Acid reflux symptoms occur frequently if you have a hiatal hernia or gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD. Similar treatments apply to the conditions, including medicine and diet to reduce or relieve acid reflux. Other symptoms include chest pain and difficulty swallowing. Acid reflux often causes heartburn, the burning sensation in the upper chest and throat, and may lead to acid regurgitation, a sour taste in the back of your mouth from stomach acid backup.
Function
A lower esophageal muscle fails to close tightly after food enters the stomach, resulting in acid reflux. Experiencing acid reflux more than twice a week indicates GERD, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. A hiatal hernia results when the upper portion of the stomach and esophageal muscle move above the diaphragm, the muscle that normally helps protect the esophagus from acid reflux.
Trigger Foods
Avoiding foods that trigger acid reflux play a role in a diet for hiatal hernia and GERD. Restricted foods may include spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomato-based products, onions and chocolate, MayoClinic.com notes. Other triggers include fatty or fried foods, caffeinated drinks, alcohol and mint flavorings. You may have your own trigger foods to eliminate from your diet because people respond differently to foods.
Fiber Foods
Fruits, vegetables and whole grains have a high-fiber content and digest rapidly to avoid stomach acid buildup that can lead to acid reflux. Avoid citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruit and pineapple, if you find those foods cause acid reflux. Eat raw or steamed vegetables and avoid fried or creamy vegetables, which may cause heartburn. Selenium, a mineral in whole grains, may protect the esophagus, HealthCentral explains. Frequent acid reflux can damage the esophageal lining. Whole grains include whole-wheat bread, whole-wheat pasta, whole-grain cereals, oatmeal and brown rice.
Low-Fat Options
Protein, which builds muscle in the body, may strengthen the esophageal muscle to help prevent acid reflux, according to HealthCentral. Consume low-fat protein foods to avoid the fatty content that contributes to heartburn. Eat lean meat, skinless poultry and fish. Choose low-fat dairy products over whole-milk items. Aim for low-fat or fat-free snacks when the urge for sweets strikes. Many candies have no fat.
Meals
Eating smaller, frequent meals throughout the day instead of two or three large meals can reduce acid reflux. The stomach requires more acid secretion when digesting heavy meals. Penn Medicine recommends eating three small meals and three snacks during the day. Drink small amounts of liquid during mealtime and get your fluids at other times of the day. Wait at least two hours after eating before lying down to prevent stomach acid backup.
