A hiatal hernia, also called hiatus hernia, occurs when a portion of the upper stomach moves up into the chest cavity through an enlarged hole in the diaphragm, which separates the abdomen from the lungs. Weakened muscle tissue causes the condition and may result from heredity, obesity or age. Hiatal hernias become common for middle-aged people. Dietary changes reduce the digestive symptoms experienced from a hiatal hernia.
Acid Reflux and Indigestion
In rare cases, doctors may recommend surgery to strengthen muscle tissue or when a strangulated hernia occurs. The serious complication causes the diaphragm to twist or pinch the portion of the stomach, threatening to cut off blood supply. Some people have no symptoms from a hiatal hernia. Symptoms include acid reflux, indigestion or a full feeling after eating and frequent belching. Acid reflux causes heartburn, a burning sensation in the upper chest and throat. Hiatal hernia patients follow a similar diet to those who suffer frequent acid reflux.
Trigger Foods
Avoiding foods that trigger heartburn helps in a diet for a hiatal hernia. You may have your own trigger foods, but common offenders include fatty foods, fried foods, caffeine, carbonated beverages, alcohol, citrus fruits, chocolate and tomato-based products. Eating several meals instead of three large meals during the day avoids digestive problems that promote symptoms. Stay upright after you eat and avoid lying down or sleeping for two to three hours after a meal.
Reduce Fat Intake
A diet to live by for a hiatal hernia helps you lose weight. Excess pounds can put pressure on your abdomen and increase the risk of heartburn and indigestion. Choose low-fat varieties of protein-rich foods that contain high amounts of saturated fat. Select the leanest of meats, poultry without skin and low-fat or nonfat dairy products. Fish usually has less saturated fat than meat or poultry. Enjoy fat-free or low-fat snacks and desserts, which should have 3 g fat per serving or less, according to Dr. Frank Jackson of Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Add Fiber
Foods high in fiber aid digestion to decrease your risk of heartburn and indigestion. While reducing your fat intake, add plenty of fruit, vegetables and whole grains to your meals. Fiber-rich foods provide you with a feeling of fullness to reduce urges for fatty foods. Enjoy fresh fruit and canned or frozen fruit without added sugar. However, avoid citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, which have acidic content that encourages acid reflux. Fresh and steamed vegetables protect you from acid reflux, but avoid fried or creamy style vegetables. Have fresh fruit and carrot or celery sticks available for snacking. Whole-grain bread, whole-grain pasta, high-fiber cereal, oatmeal, oat bran and brown rice protect you from digestive symptoms associated with a hiatal hernia.
