PURPOSE:
To provide a diet containing a variety of foods from all the food groups with a high protein and fiber content with a moderate fat content. A bland diet will help to eliminate known gastric irritants and will help reduce the amount of gastric secretions produced.
GENERAL GUIDELINES:
- Avoid the following:
- Caffeine containing beverages: coffee, tea, and carbonated beverages
- Decaffeinated coffee and tea
- Meat extracts such as broth, bouillon, and cosomme.
- Alcoholic beverages
- Chocolate and chocolate flavoring
- Black pepper, white pepper and chili powder
- Any food not tolerated by you
- Very large meals
- Include foods high in fiber, such as fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grain breads and cereals.
- Eat at least three evenly spaced meals per day. Avoid eating within two hours of bedtime.
- Eat slowly, chewing food well. Try to eat in a calm, relaxed atmosphere.
If you have problems with Esophageal Reflux (regurgitation of gastric contents into the esophagus with the common symptom of heartburn) follow these recommendations:
- Achieve and maintain ideal body weight
- Avoid eating at bedtime
- Avoid high-fat foods
- Emphasize proteins in the diet
- Avoid mints, such as peppermint and spearmint
- Avoid tomatoes, tomato juice and citrus fruits and their juices
- Avoid carbonated beverages, chewing gums and sucking on hard candies, as they facilitate reflux
- Avoid tight clothing and bending or lying down immediately after meals
- Eliminate the use of tobacco
