A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper portion of the stomach pushes above the diaphragm into the chest cavity. Symptoms include frequent acid reflux because an esophageal muscle also moves above the diaphragm. People with chronic acid reflux might develop Barrett's esophagus from damage to the esophageal lining. Barrett's causes abnormal changes to cells in the lining, which can lead to esophageal cancer, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. A proper diet can reduce or eventually eliminate acid reflux.
Trigger Foods
An initial step in preventing or reducing acid reflux in hiatal hernia patients might include limiting or eliminating foods that trigger symptoms. Fatty foods, spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomato-based products, onions and chocolate can trigger heartburn, MayoClinic.com notes. All of these foods might not apply because people respond differently to foods. You might have your own triggers. Try eliminating suspect foods from your diet to understand what causes your symptoms.
Small Meals
High-fat foods relax the esophageal muscle and delay stomach emptying, according to the McKinley Health Center, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. A relaxed esophageal muscle does not close tightly and allows stomach acid backup. Large meals cause stomach pressure by slowing down digestion and increasing the risk of acid reflux. Smaller meals, low in fat, digest more rapidly. The stomach requires less acid secretion for digestion, decreasing the risk of acid reflux. Eating frequent small meals and snacks throughout the day, instead of two or three heavy meals, avoids stomach acid backup.
Fruits and Vegetables
In some cases, avoiding triggers alone is enough to get rid of the problem, but you will benefit by eating foods that act to protect your esophagus and reduce stomach acid. Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables digest smoothly in the stomach. Bananas, apples, peaches, pears and berries work effectively in an acid reflux diet for hiatal hernia patients. However, citrus fruits might result in heartburn because of acidic substances. Eat fresh or steamed vegetables and avoid fried or creamy-style vegetables.
Grains
Whole grains might protect the lining of the esophagus because of the mineral selenium, HealthCentral says. Selenium might play a protective role against the cell changes from Barrett's. Whole wheat bread and cereal, oatmeal, brown rice and corn might help to relieve acid reflux. Refined grains, such as white bread or corn bread, contain fat that can contribute to symptoms.
Reduced Fat
Protein has muscle-building properties that might strengthen the esophageal muscle, according to HealthCentral. Choose low-fat protein foods such as lean meat, skinless poultry, fish and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. When you get an urge for sweets, try to eat low-fat or fat-free cookies, cakes and candies.
