Esophageal Soft Food Diet | Northwest Minimally Invasive Surgery (2024)

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.

FOOD

FOODS ALLOWED

FOODS TO AVOID

BeveragesAll except alcoholAlcohol
BreadsPureed pancakes, waffles, French toastAll 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.
CerealCream of wheat and rice, grits, oatmeal, Malt-O-Meal, cornmeal, puffed wheat, puffed rice, cornflakes, and other refined cerealsCereals containing coarse whole grains, bran, nuts, seeds; ie, bran flakes shredded wheat, granola
DessertsGelatin desserts, fruit ices, smooth ice cream and sherbet, plain pudding, custard plain cakes, plain frostingPastries, pies and other desserts containing nuts, seeds, coconut, dried fruit, fruits with small seeds plain cookies, Pastries and pies without seeds, nuts or coconuts
FoodFoods AllowedFoods to Avoid
Fats and OilsButter, margarine, mayonnaise, vegetable oil, mildly seasoned salad dressing containing allowed ingredients, plain gravies, cream saucesFried foods, highly seasoned gravy
FruitsAll 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 esophagusAll 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, CheeseWell 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 StarchesPotatoes; 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.

SoupCreamed and broth-based soups using allowed ingredientsAny made with ingredients to be avoided; ie, chili, bean soup, split pea, lentil, corn chowder
VegetablesCanned 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
SweetsSugar, honey, molasses, syrup, jelly, plain candy, chocolate without nuts, coconut or dried fruitJam with seeds, marmalade, candy with nuts, coconut or dried fruits
MiscellaneousMild 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, nutmegHighly 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 Soft Food Diet | Northwest Minimally Invasive Surgery (2024)

FAQs

What is a soft food diet after esophageal surgery? ›

To keep foods soft, raw fruits and vegetables can be replaced with canned and frozen fruits—like applesauce and fruit cups. Avocados and bananas also work well. Soups and broths will help soften squash, potatoes (without the skins), carrots, peas, and other vegetables.

What is a liquid diet for esophageal stricture? ›

You will eat and drink clear and full liquids such as broth, tea, water, gelatin, milk, yogurt, pudding, ice cream, milkshakes, creamy soups, and protein drinks.

What is an esophageal diet? ›

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.

What foods should you avoid after esophageal surgery? ›

Avoid high-fiber foods like bran and beans. These foods may be hard to tolerate. Limit sugary foods if you had a gastrectomy or have high blood glucose (sugar) levels. If diarrhea is a problem, limit sweets and eat foods that provide protein, like cottage cheese, peanut butter sandwiches, or sugar-free yogurt.

What are the best soft foods to eat after throat surgery? ›

Soft Food List
  • Fruit Smoothies/Protein Shakes.
  • Oatmeal/Cream of Wheat.
  • Eggs (scrambled, soft boiled, omelets, egg salad)
  • Mashed Potatoes.
  • Rice, Risotto.
  • Tofu.
  • Pasta (plain or with sauce)
  • Fish (soft white fish, sole, trout, snapper)

What foods can you eat on a soft diet? ›

Foods to eat
  • Cream of wheat and cream of rice.
  • Cooked white rice.
  • Mashed potatoes and boiled potatoes without skin.
  • Plain pasta and noodles.
  • Plain white crackers (such as no-salt soda crackers)
  • White bread.
  • Applesauce.
  • Cooked fruits without skins or seeds.

How do you permanently fix esophageal strictures? ›

Surgery. Esophagectomy — surgery to remove part or all of the esophagus — may be necessary for malignant strictures and those that don't respond to other treatments. If you have chronic acid reflux, your provider might suggest a minor operation to fix it to prevent further damage.

What foods should be avoided with esophageal stricture? ›

BREADS AND STARCHES

Breads may cause “sticking” initially and should be avoided until you are comfortable with eating most soft foods. You can have cereals without nuts and dried fruits, noodles, potatoes and pasta. Avoid: popcorn, rice and all breads with nuts.

What are the guidelines for soft eating in the esophagus? ›

These guidelines include soft, moist (wet) foods and liquids that are easy to swallow. It is important to avoid foods that may irritate (bother) your throat or block your stent. Make sure all food is soft and moist. Add sauces, gravies, butter, or margarine to moisten food.

What drink soothes the esophagus? ›

Herbal tea

Some herbal teas may calm esophagus irritation. Chamomile tea is well known for its ability to help people get a good night's sleep. But chamomile also has anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a good choice for managing esophagitis symptoms.

What foods relax the esophageal sphincter? ›

High-fat meals, alcohol, chocolate, and carbonated beverages can reduce esophageal sphincter pressure and increase acid exposure [6,50].

What is the diet for esophageal repair? ›

  • Protein foods. •Chicken/Turkey. •Fish.
  • Vegetables (always cooked) •Peas. •Carrots.
  • Fruit (remove skin) •All fruits. •Eat small portions to avoid diarrhea.
  • Grains. •Unsweetened dry cereals. •Hot cereals (farina, cream of wheat,
  • Beverages. •Protein shakes. •Sugar free beverages.

What is a liquid diet for esophagus? ›

Full Liquid Diet

All beverages including water, milk, milk substitutes, juice, coffee, and tea. Smoothies and milkshakes, drinkable yogurt. Blended and strained soups, fruits, and vegetables. You can use broth, juice, yogurt, or milk to make it smoother or thinner.

What is dumping syndrome after esophageal surgery? ›

Sometimes called rapid gastric emptying, dumping syndrome most often occurs as a result of surgery on your stomach or esophagus. Most people with dumping syndrome develop signs and symptoms, such as abdominal cramps and diarrhea, 10 to 30 minutes after eating. Other people have symptoms 1 to 3 hours after eating.

How long does it take for the esophagus to heal after surgery? ›

Patients should expect six to eight weeks of recovery and adjustment in eating patterns after the procedure. Most patients benefit from eating smaller, more frequent meals after esophagectomy. In addition, patients may benefit from sleeping slightly elevated on pillows or a small wedge.

What is a soft diet for dysphagia patients? ›

What is a dysphagia soft diet? A dysphagia soft diet is needed for people who have trouble chewing or swallowing. On a dysphagia soft diet you may eat foods that are soft and moist. Foods that are not soft or moist enough may need to be diced, finely shaved, or minced.

What foods should you avoid after esophageal dilation? ›

Chew with your mouth closed. Avoid any foods that cause stom- ach gas and distention. These foods include corn, dried beans, peas, lentils, onions, broccoli, cau- liflower and any food from the cab- bage family. Avoid carbonated drinks, alcohol, citrus and tomato products.

How to dislodge food stuck in the esophagus? ›

Effervescent drugs

Like soda, the bubbles they produce when dissolving may help disintegrate the food and create pressure that can dislodge it. If you don't have Alka-Seltzer, you can mix some baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with water. This may help dislodge food in the same way.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Golda Nolan II

Last Updated:

Views: 5825

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (58 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Golda Nolan II

Birthday: 1998-05-14

Address: Suite 369 9754 Roberts Pines, West Benitaburgh, NM 69180-7958

Phone: +522993866487

Job: Sales Executive

Hobby: Worldbuilding, Shopping, Quilting, Cooking, Homebrewing, Leather crafting, Pet

Introduction: My name is Golda Nolan II, I am a thoughtful, clever, cute, jolly, brave, powerful, splendid person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.