What is an esophagitis diet. How can soft foods alleviate esophageal discomfort. Which foods are recommended for an esophageal soft food diet. What foods should be avoided when following an esophagitis diet. How does proper nutrition support esophageal healing.

Understanding Esophagitis and the Need for a Soft Food Diet

Esophagitis, an inflammation or irritation of the esophagus lining, can cause significant discomfort and difficulty swallowing. This condition may arise from various factors, including acid reflux, hiatal hernias, certain medications, or complications from radiation therapy. To alleviate symptoms and promote healing, healthcare professionals often recommend an esophageal soft food diet.

The primary goal of this dietary approach is twofold:

• Reduce pain and discomfort during eating
• Prevent food from lingering in the esophagus, which can exacerbate irritation

By adopting a soft food diet, individuals with esophagitis can support their recovery while ensuring adequate nutrition intake. This specialized diet focuses on easily digestible foods that minimize strain on the inflamed esophageal tissue.

Essential Guidelines for Following an Esophagitis Diet

Adhering to specific guidelines can significantly enhance the effectiveness of an esophageal soft food diet. Here are some crucial tips to keep in mind:

1. Take small bites and chew food thoroughly
2. Avoid tough meats, fresh “doughy” bread, hard bread crusts, and abrasive foods
3. Sip fluids with meals to moisten food
4. Stop eating when you begin to feel full
5. Eat slowly in a relaxed atmosphere
6. Choose decaffeinated beverages
7. Maintain an upright position while eating and for 45-60 minutes afterward
8. Avoid eating for 3 hours before bedtime
9. Opt for small, frequent meals and snacks

These guidelines aim to minimize irritation to the esophagus while ensuring proper nutrition. By following these recommendations, individuals can support their healing process and manage symptoms more effectively.

Recommended Foods for an Esophageal Soft Diet

When following an esophagitis diet, it’s crucial to choose foods that are gentle on the esophagus. Here’s a comprehensive list of recommended food options:

Dairy Products

Dairy can be an excellent source of nutrition when following a soft food diet. Consider incorporating these options:

• Milk (regular, malted, or in milkshakes)
• Soft cheeses (grated Parmesan, ricotta)
• Cheese sauces
• Cottage cheese
• Plain or flavored yogurt

These dairy products provide essential nutrients while being easy to swallow and gentle on the esophagus.

Proteins

Protein is vital for healing and maintaining overall health. Opt for these protein sources:

• Ground or pureed beef, pork, and poultry
• Broths made with meat
• Boneless white fish (cod, tilapia)
• Soft scrambled eggs or egg substitutes

These protein options are easier to swallow and less likely to irritate the esophagus compared to tougher meats or those seasoned with peppercorns.

Fruits and Vegetables

Incorporating fruits and vegetables is essential for a balanced diet. Choose softer options such as:

• Cooked vegetables (squash, potatoes without skins, carrots, peas)
• Soups and broths with soft vegetables
• Ripe bananas
• Melons
• Canned fruits (peaches, pears)

These options provide necessary vitamins and minerals while being gentle on the esophagus.

Foods to Avoid in an Esophagitis Diet

While many foods are suitable for an esophageal soft diet, certain items should be avoided to prevent further irritation. Here’s a list of foods to steer clear of:

• Carbonated and iced drinks
• Very hot or very cold liquids and foods
• Tough meats (dry roast beef, bacon, link or patty sausage)
• Meat seasoned with peppercorns
• Hard or crusty breads
• Raw vegetables
• Citrus fruits and juices
• Spicy foods
• Caffeinated beverages

These foods can potentially irritate the esophagus or be difficult to swallow, exacerbating symptoms of esophagitis.

The Role of Hydration in Esophageal Health

Proper hydration plays a crucial role in managing esophagitis and supporting overall esophageal health. Here’s why staying hydrated is essential:

• Helps lubricate the esophagus, making swallowing easier
• Aids in diluting stomach acid, potentially reducing reflux symptoms
• Supports overall digestive health
• Helps maintain proper bodily functions

When following an esophagitis diet, it’s important to choose the right beverages. Opt for room temperature water, herbal teas, and non-acidic juices. Avoid carbonated drinks, alcohol, and very hot or cold beverages, as these can potentially irritate the esophagus.

