Hernias often present as a bulge; this condition occurs when a muscle or fat pokes through a weak area in muscle or connective tissue. While the most common types of hernias are groin or stomach hernias, they can occur in many locations on your body. Nutrition plays a critical role when it comes to repairing weak tissues involved in hernia recovery.
Vitamin C
The vitamin C in your diet triggers the production of collagen in your body. This is particularly important for hernia tissue repair because collagen makes up connective tissues, which require shoring up to heal the hernia. Adult men and women need 75 to 90 milligrams of vitamin C each day, so eat foods such as Brussels sprouts, mango, strawberries and cabbage to increase your consumption of this vitamin.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E plays an important role in the repair of connective tissues that may break to allow for a hernia to occur. Free radicals may trigger connective tissue damage, and vitamin E is an antioxidant that fights free radical damage to these tissues. The ideal intake of this vitamin stands at 15 milligrams per day, and you can eat seeds, nuts and spinach to help you get the amount you need.
Zinc
Put more zinc in your diet when healing from a hernia, because this mineral helps in connective tissue remodeling. The recommended intake of zinc, a mineral that also influences your taste of smell, ranges from 8 to 11 milligrams for adults. Oysters are an excellent source of zinc, as are beef, crab and pork. You also can get zinc from yogurt, cashews, dried beans, Swiss cheese and milk.
Foods to Avoid
Some foods may work against hernia tissue repair. Clinnovo Research Labs suggests limiting dairy products and avoiding potatoes, onions and citrus fruit. High-fat foods, alcohol, tomatoes and cranberry juice also may not be good choices for your diet when you are recovering from a hernia.
References
- PubMed Health; Hernia; November 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin C; June 2009
- "Clinical Nutrition Insights"; Nutritional Support for Connective Tissue Repair and Wound Healing; M. Percival; June 1998
- Office of Dietary Supplements; Vitamin E; June 2011
- Ask Dr. Abelson!; The Effects of Nutrition on Traumatic Injury to Connective Tissue; Dr. Brian J. Abelson
- Office of Dietary Supplements; Zinc; June 2011
- Clinnovo Research Labs: Nutrition in Haital Hernia
