Bland diet
Heartburn - bland diet; Nausea - bland diet; Peptic ulcer - bland diet
Do you feel a burning in your chest not long after you eat or lie down? If so, you may have Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. When we swallow food, it travels down our esophagus into the stomach, where it's greeted by a rush of Hydrochloric acid in the stomach to begin digestion. This acid is so powerful, it could eat the paint right off your car! Fortunately, there's a band of muscle between the stomach and the esophagus - called the Lower Esophageal Sphincter or L-E-S, that clamps down to prevent the stomach contents from moving or refluxing upward and burning the lining of the esophagus. If that band of muscle does not adequately clamp down, this backwash causes the irritation and burning that's known as heartburn or GERD. Maintaining good tight L-E-S muscle tone is the key to preventing this condition. Causes of GERD include being overweight, smoking, and drinking too much alcohol. Certain foods, like chocolate and peppermint and if you're a woman, pregnancy can bring on GERD. To determine if you have GERD, your doctor may request an upper endoscopy exam to look into your esophagus and stomach to diagnose reflux. Other tests can measure the acid and amount of pressure in your esophagus, or if you have blood in your stool. If you do have GERD, lifestyle changes can help. First, avoid foods that cause problems for you and avoid eating large meals. If you're a little on the heavy side, try to lose some weight. Since most GERD symptoms are experienced lying down in bed, let gravity help. Elevating the head of your bed 4 to 6 inches using blocks of wood may help. If symptoms continue, see your doctor or a Gastroenterologist for evaluation and an upper endoscopy exam. Your doctor may suggest you take over-the-counter antacids or may prescribe stronger medications. Call your doctor if you are bleeding, feel like you are choking, have trouble-swallowing, or experience sudden weight loss. The good news is most people who have GERD do not need surgery. For the worst cases, surgeons may perform a laparoscopic procedure to tighten a weak L-E-S muscle. If you have occasional heartburn, antacid tablets can be used as needed. However! If you're having heartburn more than 3 to 4 times a week, see your doctor & take the prescribed medication to prevent this condition.
Self-care
A bland diet includes foods that are soft, not spicy, and low in fiber. If you are on a bland diet, you should not eat spicy, fried, or raw foods. You should not drink alcohol or drinks with caffeine in them.
Your health care provider will tell you when you can start eating other foods again. It is still important to eat healthy foods when you add foods back in. Your provider can refer you to a dietitian or nutritionist to help you plan a healthy diet.
Foods you can eat
Foods you can eat on a bland diet include:
- Milk and other dairy products, low-fat or fat-free only
- Cooked, canned, or frozen vegetables
- Potatoes
- Canned fruit as well as apple sauce, bananas, and melons
- Fruit juices and vegetable juices (some people, such as those with GERD, may want to avoid citrus and tomato)
- Breads, crackers, and pasta made with refined white flour
- Refined, hot cereals, such as Cream of Wheat (farina cereal)
- Lean, tender meats, such as poultry, whitefish, and shellfish that are steamed, baked, or grilled with no added fat
- Creamy peanut butter
- Pudding and custard
- Graham crackers and vanilla wafers
- Popsicles and gelatin
- Eggs
- Tofu
- Soup, especially broth
- Weak tea
Foods to Avoid
Some foods you may want to avoid when you are on a bland diet are:
- Fatty dairy foods, such as whipped cream or high-fat ice cream
- Strong cheeses, such as bleu or Roquefort cheese
- Raw vegetables and salads
- Vegetables that may make you gassy, such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower
- Dried fruits
- Whole-grain or bran cereals
- Whole-grain breads, crackers, or pasta
- Pickles, sauerkraut, and other fermented foods
- Spices and strong seasonings, such as hot pepper and garlic
- Foods with a lot of sugar in them
- Seeds and nuts
- Highly seasoned, cured or smoked meats and fish
- Tough, fibrous meats
- Fried or greasy foods
- Alcoholic beverages and drinks with caffeine in them
You should also avoid medicine that contains aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn).
Other Diet Tips
When you are on a bland diet:
- Eat small meals and eat more often during the day.
- Chew your food slowly and thoroughly.
- Stop smoking cigarettes, if you smoke.
- Do not eat within 2 hours of your bedtime.
- Do not eat foods that are on the "foods to avoid" list, especially if you do not feel well after eating them.
- Drink fluids slowly.
References
Moldwin RM, Hanno PM. Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and related disorders. In: Partin AW, Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 57.
Pruitt CM. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. In: Olympia RP, O'Neill RM, Silvis ML, eds. Urgent Care Medicine Secrets. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 20.
Thompson M, Noel MB. Nutrition and family medicine. In: Rakel RE, Rakel DP, eds. Textbook of Family Medicine. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 37.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 5/4/2024
Reviewed by: Stefania Manetti, RDN, CDCES, RYT200, My Vita Sana LLC - Nourish and heal through food, San Jose, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