Nutritional Considerations for Esophagitis Patients

While following a soft food diet, it’s crucial to ensure that nutritional needs are met. Esophagitis patients may be at risk of nutritional deficiencies due to dietary restrictions or discomfort while eating. Here are some key nutritional considerations:

Protein Intake

Adequate protein is essential for tissue repair and maintaining overall health. Soft protein sources like ground meats, fish, and eggs can help meet protein requirements without causing discomfort.

Fiber Content

While fiber is important for digestive health, some high-fiber foods may be difficult to swallow for esophagitis patients. Opt for softer fiber sources like cooked vegetables and ripe fruits. If necessary, consider fiber supplements after consulting with a healthcare provider.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation

Depending on dietary restrictions, some patients may benefit from vitamin and mineral supplements. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplementation regimen.

Maintaining good nutrition is particularly important for patients whose esophagitis is a symptom or result of another underlying condition. A balanced diet can support overall health and aid in recovery.

Lifestyle Modifications to Support Esophageal Health

In addition to dietary changes, certain lifestyle modifications can significantly improve esophageal health and manage esophagitis symptoms. Consider implementing these strategies:

Eating Habits

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day
• Chew food thoroughly and eat slowly
• Avoid lying down immediately after meals

Sleep Position

Elevating the head of the bed by 6-8 inches can help prevent nighttime reflux, a common trigger for esophagitis.

Stress Management

Stress can exacerbate digestive issues. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine.

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce pressure on the stomach and lower esophagus, potentially decreasing reflux symptoms.

Smoking Cessation

Smoking can irritate the esophagus and increase the risk of complications. Quitting smoking can significantly improve esophageal health.

By combining these lifestyle modifications with an appropriate soft food diet, individuals with esophagitis can support their healing process and improve their overall quality of life.

When to Seek Medical Advice for Esophageal Issues

While dietary modifications can significantly alleviate esophagitis symptoms, it’s important to know when to seek medical attention. Here are some situations that warrant a consultation with a healthcare provider:

• Persistent difficulty swallowing or pain while swallowing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chest pain or pressure
• Persistent heartburn that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medications
• Vomiting blood or passing black stools
• Symptoms that worsen or don’t improve despite dietary changes

These symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition or complications from esophagitis. A healthcare provider can perform necessary tests and provide appropriate treatment options.

Remember, while an esophageal soft food diet can be beneficial, it’s not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have ongoing digestive issues or other health concerns.

By understanding the principles of an esophagitis diet, making appropriate food choices, and implementing lifestyle modifications, individuals can effectively manage their symptoms and support their esophageal health. With patience and consistent adherence to these guidelines, many people find significant relief from esophagitis symptoms and enjoy improved overall digestive comfort.

Esophagitis Diet (Soft Food) Guidelines

CS-Blog

Cedars-Sinai Blog

May 30, 2018
Cedars-Sinai Staff

Soups and broths will help soften squash, potatoes (without the skins), carrots, peas, and other vegetables.

When irritation occurs in the throat or lower chest when eating certain foods or following a medical procedure, an easily digestible esophageal soft food diet may be necessary to make eating easier.

Food passes from our mouths to our stomachs through a tubelike organ called the esophagus. A burning sensation in the lower chest or pain after swallowing and the feeling that food gets “stuck” in the throat may be caused by esophagitis, which is an irritation or inflammation along the lining of the esophagus.

Acid reflux, hiatal hernias, vomiting, complications from radiation therapy, and certain oral medications are among the reasons the esophagus can develop inflamed tissue. Esophagitis can usually heal without intervention, but to aid in the recovery, eaters can adopt what’s known as an esophageal, or soft food, diet.

The goal of this kind of diet is to make eating less painful and to keep food from lingering in the esophagus and causing irritation.

Read: MS and Diet: What You Should Know

Soft diet tips

• Take small bites of food and chew foods well.
• Avoid tough meats, fresh “doughy” bread or rolls, hard bread crust, and abrasive foods.
• Sip fluids when taking solids at meals and snacks to moisten foods.
• Stop eating when you start to feel full.
• Eat slowly in a relaxed atmosphere.
• Choose decaffeinated coffee, tea, or caffeine-free soft drinks.
• Sit upright when eating. Remain in a sitting position for at least 45-60 minutes after eating.
• Try to avoid eating for 3 hours before bedtime.
• Eat small, frequent meals and snacks.

