Frequent heartburn after eating certain foods may be a symptom of a hiatal hernia, a condition in which a portion of your stomach protrudes through your diaphragm. The diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle that separates your chest cavity from your abdominal cavity, has a small opening where your esophagus joins your stomach. If you have a small hiatal hernia, you may never have digestive difficulties, notes MayoClinic.com. However, if your hernia is large enough, it may cause acids and partially digested foods to flow up into the esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Certain foods and beverages may trigger this backup of digestive acids, or gastroesophageal reflux.
Acidic Fruits and Vegetables
Tomatoes, oranges and other fruits and vegetables with a high acid content may worsen the acid reflux and heartburn associated with a hiatal hernia. Orange juice, tomato juice, pizza or pasta dishes with tomato sauce may also trigger heartburn, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, or NDDIC. Apples and apple juice, bananas, broccoli and leafy green vegetables may be more tolerable alternatives.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains methylxanthine, a compound that may loosen your lower esophageal sphincter, or LES. The LES is a muscular ring that controls the opening between your esophagus and stomach. If you have a hiatal hernia, the protrusion of your stomach through your diaphragm may already be interfering with the normal opening and closing of the LES. Further loosening of this muscular sphincter can increase the backup of acids into your esophagus, according to the NDDIC.
Fatty or Greasy Foods
High-fat foods, greasy or fried foods may worsen heartburn and indigestion. Dietary fat can loosen the LES and delay digestion, which increases the risk of acid reflux. Avoiding fatty meats, butter, french fries and high-fat snack foods may also help you prevent obesity, a condition that can worsen hiatal hernia by increasing the pressure on your abdomen. Broiled lean meats, nonacidic vegetables or salads with light dressings, brown rice and whole wheat bread may help prevent reflux and can also promote a healthy weight.
Spicy Foods
Foods spiced with chili powder, peppers, salsa, and other hot seasonings may irritate the stomach and increase acid reflux. However, you may eat foods you enjoy within your tolerance level. Eating small meals, sitting upright after you eat and avoiding food within three hours before bedtime may make it easier for you to tolerate occasional servings of spicy or acidic food.
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic may cause gastroesphageal reflux if you have a hiatal hernia, the NDDIC notes. Sauteeing raw onions and garlic may make them less astringent and easier to digest. You can also experiment with mild herbs and spices, such as oregano, basil, rosemary or cumin, to add flavor to your foods.
