Bland diet



Also known as the “soft diet” the bland diet focuses on soft foods that are lightly spiced and has low fiber content. The diet is more known to help patients recover from certain illnesses.

The bland diet is usually prescribed by physicians for those who have bowel problems, ulcers, nausea, vomiting and gas. This diet is found to be helpful for the recovery of those who have stomach or intestinal surgery. The diet is designed to decrease peristalsis and avoid irritation in the gastrointestinal tract. It is appropriate for those who have chronic gastritis, dyspepsia and peptic ulcer disease. The diet can also be found to treat hiatal hernia.

Food portions are controlled so that the effects of the digested food moving through the digestive tract are minimized. You may find that the bland diet is a restrictive plan but this is because it was formed to serve a specific purpose and that is to help patients recover from their illness.

What to eat?Basically, the diet consists of foods that are digested easily, mildly seasoned, has low acidity and is soft or tender. Foods that are eliminated in this diet include whole grained products, dried beans, fried and seasoned foods, raw fruits and vegetables, alcohol, tea, coffee, cocoa, chocolate, pepper and chili powder.

Those who undergo this diet usually include the following: bran cereal, cream of wheat, mashed potatoes, rice, canned seedless fruits, and cooked vegetables.

Mild fruit juices like grape and apple juice are allowed but acidic citrus based beverages such as lemonade and orange juice are restricted.

There are a number of milk and dairy products that are allowed except for chocolate flavored daily products, strongly spiced cheese and high fat dairy products.

When it comes to meat and protein in take, softer meat substitutes for pork and beef are tofu, eggs and smooth peanut butter. Chicken and fish is allowed as long as they are not breaded, fried or processed.

Pros:

  • It is doctor prescribed so you can be sure that you are getting a healthy food intake
  • Can help resolve numerous health issues
  • Helps remove stimulants like caffeine

Cons:

  • Can not be used as a long term diet approach
  • Can not be applied to those who have been following a raw diet
Before you decide to take this kind of diet it is best that you consult your doctor first in order to determine whether this diet is good for your body and if there are some certain instructions that you need to follow.

Bland diet
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