Bland Diet Menu

When undergoing treatment for inflammatory or ulcerative conditions of the stomach, intestines, esophagus or the other health conditions listed in this article a bland diet menu can be designed to supply adequate nutrition while decreasing irritation and physical discomfort. But not all bland diets are the same and not all bland diets have to be boring.

Planning a Bland Diet

As with any menu, developing a bland diet involves preparation and thinking ahead. Before changing to a bland diet, take the time to be checked by your health care provider. It's important to follow their guidance and to be monitored to assess your nutritional needs. Ulcerative conditions may lead to a loss of blood and iron deficiency necessitating the need for nutritional supplements.

When planning your bland diet menu, here are some specifics to consider:

• Individual food intolerances
• Lifestyle
• Avoidance of active gastric irritants: caffeine including coffee, decaf coffee, tea, cocoa, carbonated drinks, chocolate as well as irritants like alcohol, chili powder, pepper and specific drugs.

Controversy exists over the number of meals to be eaten on a bland diet. Some experts suggest three meals a day claiming that additional snacks or meals stimulate acid secretion.

Sample Bland Diet Plans

There are a variety of bland diet menu plans available.

Six Meal Bland Diet

This bland diet plan follows a conservative dietary approach in treatment of active ulcer disease. Small meals are introduced to reduce gastric acidity and distention.

Foods to avoid:

• Fatty meats
• Fried foods
• Whole grain breads
• Whole grain cereals
• Dried beans and peas
• Vegetables from the cabbage family
• Bouillon and clear broths
• Chocolate
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Carbonated beverages
• Caffeine (as mentioned earlier)

The Bland Diet

This diet offers the dieter a more moderate food selection, however, the number of meals drops to three while the amount of food per meal increases. Items to avoid on this bland diet include:

• Whole grain breads and cereal
• Bouillon and clear broths
• Chocolate
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Dried fruits
• Caffeine.

Regular No Stimulants Diet

The Regular No Stimulants Diet eliminates items that have scientifically been proven to irritate the gastric mucosa. Prohibited foods are identical to the list found under Planning a Bland Diet Menu in the above section with the exception of decaffeinated coffee which may or may not be restricted. Recent studies have found that even decaffeinated coffee causes:

• Increased gastric acid secretion
• Esophageal pressure causing gastric acid reflux in the esophagus

If the decaf coffee is tolerated by the patient, it may be allowed.

Basic Bland Diet Menu

As you choose foods for your menu remember that a bland Diet consists of mild-flavored foods with soft textures.

Breakfast

• Fruit Juice
• Cereal with Milk
• Meat / Meat Substitute
• Bread
• Beverage

Lunch

• Soup
• Meat or a meat substitute
• Vegetable
• Fruit Juice
• Bread
• Beverage
• Dessert

Supper

• Juice
• Meat or meat substitute
• Vegetable
• Bread
• Beverage
• Dessert

It's Not Just What You Eat

A bland diet may or may not be helpful for the following conditions:

• Gastritis
• Hyper-acidity
• Hemorrhoids
• Peptic ulcers
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Chronic ulcer disease.

The American Dietetic Association emphasizes the fact that how a person eat is as important to focus on as what foods are eaten. Each individual responds to foods uniquely so individual responses to a bland diet should be monitored. Along with this the ADA also suggests the following:

• Avoid worry and emotional upsets at mealtime
• Chew food well and eat slowly
• Rest before and after meals
• Avoid foods of extreme temperatures

Living on a Bland Diet

If your doctor has placed you on a bland diet because you have ulcers, bowel problems or some other health condition, the reason a bland diet is prescribed is that it is low in fiber, soft and lightly spiced. Stay on your bland diet plan until your doctor tells you otherwise, but while you're on it be sure to try to keep your diet balanced for good nutrition. Remember, you're eating for life..

• Fruits and Vegetables that Lower Blood Pressure
• Diet for a Pear Shape
• Summer Snacks
• Fast Food Statistics
• Healthy Food Myths Quiz

• The Lemonade Diet
• Weight Watchers Points Calculators
• 1200 Calorie Menus
• Weight Watchers Points
• Weight Watchers Restaurant Points

• 7 Day Cleansing Diet
• Clear Liquid Diet
• BRAT Diet
• Diet for Hiatal Hernia
• Ulcer Diet