The diet plan

Easily digestible foods are the best choice, as is avoiding carbonated drinks or beverages that are very hot or very cold. Your physician or nutritionist may further limit your intake of citrus, mint, or caffeinated drinks.

Read: Eating Healthy: 8 Diet Questions Answered

Dairy

Read: Milk Mania: Cow vs. Soy vs. Nut

Fiber

Read: Why is Fiber Essential for a Healthy Diet?

Breads and Grains

Proteins

When it comes to proteins, ground or pureed beef, pork, and poultry will protect the esophagus, as will broths made with those ingredients. Avoid dry roast beef, bacon, link or patty sausage, and meat seasoned with peppercorns. Boneless white fish, such as cod and tilapia, will also be easy to swallow. Some people with esophagitis do well with soft scrambled eggs or egg substitutes.

If the esophagus is irritated as a symptom of an underlying illness, or from the treatment of an illness, it is especially important for patients to maintain good nutrition and body weight to regain and stay in good health. Talk to your primary care physician about an esophageal soft food diet and any guidelines to follow when suffering from one of the triggering conditions.

Read: Are Animal Proteins Better for You Than Plant Proteins?

Esophageal Soft Diet Foods

Esophageal Soft Food Diet | Northwest Minimally Invasive Surgery

Indication:

This diet is used for patients who have had surgery on the esophagus and stomach.

Description:

This diet contains foods that are soft and easy to swallow and are not irritating to the esophagus.

It is important that foods consumed be smooth in texture to facilitate the movement of food through the swollen areas of the esophagus or stomach. Bread products that can expand with fluid are avoided entirely.

Nutrition Adequacy:

This diet meets Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) for most nutrients.

Contact Us

Fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

• Name*

  First

• Email*
• Phone*
• Message

FOOD	FOODS ALLOWED	FOODS TO AVOID
Beverages	All except alcohol	Alcohol
Breads	Pureed pancakes, waffles, French toast	All breads and sweet breads; rolls, biscuits, cornbread, saltine and graham crackers, dressing or stuffing. Breads and crackers containing coarse whole grains, bran, nuts or seeds.
Cereal	Cream of wheat and rice, grits, oatmeal, Malt-O-Meal, cornmeal, puffed wheat, puffed rice, cornflakes, and other refined cereals	Cereals containing coarse whole grains, bran, nuts, seeds; ie, bran flakes shredded wheat, granola
Desserts	Gelatin desserts, fruit ices, smooth ice cream and sherbet, plain pudding, custard plain cakes, plain frosting	Pastries, pies and other desserts containing nuts, seeds, coconut, dried fruit, fruits with small seeds plain cookies, Pastries and pies without seeds, nuts or coconuts
Food	Foods Allowed	Foods to Avoid
Fats and Oils	Butter, margarine, mayonnaise, vegetable oil, mildly seasoned salad dressing containing allowed ingredients, plain gravies, cream sauces	Fried foods, highly seasoned gravy
Fruits	All fruit juices; all baked, canned, cooked fruit (without seeds, membranes or tough skins), fresh ripe banana, peeled ripe apricot, peach, nectarine, and pear. Note: citrus fruit without membranes (oranges, lemons, limes, tangerines or grapefruit) may be irritating to the esophagus	All fresh and dried fruit with seeds or skins; i.e. grapes, dates, and figs Fresh orange, grapefruit, tangerine, mandarin oranges, lemon or lime sections with membrane
Meat, Fish, Egg, Cheese	Well cooked tender lean beef, veal, lamb, liver, fresh pork, fish, and poultry with gravy or sauce or in soups. Meat should be broiled, baked, stewed, roasted, or creamed. Meat may be ground or chopped, fish may be flaked. Eggs (except fried), cooked beans, casseroles with ground or shredded meat; i.e., tuna noodle casserole. Smooth peanut butter, soft cheeses such as parmesan or ricotta, cottage cheese, cream cheese.	Stringy or fibrous meats Shrimp, crab, lobster Highly cured, seasoned, smoked, pickled meats and fish; ie. frankfurters, cold cuts, corned beef, sausage. Fatty or tough meats. Fried meat, fish poultry, strong flavored cheeses. Fried eggs, bacon, sausage American, cheddar, jack, Swiss, or mozzarella cheese.
Potato and Starches	Potatoes; baked (no skin), boiled, scalloped or mashed potatoes, with gravy or sauce. Rice with sauce or gravy Mashed sweet potatoes (no skin), noodles, macaroni, pasta	Any starch without sauce or gravy. Fried potatoes, potato chips, wild rice.
Soup	Creamed and broth-based soups using allowed ingredients	Any made with ingredients to be avoided; ie, chili, bean soup, split pea, lentil, corn chowder
Vegetables	Canned or cooked vegetables without seeds or skin; artichokes, asparagus, beets, carrots, pureed corn, eggplant, green or wax beans, green peas, spinach, squash, tomatoes, pimento; all vegetable juices, tomato sauce; iceburg or butter lettuce.	All raw vegetables (except iceberg, butter lettuce), broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, celery, cauliflower, dried split peas, beans, lentils, whole or creamed corn, lima beans, onions, rutabagas, turnips
Sweets	Sugar, honey, molasses, syrup, jelly, plain candy, chocolate without nuts, coconut or dried fruit	Jam with seeds, marmalade, candy with nuts, coconut or dried fruits
Miscellaneous	Mild mustard, soy sauce, smooth peanut butter, vinegar, catsup, salt, seasonings and spices such as lemon, pepper as tolerated, cocoa powder. As tolerated by patient; mustard, chili powder, basil, thyme, nutmeg	Highly seasoned foods, condiments not tolerated by patient, mustard seed, pickles, popcorn, olives, nuts, coconut, crunchy peanut butter, chili pepper, garlic. All others not tolerated by patient.

