Dietary changes help reduce symptoms of a hiatus hernia, also known as hiatal hernia. The condition occurs when the upper portion of the stomach pushes through an opening in the diaphragm, between the abdomen and the chest, and moves into the chest cavity. Weakened muscle tissue may cause a hiatus hernia. The condition becomes more common as people age. Obesity and smoking are also risk factors.
Symptoms and Treatment
Some people with hiatus hernias experience no symptoms. Acid reflux, which causes a burning feeling in your upper chest and throat, may occur from stomach acid backup, usually after eating. Chest pain and swallowing difficulty may also occur. Doctors use surgery in rare cases to strengthen the muscle tissue, but treatment usually consists of diet changes to reduce acid reflux and medication to neutralize or decrease stomach acid. Stronger prescription medication helps heal and strengthen a lower esophageal muscle to prevent acid reflux.
Foods to Avoid
Reducing or even eliminating the discomfort and pain from acid reflux includes avoiding large meals and eating frequent small meals throughout the day. Avoid lying down at least 2 to 3 hours after a meal. Certain foods trigger acid reflux. These foods can vary from person to person. Common triggers include fried or fatty foods, tomato-based foods, caffeine, carbonated drinks, alcohol, chocolate and peppermint. While avoiding foods that cause symptoms, you can also focus on foods that help with digestion and protect you from acid reflux.
Low-Fat Options
Lower your dietary fat intake. Since fats are in many foods, choose low-fat versions of protein foods that contain high amounts of saturated fat. Select lean meats with all visible fat trimmed away, skinless poultry and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Eat fish more often because it does not contain as much saturated fat as meat and poultry. Have fat-free or low-fat snacks and desserts that contain no more than 3 g fat per serving, according to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology.
High Fiber
Add more low-fat, high-fiber fruit, vegetables and whole grains to your meals. Avoid citrus fruits and tomatoes, however. They contain acidic properties that can trigger acid reflux. Also avoid fried or creamy-style vegetables. Enjoy raw or steamed vegetables. Choose fresh fruit or canned and frozen fruit without added sugar or syrup. Keep fruit and vegetable sticks handy for snacks to avoid high-fat products. Whole grains include whole-grain or whole-wheat bread and pasta, high-fiber cereal, brown rice, oatmeal, oat bran and barley. Whole grains provide you with a full feeling to satisfy your hunger and lessen your desire for high-fat foods. Consuming a diet rich in low-fat, high-fiber foods also aids in weight loss. Excess weight can contribute to acid reflux from a hiatus hernia by putting pressure on your abdomen.
