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What to Eat and What to Avoid

Foods That Heal Esophagitis
No specific food heals esophagitis. However, plenty of options can help minimize irritation as your esophagus recovers.
If your esophagus is very inflamed and painful, Cleveland Clinic says to lean on softer, nutrient-dense foods, such as:
- Avocado
- Cooked fruits
- Cooked vegetables
- Fish
Each of these options is easier to swallow than raw produce and tougher meat selections. They cause less friction and ultimately feel less irritating on the esophagus.
These foods also have many anti-inflammatory properties, notes Harvard Medical School, which may help reduce pain and swelling in your esophagus as you heal.
Dairy and Esophagitis
So long as you’re not lactose intolerant, low-fat dairy products, such as certain milks, yogurts, and cheeses, may be tolerated with esophagitis, according to Cedars Sinai.
Avoid dairy products that contain nuts, seeds, spices, granola, or whole fruits, as these additional elements are difficult to swallow comfortably when your esophagus is inflamed.
It’s also best to minimize your consumption of high-fat dairy products to avoid acid reflux, says Johns Hopkins Medicine, because these foods can further agitate a case of esophagitis.
Keep Foods Cool or Room Temperature
According to Penn Medicine, it may also feel more comfortable to eat foods that are cool or kept at room temperature rather than very cold or very hot options. Avoid temperature extremes to make eating tolerable as your esophagus heals.
Try a Pureed or Liquid Diet
If swallowing is very painful, you can also try switching to a pureed diet, suggests Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Cook your foods until they’re very soft, put them in a blender with a liquid like milk or stock, and puree them until they’re the consistency of smooth mashed potatoes.
You can also include warm (not hot) soups and cool (not cold) smoothies.