Esophageal reflux diet | Nutrition for GERD

One of the most common problems patients see a gastroenterologist for is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

This disease is a disorder in the functioning of the cardiac sphincter located between the esophagus and stomach. Normally, the sphincter prevents the back flow of stomach contents into the esophagus. However, with GERD, the contents of the stomach or even the duodenum freely adhere to the esophagus. This causes unpleasant symptoms, such as:

• heartburn
• belching
• sour or bitter taste in the mouth
• lump in throat
• nausea
• excessive salivation
• frequent hiccups
• chest pain
• pain when swallowing
• difficulty in passing food through the esophagus.

As a rule, the symptoms are aggravated by bending forward (for example, when tying shoelaces), lying down, and also by errors in nutrition.

By following the diet recommended by a gastroenterologist patients with GERD can significantly improve the condition. In the initial stages of the disease , diet therapy can prevent its further development, and with severe symptoms, it can become an important addition to drug treatment.

Below are nutritional recommendations for reflux disease and its complications – esophagitis (inflammatory processes in the mucosa of the esophagus).

Basic principles of nutrition for GERD

DIET

Frequent small meals (5-6 times a day) medium portions .

We can reduce the acidity in the stomach by eating small meals several times a day. When we eat, our stomach begins to digest food with the help of hydrochloric acid. If we eat a lot of food at one time, the stomach can become full and distended, resulting in excess acid production. But if we eat small portions, this will not happen.

POSITION AFTER MEAL

Within 1.5-2 hours after eating:

• do not lie down
• do not stay in an uncomfortable sitting position (half-bent) .

Do not eat directly before going to bed .

The most important aspect of clinical nutrition is timely evacuation of food from the stomach into the intestines. A lying and half-bent sitting position makes it difficult for the normal evacuation of food from the stomach.

CLOTHING

It is undesirable to wear tight clothes , tighten the belt tightly.

Overeating and wearing tight clothing increase pressure in the abdominal cavity and contribute to the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus.

SLEEPING POSITION

Sleeping useful with raised headboard .

Thus, with the help of lifestyle modification it is possible to reduce the severity of gastroesophageal reflux!

Cooking methods and physical characteristics of food

Food must be:

• cooked steamed
• in boiled
• or in braised .

