Symptoms of a hiatal hernia include heartburn or difficulty swallowing. A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the upper stomach pushes into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm, called a hiatus. This affects a muscle in the esophagus, which does not close properly after eating and allows stomach acid to back up. An acid reflux diet includes foods that reduce or prevent symptoms and provide nutrition.
Prevention
Treatment for a hiatal hernia usually includes dietary changes and antacids or acid-reducing medication to avoid acid reflux, Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology explains. Acid reflux often results in the burning sensation of heartburn in the chest and throat. Doctors recommend surgery in rare complicated cases to move the stomach back into position or to strengthen the esophageal muscle to prevent acid reflux.
Irritants
Avoiding trigger foods that cause heartburn help hiatal hernia patients. Many of these foods have high-fat content, so you benefit from avoiding them or eliminating them from the diet. Fatty foods, fried foods, spicy meals and chocolate aggravate heartburn by relaxing the esophageal muscle. Heavy, fat-laden meals stay in the stomach longer and digest slowly to increase the risk of heartburn from excess acid secretion. Coffee, alcohol and carbonated beverages also cause heartburn. Other foods may trigger acid reflux symptoms because people respond differently to foods. Remember what you have eaten when you experience heartburn and try avoiding those foods.
Fiber
Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables provides you with nutrition and helps prevent acid reflux because they digest rapidly. Citrus fruits, however, have acidic properties that may result in heartburn. Avoid fried or creamy style vegetables, which also lead to stomach acid backup. Fiber-rich whole grains digest smoothly in the stomach and give you a feeling of fullness without the digestive difficulties from high-fat foods. Enjoy nutritious whole-wheat and multigrain bread, whole-wheat pasta and whole-grain cereal. Oatmeal, oat bran and brown rice also contain whole grains.
Low-Fat Options
Protein may strengthen the esophageal muscle to prevent acid reflux and heartburn, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Choose low-fat protein products to reduce fat intake. Lean meats, skinless poultry, fish and low-fat or fat-free dairy items provide you with nutrition and avoid too much fat. Consume low-fat or nonfat snacks when you desire sweets once in a while. You can also keep fruit or carrot sticks available for snack time.
Small Meals
Hiatal hernia patients can benefit from eating frequent small meals during the day, according to the Hershey Medical Center at Penn State. This avoids the risk of heartburn from consuming two or three heavy meals throughout the day. Smaller meals aid in digestion and along with nutritious foods in an acid reflux diet keep off excess pounds, which encourage heartburn by putting pressure on the abdomen.
