A hiatal hernia happens when your stomach pokes up through the muscle that separates the abdomen from the chest cavity, which can cause food and stomach acid to back up into the esophagus, according to MayoClinic.com. Many hiatal hernias are small and do not cause symptoms but larger ones can cause heartburn, belching, chest pain and nausea. Changing your diet may help reduce these symptoms of hiatal hernia.
Trigger Foods
Certain foods trigger heartburn and may worsen symptoms in those with a hiatal hernia, according to MayoClinic.com. This is because certain foods relax the muscles that normally keep stomach contents out of the esophagus or they can delay the emptying of the stomach, increasing the risk of heartburn, according to Cleveland Clinic. You might want to stay away from chocolate, onions, spicy foods like chili, acidic foods like citrus fruit and tomatoes, high fat or fried foods, peppermint or other mint flavorings, and garlic.
Beverages to Avoid
What you drink can also trigger heartburn and other symptoms caused by a hiatal hernia. You might want to avoid alcohol and drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea and soda, according to Cleveland Clinic. Also, citrus and tomato juices can be highly acidic, which can irritate the esophagus and worsen symptoms.
Eating Habits
In addition to changing what you eat, changing how you eat can also reduce some of your hiatal hernia symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com. Eat smaller meals, more often during the day if necessary, rather than larger meals, which can worsen symptoms. Sitting up after you eat, rather than lying down or taking a nap can also help. Raising the height of your bed by 6 inches can help because it encourages the stomach's contents to stay put in the stomach, according to Cleveland Clinic. It's also best to stop eating at least three hours before you go to bed. If you are overweight, losing weight can help reduce symptoms by taking some of the pressure off your abdomen.