The temperature of the food to be served must be between 40-50°C .

Mechanically coarse food can injure the esophageal mucosa and stay longer in the stomach, which contributes to additional production of hydrochloric acid, excessive gastric peristalsis and reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. This can increase heartburn, belching, regurgitation and provoke pain in the epigastrium and behind the sternum.

Optimal food temperature ensures timely evacuation of food from the stomach . When eating cold dishes, food lingers in the lumen of the stomach for a long time, since adequate digestion begins only when the temperature reaches 38 ° C inside the food bolus. Hot food has a traumatic effect on the mucous membrane of the esophagus and stomach.

Recommended foods and meals for GERD

Fats
Bread and flour products
Fish
Dairy
Meat and poultry
Eggs
Vegetables
Soups
Cereals, pasta and legumes
Beverages
Sauces and spices
Fruits, sweet dishes and sweets

Fats

• butter unsalted butter
• sunflower oil and olive oil

Natural or added to meals.

Bread and flour products

• wheat bread from flour of the highest and 1st grade yesterday’s baking or dried
• non-bread rolls (1-2 times a week)
• dry biscuit
• shortbread cookies (shortbread, crackers).

Fish

Low-fat species without skin in a piece or in the form of cutlet mass, boiled, aspic on vegetable broth.

Dairy products

• whole milk (add to tea, cereals)
• one-day curdled milk
• fresh non-sour sour cream and cottage cheese in dishes (lazy dumplings, casserole, pudding, etc.)
• cheese mild grated.

Meat and poultry

• lean meats (beef, veal, rabbit), skinless chicken and turkey, boiled or steamed, pureed (cutlets, quenelles, meatballs, mashed potatoes, souffle, roll)
• beef stroganoff boiled meat
• boiled and steamed tongue and liver
• ham lean, non-stringy, slightly salted
• sausages doctoral and dietary finely chopped.

Eggs

• soft-boiled or hard-boiled
• steam omelets and scrambled eggs (up to 2 eggs per day)
• raw – only quail eggs .

Vegetables

• beets , potatoes , carrots , cauliflower , green peas , boiled in water or steamed and pureed (mashed potatoes, soufflé)
• steam puddings
• courgettes and pumpkin , sliced, boiled
• onions and garlic in small quantities as an additive to cooked dishes
• occasionally – ripe non-acidic tomatoes in small quantities, fresh cucumbers .

Soups

• from pureed vegetables , milk cereals , pureed vermicelli or homemade noodles with the addition of allowed pureed vegetables
• cream soups milk, vegetables, pre-cooked chicken or meat.

Dressed with butter, non-acidic sour cream, egg yolk.

Cereals, pasta and legumes

• cereals boiled in milk or water (semolina, well-cooked rice, buckwheat and oatmeal)
• steam puddings , soufflés , cutlets from ground cereals
• boiled pasta .

Drinks

• weak tea with milk or cream
• weak cocoa with milk
• sweet fruit juices
• rose hip decoction , wheat bran .

Sauces and spices

• milk, sour cream, egg-butter sauces
• dill , parsley finely chopped in soups and salads
• vanillin .

Fruits, sweet dishes and sweets

• ripe sweet fruits and berries in the form of purees, jelly, jellies, mousses, pureed compotes
• baked apples
• sweet dishes with whipped egg whites , whipped cream
• creams
• milk jelly
• sugar honey jams and jams from sweet berries and fruits
• marshmallow , marshmallow .

Foods not recommended for GERD

Fats
Bread and flour products
Fish
Dairy
Meat and poultry
Eggs
Vegetables
Soups
Cereals, pasta and legumes
Beverages
Sauces and spices
Bread and flour products
Dairy
Fish
Eggs
Fats
Meat and poultry
Sauces and spices
Cereals, pasta and legumes
Beverages
Vegetables
Soups
Fruits, sweet dishes and sweets

Fats

• butter unsalted butter
• sunflower oil and olive oil

Natural or added to meals.

Bread and flour products

• wheat bread from flour of the highest and 1st grade yesterday’s baking or dried
• non-bread rolls (1-2 times a week)
• dry biscuit
• shortbread cookies (shortbread, crackers).

