Milly Gaines
A bland diet is a physician-prescribed diet that is used to help patients recover from gastrointestinal conditions or other medical circumstances where improved digestion is essential. It is often recommended for people with gastritis, stomach ulcers, hiatal hernias, liver failure, gallbladder problems, or pancreas issues. It can also be beneficial after certain procedures, such as bariatric, stomach, or oesophageal surgery, or for those with dental prostheses. The goal of a bland diet is to reduce digestive symptoms and promote healing in the digestive tract by consuming foods that are soft, well-cooked, and low in fibre, making them easier to chew and digest.
Characteristics and Values of a Bland Diet
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To help patients recover from gastrointestinal conditions or other medical circumstances in which improved digestion is essential |
| Food | Low in fat, fiber, and protein and high in carbohydrates |
| Food Examples | Bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, tea, yogurt, low-fat or fat-free milk, mildly-flavored cheeses, cooked or canned fruits, white bread, lean protein sources, cream-based soups, clear broths, chamomile tea |
| Food to Avoid | Fried and fatty foods, whole grains, strong cheeses, high-fat dairy products, raw gas-forming fruits and vegetables, drinks containing xanthine and alcohol |
| Medication | Antacids or acid blockers may be added to the regimen. Medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen should be avoided as they can irritate the stomach |
| Lifestyle Changes | Stress management and weight reduction |
| Duration | Not a long-term diet. Should be followed for at least 3-5 days beyond the resolution of vomiting/diarrhea |
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What You'll Learn
What to eat on a bland diet
A bland diet is typically recommended for people experiencing digestive issues, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, heartburn, or loss of appetite. It involves consuming foods that are easy to digest, mild in flavour, and soft in texture. Here are some guidelines on what to eat when following a bland diet:
Fruits and Vegetables
Cooked or canned fruits that are not fibrous or seeded are suitable. Examples include bananas, melon, and avocados. While avocados are higher in fibre, they are usually well-tolerated. It is best to avoid raw vegetables and opt for steamed or boiled ones with minimal butter or other fats.
Grains and Starches
White bread products, seedless rye, and refined wheat products are recommended. However, some people experience worsened digestive symptoms when consuming gluten-containing grains, so it is best to avoid them if you are intolerant. Refined, hot cereals like Cream of Wheat (farina cereal) are also suitable.
Dairy
Low-fat or fat-free milk, yoghurt, and mildly flavoured cheeses, such as cottage cheese, can be included. However, lactose intolerance and milk protein intolerance are common, so be cautious when consuming dairy.
Proteins
Lean protein sources are safe, provided they are prepared with mild seasonings and minimal fat. Examples include poultry, whitefish, and shellfish, steamed, baked, or grilled without added fats.
Beverages
Cream-based soups or clear broths are good options, as long as the ingredients are bland-diet-friendly. Chamomile tea, with or without honey, is a soothing choice. It is important to stay hydrated, so drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
Desserts
Dessert foods like vanilla pudding, marshmallows, and plain cookies can be consumed in moderation. However, added sugars can worsen symptoms, so they should be limited.
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What not to eat on a bland diet
A bland diet is an eating plan that includes foods that are easy to digest and helps treat gastrointestinal distress. It is also known as the BRAT or BRATT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Foods to be avoided on a bland diet include:
- Fatty, greasy, or fried protein sources of any kind, as well as processed deli meats.
- High-fat foods, such as tough, fatty meats like sausages.
- High-fibre foods, including whole grains, dried fruits, and fruit juices.
- Vegetables that can trigger flatulence, such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cucumber, and corn.
- Gas-producing vegetables, including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, onions, peppers, and cauliflower.
- Acidic foods like tomatoes and tomato products, as well as citrus fruits, which can trigger heartburn.
- Dairy products if you are lactose intolerant or have a milk protein intolerance.
- Gluten-containing grains if you have an intolerance, as they may worsen digestive symptoms.
- Fatty or fried fish, beef, and chicken with the skin on.
- Spicy, fried, or raw foods.
- Alcohol and drinks with caffeine.
- Chocolate.
It is important to note that individual dietary needs may vary, so it is recommended to consult a doctor or dietitian before starting a bland diet.
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When a bland diet is recommended
A bland diet is recommended for those experiencing digestive issues, such as gastrointestinal conditions, nausea, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, or changes in taste. It is also suggested for people with peptic ulcer disease, chronic gastritis, reflux oesophagitis, dyspepsia, or a hiatal hernia. The diet is designed to be easy to digest, low in fat, and mild in flavour. It is not recommended as a long-term solution as it does not provide all the necessary nutrients.
The diet is also known as the BRAT or BRATT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Tea and yogurt are sometimes included, making it the BRATTY diet. The CRAM diet is a variation that includes cereal, rice, applesauce, and milk. This diet has more protein and fat than the BRAT diet.
