A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of your stomach pushes into the chest area or diaphragm. The diaphragm has a small opening or hiatus that allows your esophagus to pass from the diaphragm into the stomach. Weak muscle tissue surrounding the hiatus allows your stomach to protrude into the diaphragm. Hiatal hernia irritation results from stomach acid escaping through the opening. Take note of these hiatal hernia diet dangers that can aggravate your condition.
Beverages
Carbonated beverages, a danger for anyone with an ulcer, acid reflux or hiatal hernia, cause irritation of the esophageal lining, according to the Doctors of USC website. Other acid producing beverages to avoid include regular or decaffeinated coffee, tea and alcohol.
Fruits
Most healthy diets recommend the inclusion of a variety of fruits. However, certain fruits trigger acid production that can greatly worsen symptoms in hiatal hernia sufferers. The danger fruits and their associated juices include oranges, grapefruits and lemons. Steer clear of tomatoes in any form; whole tomatoes, juice, sauces, chili and salsa will increase digestive acids, causing further damage.
Fats
Hiatal hernia patients experience less discomfort by eating foods that digest easily. MayoClinic.com points out that fat in the diet delays stomach emptying. Avoid eating meats with high fat content, such as marbled steaks, pork chops, sausages, hamburgers and fried chicken. Meats tend to remain in the stomach longer, leading to indigestion and a backup of harmful stomach acid. Beware of heavy sauces and salad dressings containing oils and cream. This also means eliminating rich desserts and chocolate.
Dairy
Dairy products provide the body with necessary calcium, but they can cause stomach upset. Many people believe that drinking milk soothes the esophagus and stomach. However, whole dairy products might unintentionally trigger over production of acid, compounding digestive problems such as a hiatal hernia. Play it safe by avoiding whole milk dairy products such as sour cream, cheese, ice cream and cottage cheese. If you must consume dairy, stick to low-fat or non-fat versions.
Seasonings
An easy rule of thumb for seasonings is to avoid any that typically cause stomach discomfort. Garlic and onions sometimes lead to indigestion and heartburn. Mint, especially peppermint, produces excess stomach acid. Omit hot peppers and curry, as they can further irritate the esophageal lining.
Eating Habits
Hiatal hernia diet dangers include poor eating habits. Even safe foods eaten in the wrong quantity or at the wrong time of day can cause a buildup of food and acid, resulting in a flare up. Overeating increases the odds of heartburn. Avoid eating prior to bedtime and before performing tasks that involve heavy lifting or bending.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Hiatal Hernia
- The Doctors of USC: Hiatal Hernia
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- MayoClinic.com: Bloating, burping and intestinal gas: How to avoid them
- AcidRefluxCure.com: Reduce Foods That Cause Acid Reflux
