A hiatus hernia, also called a hiatal hernia, occurs when a portion of the stomach pushes through an opening of the diaphragm into the chest cavity. Symptoms include heartburn and difficulty swallowing. Dietary changes and antacids or acid reducing medicine relieve symptoms by preventing acid reflux. Certain foods relax an esophageal muscle so it does not close properly after eating and allows stomach acid backup. Foods can also cause digestive problems that lead to acid reflux.
Aggravating Foods
High-fat and fried foods aggravate acid reflux by decreasing pressure on the esophageal muscle and delaying stomach emptying, according to the McKinley Health Center, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It takes the stomach longer to digest fatty or rich foods and requires excess acid secretion. You also increase fat intake through spicy foods, creamed foods or soups, fast foods, chocolate and whole milk.
Esophageal Irritants
Although nutritious and healthy, citrus fruits and juices can irritate the esophageal muscle and trigger acid reflux. This includes oranges, grapefruit and pineapple. Tomatoes and tomato-based products, such as sauces, may also lead to heartburn. Other esophageal irritants include coffee, tea, caffeinated soft drinks and alcohol.
Substitutes
Hiatus hernia patients can replace eliminated foods in their diet with healthier versions. Choose lean meats, skinless poultry and fish to reduce fat intake. Broil or bake these foods instead of frying. Consume low-fat or fat-free dairy products and enjoy nonfat candies instead of chocolate, which is high in saturated fat. You can enjoy bananas, peaches, apples, pears and berries as well as fruit juices that do not contain citrus. Drink decaffeinated, herbal teas.
Your Own Triggers
You may have your own trigger foods. People react differently to foods and may experience heartburn from items that do not bother other people. Make a mental note of the foods you have eaten when you have symptoms and try eliminating suspected culprits. The McKinley Health Center recommends keeping a detailed record for a week to find your trigger foods. Write down the foods and beverages you consume each day with the time of day and symptoms following the snacks and meals. You can then modify your diet to avoid heartburn.
Smaller Meals
Large meals increase the risk of stomach pressure resulting in acid reflux because of the slow digestion process. Drinking lots of liquid during a meal contributes to digestive problems. Penn Medicine suggests eating three small meals and three snacks throughout the day instead of three large meals to avoid heartburn. Drink small amounts of liquid during a meal and enjoy those fluids at other times during the day. Smaller, frequent meals using low-fat foods help hiatus hernia patients by controlling weight. Excess pounds contribute to acid reflux by putting extra pressure on the abdomen and pushing up the stomach.
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