When following a bland diet, it is important to avoid fried and fatty foods, whole grains, and strong spices. Lean protein sources, such as poultry or fish, are permitted as long as they are not heavily fried or processed. Low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt, and mildly flavoured cheeses are also acceptable, although some people may have worsened symptoms due to lactose intolerance or milk protein intolerance.
It is important to note that a bland diet should not be followed for an extended period as it does not provide all the necessary nutrients. It is meant to be a temporary solution to ease digestive symptoms while the underlying cause is addressed. Once symptoms improve, a gradual transition to a normal diet is recommended.
For pets, a bland diet may be recommended by a veterinarian to help soothe the intestinal tract and alleviate vomiting and diarrhoea. It is typically suggested for a short period, and a gradual transition back to regular food is essential.
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Bland diet after surgery
A bland diet is often recommended after surgery to aid the body's healing process and soothe the digestive system. It is an eating plan that focuses on easily digestible foods and excludes spicy, fried, or heavily seasoned dishes. The goal of a bland diet is to alleviate digestive symptoms and promote recovery.
This diet is particularly useful for managing conditions like gastritis, ulcers, GERD, inflammatory bowel issues, and stomach discomfort. It can help with symptoms such as heartburn, bloating, and nausea. While on a bland diet, it is essential to opt for low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt, and mildly flavoured cheeses. Be cautious with dairy, as lactose intolerance or milk protein intolerance could worsen gastrointestinal discomfort.
Bland diets typically include cooked or canned fruits that are low in fibre and seeds, such as bananas and melon. White bread, seedless rye, and refined wheat products are also suitable. Lean protein sources, such as chicken or fish, are good options as long as they are prepared with mild seasonings and minimal fat. Boiled potatoes, cooked vegetables without seasoning, and non-acidic fruits are also recommended.
To enhance the flavour of your meals without upsetting your stomach, try using fresh or dried herbs like basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, or cilantro. Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and ginger can add flavour without acidity. Gentle cooking methods such as steaming, boiling, or baking can also make foods easier to digest.
It is important to remember that the bland diet is usually followed for a temporary period. Consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian to determine how long you should remain on this diet and when to gradually reintroduce other foods. They can provide guidance based on your specific condition and needs.
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Bland diet controversies
The bland diet is a regimented diet option that a physician can use to help optimise a patient's overall health condition. It is most useful for patients with persistent gastrointestinal complaints, acid-peptic disease, excess gas formation, or in certain post-surgical patients. The diet includes low-fibre foods that have a soft consistency and are gentle on the digestive system.
The bland diet has been a subject of controversy due to its restrictive nature and potential impact on overall health. Here are some of the main controversies surrounding it:
Lack of Palatability: Many patients find the overall texture and lack of seasoning in bland diets unappealing and unsatisfying. This can make it challenging for people to stick to the diet, potentially impacting their health outcomes.
Nutritional Concerns: While it is rare for bland diets to cause nutritional deficiencies, they can lead to a lack of variety in nutrients if not carefully planned. The exclusion of high-fibre foods, for example, can deprive individuals of the health benefits associated with fibre, such as lower "bad" cholesterol and improved blood sugar control. Therefore, it is recommended that the bland diet be followed only temporarily and under medical supervision.
Ineffectiveness for Some Conditions: While the bland diet can be beneficial for gastrointestinal issues, it may not be effective for all conditions. Some people with gastrointestinal distress, for example, may experience worsened symptoms with gluten-containing grains, which are typically included in a bland diet.
Constipation: The soft, low-fibre foods included in a bland diet can sometimes lead to constipation. To counteract this, individuals on the bland diet are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
Lifestyle Changes: The bland diet is often recommended alongside lifestyle changes, such as stress reduction, to effectively manage symptoms. However, making these lifestyle changes can be challenging for some individuals, potentially impacting the overall success of the diet.
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Frequently asked questions
A bland diet is a diet of soft, low-fibre foods that are easy to digest. It is used to help patients recover from gastrointestinal conditions or other medical circumstances in which improved digestion would be essential.
Foods that can be eaten on a bland diet include cooked vegetables, such as carrots, spinach, and pumpkin; soft, peeled fruits, such as bananas, papayas, and melons; low-fat proteins, such as eggs, tofu, and fish; and low-fat dairy products, such as skim milk and low-fat yoghurt.
Foods to be avoided on a bland diet include fried and fatty foods, whole grains, and strong spices such as garlic, onions, and hot peppers. Alcohol, coffee, and caffeinated teas should also be avoided.
A bland diet is often recommended for people with gastrointestinal issues, including digestive upset, nausea, diarrhoea, and bowel surgery. It can also be beneficial for people recovering from stomach or oesophageal surgery, or for those with health conditions such as ulcers, gastritis, or hiatal hernia.
