition of "Heartburn and Reflux for Dummies," writer Carol Ann Rinzler and gastroenterologist Ken DeVault note claim that foods made from cow's milk often make GERD symptoms worse. Additional, otherwise-healthy foods you should avoid include fresh or dried fruits and vegetables; whole-grain bread, pasta or cereals; nuts and seeds. Finally, you should steer clear of foods that are cured, pickled or highly spiced -- especially with mint, black pepper, chili powder, cloves, curry and garlic, fried or fatty foods.
Considerations
A bland diet is boring and consuming it frequently may lead to nutrient deficiencies. If you find your GERD acting up more than twice a week, see your doctor. Your doctor may recommend adding medications to control your GERD or increasing the dose of medications your are already taking. Rinzler and DeVault also suggest other lifestyle changes such as losing weight, timing meals so you are not eating one hour before and two hours after exercise and wearing loose-fitting clothing during meals.
References
- MedlinePlus: GERD
- MedlinePlus: Bland Diet
- MedlinePlus: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- "Heartburn and Reflux for Dummies"; Carol Ann Rinzler, M.A. and Ken DeVault, M.D.; 2004
