A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper portion of the stomach pushes above the diaphragm into the chest. A lower esophageal muscle also moves above the diaphragm. The muscle, called the lower esophageal sphincter, normally stops stomach acid backup after eating. Acid reflux, a main symptom of hiatal hernia, happens more easily. Hiatal hernia patients may experience chest pain or difficulty swallowing. The condition commonly occurs during middle age.
Acid Backup
A diet for hiatal hernia helps reduce acid reflux symptoms. When the lower esophageal sphincter weakens, it does not close properly after food enters the stomach. Stomach acid may rise back up into the esophagus, causing the burning or pain of heartburn in the chest and throat. Acid regurgitation can lead to a bitter or sour taste in the back of the mouth.
Avoiding Trigger Foods
Antacids and acid-reducing medication relieve acid reflux symptoms. Avoiding foods that trigger acid reflux plays a role in an acid reflux diet. Fatty or fried foods, caffeine, chocolate, peppermint and carbonated beverages may cause symptoms. You may need to identify the foods that trigger acid reflux symptoms and eliminate them from your diet. Eating smaller, frequent meals instead of two or three large meals throughout the day may prevent digestive problems. Heavy meals cause the stomach to produce more acid for digestion, increasing the risk of acid reflux.
Eat More Fiber
Fruits and vegetables work effectively to reduce acid reflux because they digest smoothly to reduce the risk of indigestion and heartburn. However, citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruit, and tomato products may trigger acid reflux from their acidic content. Eat fresh or steamed vegetables and avoid fried or cream-style vegetables. Whole grains, such as whole-grain bread and cereal, oatmeal, oat bran and brown rice, also aid digestion. Whole grains may soak up excess acid in the stomach during the digestive process.
Protein Protection
Protein helps build and repair muscle tissue and may strengthen the esophageal muscle to prevent acid reflux, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. Eat low-fat protein to reduce your fat intake. Skinless poultry, fish and lean meat aid a hiatal hernia diet. Cut all visible fat from meat before cooking. Bake, broil or grill meat, poultry and fish. Consume low-fat or fat-free dairy products.
Sweets and Drinks
Enjoy low-fat or fat-free cookies, cakes and fruit bars. Eat nonfat candies instead of chocolate when you desire sweets. Have desserts with 3 g of fat per serving or less, Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology recommends. Decaffeinated herbal teas, non-citrus fruit juices and water should replace carbonated beverages and caffeinated drinks.
References
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology: Hiatus Hernia
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Heartburn --- Prevention
- HealthCentral: Heartburn Center -- Prevention
