Diets and Food Regimens

Reflux Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus (swallowing tube) caused by acid which spills back up from the stomach into the esophagus, irritating it. It can cause heartburn, painful swallowing and even permanent damage to the esophagus.

A clear liquid diet is made up of clear liquids and foods that are liquid at room temperature. A clear liquid diet does not provide all the nutrients, vitamins, minerals, or calories that your body needs. This diet may be used before a test or surgery to make sure your digestive tract is empty. You may also need this diet after stomach or bowel (small and large intestines) surgery, or if you have problems with eating solid food. The goal of this diet is to provide liquids and part of the calories you need until you can eat solid food. Clear liquids are easily digested and do not put a strain on your stomach or intestines.

Dysphagia refers to a difficulty in swallowing or having pain during food swallowing. Dysphagia can be caused by a variety conditions. The symptoms can range from mild pain to severe swallowing difficulties and can occur in any age group.

Use the chart below to find the fiber content of many common foods.

The gluten free diet is used in the treatment of celiac sprue and dermatitis herpetiformis. Although a gluten free diet does not cure celiac sprue and dermatitis herpetiformis, following the diet will relieve the symptoms associated with gluten sensitivity.

The high fiber-high residue diet follows the normal dietary pattern except for the inclusion of high fiber, high residue foods. Dietary fiber is defined by Robinson as the seeds, skins, and structural parts of plant foods and the connective tissue fibers of meats. Cellulose, hemi cellulose, lignin, pectin, and inulin are not hydrolyzed by the enzymes in human digestive tract. Residue is defined as the volume of material remaining after the digestive process has been completed.

In general, Americans eat too much dietary fat. Most Americans would benefit from a low fat diet. Physicians may recommend a low-fat diet for a number of reasons, i.e. high cholesterol, heart disease, weight loss, diarrhea, malabsorption.

The low fiber diet follows the normal dietary pattern except for the omission of high fiber foods. Dietary fiber is defined as skins, seeds, structural parts of plants and connective tissue fibers of meats. Cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, pectin, and inulin are not hydrolyzed by enzymes in the human digestive tract.

A soft diet generally eliminates foods that are difficult to chew or swallow, and also spicy, fried, or grassy foods. A mechanical soft diet simply eliminates foods that are difficult to chew or swallow.

A soft mechanical diet generally eliminates foods that are difficult to chew or swallow. This diet is used for people who have difficulty chewing or swallowing, but are more able to tolerate foods that are semi-solid. Foods permitted on a soft mechanical diet must be naturally soft or able to be mashed to achieve a soft consistency.