GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, affects people who experience acid reflux more than two times a week, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Hiatal hernia occurs when a part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm, which separates the chest from the abdomen. Symptoms of hiatal hernia include acid reflux, swallowing difficulty and chest pain.
Function
GERD and hiatal hernia result from weakened muscle tissue. A valve-like muscle in the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter, usually opens when food enters the stomach and closes to prevent acid reflux. A weakened muscle does not shut tightly, allowing stomach acid to back up. A hiatal hernia occurs when muscle tissue surrounding an opening in the diaphragm weakens and allows the upper portion of the stomach to move into the chest cavity, MayoClinic.com explains.
Small Meals
Remedies for both conditions include eating small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of three large meals, and avoiding foods that trigger heartburn, the burning sensation in the chest and throat that comes from acid reflux. Common trigger foods of heartburn for people with GERD or hiatal hernia include fatty foods, spicy dishes, tomato-based products, onions, citrus fruits, chocolate and alcohol. Trigger foods may differ for each person.
Digestion
Decreasing fat intake from heavy meals and high-fat or fried foods takes pressure off the lower esophageal sphincter and, thus, reduces acid reflux, according to McKinley Health Center, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Avoiding large meals also relieves the stomach during digestion from secreting the excess acid that may result in acid reflux.
Fiber
Fiber-containing foods, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains, help protect you from acid reflux. The foods digest quickly to avoid stomach acid overproduction. Whole grains may help absorb excess acid because of their bulk. Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology recommends apples, bananas, peaches, pears, melons and berries. However, avoid citrus fruits and tomatoes, which have acid qualities that encourage heartburn. Vegetables help avoid acid reflux except creamy vegetables or when fried. Whole grains include whole-wheat pasta, bread and cereal, oatmeal, barley and brown rice.
Low-Fat Foods
Eating low-fat proteins can curb heartburn for sufferers of acid reflux and hiatal hernia. Choose lean meat, poultry without skin and fish. Eat low-fat or fat-free dairy foods instead of whole-milk dairy products. Low-fat snacks and desserts, with 3 g fat or less per serving, can replace high-fat desserts to avoid acid reflux, Jackson Siegelbaum points out.
Considerations
Avoid lying down or sleeping at least three hours after eating, MayoClinic.com advises. Do not smoke, which encourages acid reflux by relaxing the esophageal muscle, and try to reduce stress, which can worsen heartburn symptoms. Acid reflux and hiatal hernia patients benefit from antacids and acid blockers to prevent or reduce heartburn. Staying on a low-fat, high-fiber diet, which also helps maintain healthy weight, may provide long-lasting protection from acid reflux.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- MayoClinic.com: Hiatal Hernia-Causes
- McKinley Health Center: The GERD Diet
- MayoClinic.com: Hiatal Hernia-Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Diet
