If you're suffering from gastrointestinal irritation, your doctor may prescribe a bland diet to ease your symptoms. A bland diet consists of foods that are least likely to irritate the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach and intestines. A bland diet is not meant to be followed long-term; resume eating other foods when instructed to by your health care provider.
About Bland Diets
In general, bland diet foods are soft, low-fiber foods that aren't spicy, acidic, high in fat or fried. A bland diet can reduce symptoms of gastritis, stomach ulcers, reflux disease, heartburn, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, although it won't cure these ailments. Your doctor may also prescribe a bland diet after some types of stomach and intestinal surgeries.
Allowable Foods
Choose soft, easily digestible bland foods, including low-fat milk and dairy products; skinless, seedless cooked or canned fruits, such as canned peaches or applesauce; bread, hot cereal, pasta and crackers made from refined white flour; grilled, baked or steamed lean and tender cuts of meat and fish; eggs; creamy peanut butter; beans and tofu; any vegetable, cooked and without added fat; pudding and custard. Also allowable are grains, such as rice, oats or bulgur, prepared without added oil or butter.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid
Avoid gastrointestinal irritants when following a bland diet. Steer clear of drinks containing alcohol or caffeine, citrus juices, tomato juice, regular or decaffeinated coffee and tea, spearmint and peppermint tea, hot cocoa and chocolate milk. Foods to avoid include whole and 2 percent fat milk, regular cheese, high-fat ice cream, raw or fried vegetables, mashed potatoes or grains made with butter or other fats, sausage, bacon, pepperoni, salami, hot dogs, bologna, citrus fruits, berries, spices, cakes and pastries. Also stay away from seeds and nuts, pickled foods and dried fruit.
Other Considerations
Further reduce gastrointestinal irritation by chewing food well, eating and drinking slowly, and having smaller, more frequent meals. Avoid lying flat for three to four hours after eating. Ask your doctor about specific foods to eat or exclude, and if you should avoid medications that irritate the stomach, such as ibuprofen and aspirin.
Member Comments