People who suffer attacks of indigestion or heartburn often put themselves permanently on a bland diet to alleviate the discomfort they experience after meals, or because their doctor suggests it. More important than blandness in general is specific avoidance of a few substances which can cause trouble and adherence to a few rules:
· Avoid all types of caffeine-containing beverages (tea, coffee, cola drinks)
· Avoid smoking. Smoking increases stomach acid and is associated with peptic ulcer formation.
· Avoid meat extracts (Bouillon cubes, concentrated tinned broths, canned gravies)
· Don’t eat or drink acid-containing foods (pickles, tomato juice, oranges). Drink mildly alcoholic beverages (wines, beer, diluted drinks) during meals only. Avoid strong alcoholic drinks entirely.
· Test your individual tolerance for foods known to cause indigestion and heartburn (sauerkraut, hot dogs, raw onions, beans, citrus juices, ice cream) by trying a small amount of one particular food at a time.
· Avoid fatty, fried foods.
· Eat potatoes – as a source of carbohydrates they tend to cause less heartburn than bread or rice.
· Arrange for long, relaxed mealtimes (no food on the run; no arguments during dinner).
· Eat slowly, chew thoroughly.
· Do not eat very large meals; do not lie down until several hours after a meal
· Do not go too long between meal
· Do not go too long between meals.
· Be sure that you are getting adequate nutrition.
