A hiatal hernia sometimes causes no symptoms or problems, but difficulties arise when the disorder affects the esophagus. A portion of the stomach pushes up through a hole or hiatus in the diaphragm and moves into the chest cavity. Frequent acid reflux results because of weakened esophageal and stomach tissue. Other symptoms include chest pain or difficulty swallowing. A hiatal hernia, also called a hiatus hernia, commonly occurs in people during middle age. Risk factors may also include obesity or smoking. Dietary changes reduce or prevent symptoms.
Acid Backup
A muscle in the esophagus may not close tightly after food enters the stomach because of hiatal hernia conditions. This allows stomach acid to back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn from the acid reflux action. You may feel a pain or burning in the chest and throat or experience a bitter taste in the back of the mouth from acidic contents. Antacids help relieve symptoms. Medication to reduce stomach acid helps prevent acid reflux.
Preventive Approaches
Avoiding foods that relax the esophageal muscle or contribute to excess stomach acid can reduce symptoms. High-fat or fried foods, tomato products, chocolate, caffeine, carbonated beverages or alcohol may increase symptoms. Heavy meals slow digestion and build up stomach acid production. Eating frequent small meals and snacks throughout the day instead of three large meals reduces acid secretion by the stomach to help prevent acid reflux. Allowing time for food to digest and waiting two to three hours following a meal before lying down protects you from symptoms.
Protective Fiber
Adding more fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your meals and eating fewer foods that contain unhealthy fats can alleviate acid reflux. You may even eliminate symptoms over time by practicing this type of high-fiber diet on a regular basis. Fruits and vegetables digest smoothly to avoid acid buildup. Avoid citrus fruits and tomatoes, which have acidic contents, if they cause heartburn. Include plenty of fresh or steamed vegetables in your meals. Do not eat fried or creamy vegetables, which can trigger acid reflux. Whole grains aid digestion and may help absorb excess acid. They turn into a gel-like substance during the digestive process. Enjoy whole grain bread, pasta and cereal. Oatmeal, oat bran, brown rice and barley also provide protection.
Low-Fat Foods
Choose low-fat or skim dairy products, poultry without skin, lean meat and fish to avoid too much fat. These foods contain protein, which builds and repairs muscle tissue. Protein may help strengthen muscle tissue in the esophagus for protection against acid reflux, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Stay away from fatty sweets. Choose low-fat or fat-free snack products and nonfat candies.