Fish

Low-fat species without skin in a piece or in the form of cutlet mass, boiled, aspic on vegetable broth.

Dairy products

• whole milk (add to tea, cereals)
• one-day curdled milk
• fresh non-sour sour cream and cottage cheese in dishes (lazy dumplings, casserole, pudding, etc.)
• cheese mild grated.

Meat and poultry

• lean meats (beef, veal, rabbit), skinless chicken and turkey, boiled or steamed, pureed (cutlets, quenelles, meatballs, mashed potatoes, souffle, roll)
• beef stroganoff boiled meat
• boiled and steamed tongue and liver
• ham lean, non-stringy, slightly salted
• sausages doctoral and dietary finely chopped.

Eggs

• soft-boiled or hard-boiled
• steam omelets and scrambled eggs (up to 2 eggs per day)
• raw – only quail eggs .

Vegetables

• beets , potatoes , carrots , cauliflower , green peas , boiled in water or steamed and pureed (mashed potatoes, soufflé)
• steam puddings
• courgettes and pumpkin , sliced, boiled
• onions and garlic in small quantities as an additive to cooked dishes
• occasionally – ripe non-acidic tomatoes in small quantities, fresh cucumbers .

Soups

• from pureed vegetables , milk cereals , pureed vermicelli or homemade noodles with the addition of allowed pureed vegetables
• cream soups milk, vegetables, pre-cooked chicken or meat.

Dressed with butter, non-acidic sour cream, egg yolk.

Cereals, pasta and legumes

• cereals boiled in milk or water (semolina, well-cooked rice, buckwheat and oatmeal)
• steam puddings , soufflés , cutlets from ground cereals
• boiled pasta .

Drinks

• weak tea with milk or cream
• weak cocoa with milk
• sweet fruit juices
• rose hip decoction , wheat bran .

Sauces and spices

• milk, sour cream, egg-butter sauces
• dill , parsley finely chopped in soups and salads
• vanillin .

Bread and flour products

• rye bread fresh
• pancakes
• pies
• pies
• muffin .

Dairy products

• dairy products highly acidic
• spicy cheeses.

Fish

Fatty species (sturgeon, stellate sturgeon, etc.), smoked, salted, fried.

Eggs

• Fried eggs
• fried omelet .

Fats

• lard
• animal fat in meat dishes
• overcooked butter .

Meat and poultry

• fatty and stringy meats and poultry fried
• canned food .

Sauces and spices

Spicy sauces and spices.

Cereals, pasta and pulses

• millet
• pearl barley groats
• barley groats
• legumes .

Drinks

• kvass
• beer
• fortified wine
• spirits drinks
• coffee
• carbonated drinks
• juices of sour berries and fruits .

Vegetables

• white cabbage
• eggplant
• bow
• garlic
• mushrooms
• vegetables canned food .

Soups

• fish stock or mushroom stock
• borscht
• cabbage soup
• okroshka .

Fruits, sweet dishes and sweets

• sour and unripe berries and fruits raw
• chocolate
• halva
• nuts
• not pureed dried fruit.

The above nutritional recommendations are general and suitable for most patients. However, if you have other chronic diseases (for example, diabetes), a nutritionist at the Istok Health Clinic can create an individual nutrition plan for you.

Article author:
Ilyina E.O., general practitioner, gastroenterologist

Download and print

You can download dietary recommendations for GERD:

Diet for GERD and heartburn burn

1. Eat fractionally 3-4 times a day. day, slowly, in small portions. Avoid overeating, eating very hot or very cold food
2. Avoid lying down or sitting in a half-bent position after eating for 1.5-2 hours
3. Eat dinner 2 hours before bedtime
4. Sleep with an elevated headboard (it is convenient to use a wedge-shaped orthopedic pillow)
5. Exercise only 2-3 hours after eating
6. Do not bend over after eating
7. Do not wear tight clothing or tight belts
8. Do not use soda or milk to eliminate heartburn (the effect of “rebound” – then the acidity increases even more)
9. Give up bad habits: try to quit smoking or reduce the number of cigarettes to a minimum, exclude strong alcohol and carbonated drinks
10. Eat a diet that helps reduce reflux.