Bland diet

Self-care

A bland diet can be used alongside lifestyle changes to help treat ulcers, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and gas. You may also need a bland diet after stomach or intestinal surgery.

A bland diet includes foods that are soft, not very 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
• Fruit juices and vegetable juices (some people, especially those with GERD , may want to avoid citrus)

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• 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
• 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
• Vegetables that make you gassy, such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, green peppers, and corn
• Seedy fruits such as berries or figs
• Dried fruits
• Whole-grain or bran cereals
• Whole-grain breads, crackers, or pasta
• Pickles, sauerkraut, and similar foods
• Spices, 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
• Fried foods
• Alcoholic beverages and drinks with caffeine in them

You should also avoid medicine that contains aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).

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 chew it well.
• 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.