Bland diet

A bland diet is one that helps prevent gastrointestinal discomfort or irritation. Foods that stimulate acid production are avoided, as well as those that are simply not tolerated well.


Purpose
Normally, the gastric mucosa (the lining of the stomach) releases acidic secretions in your stomach when you eat certain foods. These secretions can irritate the stomach lining if there is an underlying stomach disorder, such as gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) or a peptic ulcer (a sore that develops in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract). You may notice pain, a burning sensation and sometimes even bleeding. By eating a bland diet, you'll limit the amount of acidic secretions in your stomach, help prevent those unpleasant symptoms and promote healing.

When a bland diet may be recommended
Your doctor may suggest a bland diet for a variety of medical conditions, such as stomatitis (sore mouth) and hiatal hernia (the protrusion of part of the stomach from its normal position in the abdomen through the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity). This type of diet may also be recommended after you recover from a gastrointestinal illness, such as the stomach flu.
In the past, stomach ulcers were routinely treated with bland diets. Now, however, medications are the most common treatment.


Understanding the diet
Rather than three large meals a day, your doctor may recommend eating smaller, more frequent meals. A snack before bedtime is controversial. Some doctors believe a snack helps protect an empty stomach from acid, while others believe it may actually stimulate more acid production during the night. If you vegetables that don't irritate your stomach can also be eaten.
Foods to avoid
Foods and beverages often excluded in a bland diet include chocolate, highly seasoned meats (such as cured meats), meats high in fat, spicy salad dressings, deep-fried foods, peppermint, spearmint, black pepper, chili powder, coffee (both regular and decaffeinated), gravy, alcohol, tea, cola and cocoa. Avoid any other foods you don't seem to tolerate well.

Foods to consider
Citrus fruits and gas-producing vegetables such as cabbage, onions, broccoli and cauliflower may cause discomfort. Limit these and other foods if they upset your stomach. Some people can include spices on a bland diet without problem, but it's best to introduce them slowly and in small amounts to test your tolerance. Consult your doctor or registered dietitian to find out exactly what foods are right for you.


Risks
Because a long-term bland diet may be nutritionally inadequate, your doctor may suggest dietary supplements.

Pregnancy-specific information
Nausea during pregnancy is common, especially during the first trimester. For some women, bland diets help ease nausea. To ensure adequate nutrition, be sure to discuss any significant dietary changes with your doctor.

Senior-specific information
Older adults are more likely to take medications on a regular basis, many of which may cause loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting or simply an aversion to food. Some medications cause gastritis. In any of these cases, a bland diet can be helpful. With age, it's also common to lose teeth and the sensation of taste. Combined with a bland diet, all of these factors can put you at greater risk for significant nutritional deficiencies. If you're on a bland diet for a long period of time, your doctor will closely monitor your nutritional status.