You may be on a soft or bland diet, or both, for a variety of medical reasons, including dental or jaw problems, trouble swallowing, recent stroke, surgery or a digestive problem. The diet is appropriate for treating ulcers, nausea and vomiting, gas and heartburn. Most people are on a soft or bland diet for a short time; very few have to maintain the diet for a lifetime.
Features
A soft, bland diet consists of lightly spiced foods that are low in fiber and easy to digest. These foods are easy to chew and do not upset your stomach. Foods in a soft and bland diet do not irritate your stomach lining or cause the body to produce large amounts of stomach acids. These foods should not cause gas.
Foods
You can enjoy plenty of nutritious and tasty meals on a soft and bland diet. The diet includes milk, plain cheese and cottage cheese, mild vegetable juices and well-cooked vegetables such as potatoes, peas, carrots, asparagus tips and small amounts of lettuce. Fruit may be cooked, canned or skinned. Eat cooked, canned or frozen instead of raw vegetables. Eat refined bread, cereals and crackers. You can enjoy rice, pasta and couscous as well as all lean, tender meat and eggs and bacon. The diet includes mildly seasoned soups and stews as long as these dishes are prepared with ingredients allowed on a soft and bland diet.
Restrictions
Avoid eating fried foods and raw vegetables and fruits. Potato chips are difficult to digest. Avoid whole grains, seeds and nuts. A soft and bland diet does not include highly seasoned or cured meats. You should avoid sausages, corned beef, sardines, anchovies, lunch meats and hot dogs. Chunky peanut butter, corn and flavored cheeses are difficult to digest. Do not consume products that contain chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, excessive amounts of fat or strong spices.
Considerations
Eat several small meals each day, and wait a few hours between meals to give your stomach time to fully digest each meal. Do not lie down immediately after meals. Enjoy your last meal at least two hours before going to bed.
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