Hiatal hernia patients need to follow a diet that avoids acid reflux, the main symptom of the disorder. The condition develops when an upper portion of the stomach pushes up through a hole in the diaphragm into the chest cavity. A weakening in supporting tissue causes a hiatal hernia. The disorder commonly occurs in middle age. Risk factors also include obesity and smoking.
Acid Reflux
The esophagus passes through the opening in the diaphragm to the stomach. This results in frequent acid reflux when you have a hiatal hernia because the weakened tissue may relax an esophageal muscle. The muscle normally contracts after contents enter the stomach. A weakened muscle does not contract tightly, allowing stomach acid to rise up into the esophagus and cause heartburn, the burning or painful sensation in your upper chest and throat. Acid reflux may also cause a sour or bitter taste in the back of your mouth. Other symptoms for hiatal hernia patients include chest pain and swallowing difficulty, MedlinePlus notes.
Foods to Avoid
Treatment focuses on reducing or preventing persistent heartburn or difficulty in swallowing, Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology explains. Foods to avoid include caffeine, fatty foods, chocolate, peppermint, spearmint and alcohol, which can relax the esophageal muscle and trigger symptoms. Other culprits involved in acid reflux may include tomato-based products, fried foods, citrus fruits, onions and carbonated beverages. People respond differently to foods and may have specific triggers to avoid. What bothers one person may not bother you and vice versa. You may have to pay attention to the foods that trigger heartburn to gradually eliminate them from your diet.
OK Foods
Hiatal hernia patients usually benefit from an acid reflux diet, which includes low-fat protein. Lean beef, skinless poultry, fish and low-fat or nonfat dairy products provide you with protein while reducing your fat intake. Too much fat may promote acid reflux. Protein, which builds and repairs muscle tissue, may also help strengthen the esophageal muscle. Fruits and vegetables also aid in a diet for hiatal hernia patients. However, avoid citrus fruits and tomatoes, which have acidic content that may encourage acid reflux. Eat fresh, steamed or lightly cooked vegetables and avoid fried or cream-style vegetables. Whole grains, such as breads, pasta and high-fiber cereal, aid digestion to help prevent acid reflux. Limit snacks and desserts to 3 g fat per serving or less.
Other Measures
Avoiding large or heavy meals allows smoother digestion so the stomach does not have to secrete excess acid, which increases the risk of acid reflux. Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of three large meals. Reducing weight and not smoking help to decrease acid reflux symptoms. Prescription medications help to reduce stomach acid production and heal the esophagus. If symptoms cannot be controlled, doctors may recommend surgery to repair the muscle tissue.
