Foods to eat and avoid for Hiatal Hernia

Published On - 28/04/2021

Smiles Gastroenterology Hernia

Coping with a Hiatal Hernia?

Don’t worry. Dietary changes and lifestyle modifications play an important role as medication. SMILES, the best hernia treatment hospital is here to provide a hiatal hernia diet that helps you manage the condition and overcome the occasional flare-ups.

A hiatal hernia is a condition in which the upper part of the stomach enters the chest cavity through the diaphragm. Hiatal hernias are very common, estimated to impact up to 60 percent of people by the age of 60.

Usually, many people with hiatal hernia will not have any noticeable symptoms. However, for those who do, heartburn and indigestion will be the most common ones after eating certain foods.

According to the National Food and Nutrition Institute, by consuming non-acidic foods and limiting fatty foods, you can lessen the severity of hiatal hernia symptoms.  Dr. Parameshwara C M, the best laparoscopic surgeon in Bangalore explains what foods to eat and what to avoid, and other lifestyle tips to deal with hiatal hernia.

Foods to eat with Hiatal Hernia

The best foods for people with hiatal hernia are non-acidic, minimally processed, and contain dietary fiber that helps reduce acid reflux. Here is a list of foods that are low-acid producing and are less likely to aggravate your hiatal hernia symptoms.

  • ● Leafy greens, beans, and peas
  • ● Whole grains and legumes
  • ● Nuts and seeds, like almonds and chia seeds
  • ● Lean protein, such as tofu and fish
  • ● Vegetables such as carrots, artichokes, asparagus, sweet potatoes, and squash
  • ● Non-citrus fruits such as apples, pears, melons and berries
  • ● Yogurt
  • ● Low fat and non-sweetened dairy products
  • ● Cinnamon
  • ● Ginger
  • ● Juices, like aloe vera, carrot or cabbage juices
  • ● Plant based-milk such as almond milk or soy milk

Eating fermented foods or cultured foods that are rich in probiotics may also help reduce the symptoms of hiatal hernia.

Foods to avoid with Hiatal Hernia

Studies show that avoiding certain foods might help to reduce the symptoms of indigestion, acid reflux, and heartburn. It is important for people with hiatal hernia to avoid foods that are acidic and rich in fat and added sugars.

Here, the experts of hiatal hernia treatment at SMILES outlined some foods that you should avoid.

  • ● Foods that are high in saturated or trans fat, such as processed and red meats
  • ● Fried foods and foods containing hydrogenated vegetable oils
  • ● Avoid citrus juices such as orange juices and limes
  • ● Tomato and tomato-based foods
  • ● Caffeinated beverages and decaffeinated coffee
  • ● Alcohol
  • ● Vinegar and vegetables made with vinegar such as pickles
  • ● Foods that are high in sodium
  • ● Peppermint and mint
  • ● Limit items particularly high in added sugars such as regular soft drinks, cookies, and commercially baked cakes
  • ● Avoid low-fiber starches such as white bread, instant rice, and enriched pasta

9 Lifestyle tips for hiatal hernia cure

Apart from dietary changes, there are many things that help you reduce and prevent hiatal hernia symptoms.

  • ● Do not lie down immediately after eating. Wait for at least one to two hours before going to bed
  • ● Keep a journal of trigger foods and avoid them
  • ● Maintain a healthy body-weight
  • ● Elevate the head of your bed about 4 to 8 inches while sleeping (to make it harder for the stomach acid to travel up to the esophagus)
  • ● Quit smoking and avoid heavy lifting
  • ● Skip tight-fitting clothes that make your heartburn worse
  • ● Try eating in a calm and relaxing place
  • ● Avoid standing while eating
  • ● Do moderate exercise for at least 20 minutes daily
  • ● Stay hydrated. Eat frequent smaller meals throughout the day

Hiatal Hernias can lead to serious health risks such as esophageal damage and associated internal bleeding. Sometimes when the hiatal hernia causes annoying symptoms, hernia surgery may be necessary – says Dr. Parameshwara C M, the best laparoscopic surgeon at SMILES.

Noticed that your symptoms of hiatal hernia are persistent? Or need more information about Hiatal Hernia and its treatment? Consult our experts of hernia treatment at SMILES and improve the quality of your life.