Bland Diet (CAP-Free Diet)

A bland diet provides foods that are not irritating to the digestive tract and do not increase acid production in the stomach.

CAP stands for: C = Caffeine; A = Alcohol; P = Pepper

Stimulating foods containing CAP are to be avoided. This dietary management is good for Gingivitis, Gastritis, Peptic Ulcer, Gallstone Formation, Gallbladder Inflammation, Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack).

Some Tips for a Bland Diet

• Avoid foods that have caffeine, alcohol, and pepper.

• Eat regularly.

• Eat in a relaxed manner.

• Manage stress! It can overly increase gastric secretion.

• Observe your tolerance for eating. Since food effects vary from one person to another, master your digestive system. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole cereals, nuts, and grains may negatively affect some patients.

• Avoid spicy foods like instant noodles, chips, spicy nuts, sauces, and fatty foods. They can cause discomfort and irritation.

Foods Allowed for Bland Diet

Protein-rich Foods

For Vegetarians

• All legumes, well-cooked

• Vegetarian meats, like hard soybean cheese/curd, gluten, vegemeat, vegesausage

For Non-Vegetarians

• All fish, preferably those with scales and fins

• Lean meat, preferably beef, poultry, and veal

Fat-rich Foods

• Vegetable oil (seed and nut oils)

Carbohydrates

• All cereals and grains, preferably unrefined, if tolerated

• Tubes or root crops

• Noodles, pasta

Fruits

• All

Vegetables

• All, especially dark green leafy and yellow vegetables

Beverages

• Juices (not too sour)

• Whole milk, skim milk, soymilk

Non-irritating Spices

• Basil                           

• Bay leaf

• Coriander

• Dill weed and seed

• Fennel seed

• Marjoram

• Mint

• Oregano

• Paprika

• Parsley

• Rosemary

• Sage

• Saffron

• Tarragon

• Thyme

• Turmeric

Foods Not Allowed

Fat-rich Foods

• Animal fat

Beverages

• Coffee, Tea

• Cola Drinks

• Alcoholic Beverages

• Cocoa

Sweets/Desserts

• Chocolates

Use Sparingly

• All spices

• Anise

• Cinnamon

• Cumin

• Nutmeg

Irritating Spices

• Black Pepper

• Chili Pepper

• Cayenne

• Cloves

• Ginger

• Horse Radish

• Hungarian Paprika

• Mustard

 

Note: Know the irritating spices and substitute them with non-irritating ones.

Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.83 & 85 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6