A hiatus hernia occurs when part of the stomach slides into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm, a muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. This condition can cause symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, and difficulty swallowing. Although a hiatal hernia does not always require medical intervention, adopting a specific diet can help control its symptoms and prevent further discomfort. Below we discuss dietary recommendations for people with hiatal hernia.
- Avoid trigger foods: Certain foods can aggravate the symptoms associated with hiatal hernia. It is advisable to avoid acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, coffee and alcohol. They can increase stomach acid production and worsen acid reflux. Additionally, spicy foods, fatty foods, and carbonated drinks should be limited as they can contribute to heartburn and bloating.
- Eat little and often: Eating large meals can put extra pressure on the stomach, causing discomfort for people with hiatal hernia. It is recommended to eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to reduce pressure on the digestive system. This eating pattern facilitates digestion and prevents the stomach from becoming too full.
- Plan meals well: Meal timing is crucial for hiatal hernia patients. Eating at least two to three hours before bedtime or bedtime can help prevent acid reflux and nighttime symptoms. It is also beneficial to allow time for digestion after eating before engaging in physical activities, such as exercising or going to bed.
Note: It is essential to consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes. They can provide you with personalized guidance based on your specific condition and medical history.
Following a proper diet can effectively control hiatal hernia symptoms and improve overall digestive health. Remember to avoid trigger foods, eat smaller meals, and be mindful of meal times. By following these dietary recommendations, people with hiatal hernia can reduce discomfort and improve their quality of life.
- Dietary Recommendations for Managing Hiatal Hernia
- Understanding Hiatal Hernia
- Risk Factors for Hiatal Hernia:
- Treating Hiatal Hernia through Diet
- Food to avoid hiatus hernia
- Foods to Include in a Hiatal Hernia Diet
- The Importance of Portion Control
- Mealtime Tips for Hiatal Hernia Patients
- Eating Habits to Adopt:
- Foods to Include in Your Diet:
- Managing Symptoms with Lifestyle Changes
- Avoid the following:
- The Role of Stress in Hiatal Hernia and Dietary Recommendations
Dietary Recommendations for Managing Hiatal Hernia
- Avoid food and drinks that can trigger acid reflux: certain foods and drinks can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (EEI) and increase the risk of acid reflux. Among them are fatty and fried foods, spicy, citrus fruits, tomato products, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks.
- Opt for smaller and frequent meals: consuming copious meals can exert pressure on the stomach and worsen the symptoms of hiatus hernia. Instead, it is recommended to make smaller and frequent foods throughout the day. This helps prevent excessive stomach stretching and reduces the probability of acid reflux.
- Include fiber foods in your diet: consume an adequate amount of food fiber is essential to maintain digestive health. Fiber helps regulate intestinal movements and prevents constipation, which can contribute to hiatus hernia symptoms. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes can provide the necessary fiber intake.
It is important to keep in mind that individual dietary triggers may vary. Some people can find certain more problematic foods than others. Taking a food diary can help identify personal triggering foods, which can be avoided to control symptoms effectively.
In addition to these dietary recommendations, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling portions and avoiding foods or nightly snacks can also contribute to control the symptoms of hiatus hernia. It is strongly recommended to consult a healthcare professional or a dietitian entitled before making any significant dietary change to guarantee a personalized orientation and an adequate diet plan.
Understanding Hiatal Hernia
Causes: There are several factors that can contribute to the development of a hiatus hernia. One of the main causes is an abnormally weakened or enlarged opening in the diaphragm, known as hiatus. This may be a consequence of aging, an injury or a genetic predisposition. In addition, factors such as obesity, pregnancy and frequent efforts when defecating or lifting heavy objects can increase the risk of hiatus hernia.
Risk Factors for Hiatal Hernia:
- Advanced age
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Family background
- Lift heavy objects frequently
- Persistent cough or sneezing
Types: Hiatal hernia can be classified into two main types: sliding hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hiatus hernia. Sliding hiatal hernia is the most common and represents approximately 95% of cases. In this type, the gastroesophageal junction and part of the stomach slide into the chest. On the other hand, paraesophageal hiatus hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and is located next to the esophagus, which can cause complications such as gastric volvulus or ischemia.
| Hiatal hernia type | Description |
|---|---|
| Sliding Hiatal Hernia | The gastroesophageal junction and a portion of the stomach slide into the chest |
| Paraesophageal hiatal hernia | Portion of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm next to the esophagus |
Treating Hiatal Hernia through Diet
1. Avoid trigger foods: Certain foods can exacerbate hiatal hernia symptoms. It is important to identify and avoid these trigger foods to prevent discomfort. Common trigger foods include acidic fruits (such as oranges and tomatoes), spicy foods, chocolate, caffeine, fatty foods, and carbonated drinks. By eliminating or minimizing the consumption of these trigger foods, people with hiatal hernia can experience a significant reduction in symptoms.
- Avoid acidic fruits: Oranges, tomatoes, lemons
- Avoid spicy foods: Chili peppers, hot sauces
- Avoid chocolate: Dark chocolate, milk chocolate
- Avoid caffeine: Coffee, tea, energy drinks
- Avoid fatty foods: Fried foods, fast food
- Avoid carbonated drinks: Soft drinks, sparkling water
It is important to note that trigger foods can vary from person to person, so it is essential to keep a food diary and track the individual’s response to different foods. By identifying and eliminating trigger foods, people can better control their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
2. Opt for small, frequent meals: Eating large meals can put pressure on the stomach and increase the likelihood of acid reflux in people with hiatal hernia. Instead, it is advisable to opt for smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This approach helps reduce pressure on the stomach and minimizes the chances of stomach contents refluxing into the esophagus. Additionally, eating slowly and chewing your food well can facilitate digestion and prevent symptoms.
| meal pattern | Key considerations |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Includes whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and fruit. |
| Morning snack | Choose a light snack such as yogurt or a small handful of nuts |
| Lunch | Opt for lean proteins, vegetables and whole bread |
| Snack | Take a piece of fruit or vegetable sticks with hummus |
| Dinner | Focus in lean proteins, steamed vegetables and whole cereals |
| Snack at night | Choose a light snack, like a small skim yogurt bowl. |
Following a meal pattern that includes smaller and balanced meals distributed throughout the day, people with hiatus hernia can relieve symptoms and optimize digestive comfort.
Food to avoid hiatus hernia
1. fried and fatty foods: the consumption of fried and fatty foods can make the symptoms of hiatus hernia worse, since they tend to trigger acid reflux. These types of food require more stomach acid for digestion, which can lead to excessive acid production. Fa t-rich meals also slow down the stomach emptying rhythm, which causes a longer exposure from acid to the esophagus. It is advisable to avoid fried foods, such as fried potatoes, fried chicken and fried snacks, as well as fatty meat cuts and dairy products rich in fat.
Tip: Opt for baked cooking methods, grilled or grilled instead of frying. Choose lean meats, low fat products and use healthier cooking oils, such as olive oil.
2. Pican foods: Spices such as Chile powder, pepper, garlic and onion can trigger acid reflux and worsen symptoms of hiatus hernia. These foods can irritate the esophagus and cause an ardor feeling in the chest. It is best to avoid or limit the intake of spicy food to minimize discomfort.
Tip: Use softer spices such as aromatic herbs (for example, basil, oregano) and soft condiments in your meals. Experiment with no n-spicy flavor enhancers such as lemon juice or vinegar.
3. Citrus fruits and juices: citrus and their juices, such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits and tomatoes, are very acidic. They can stimulate excessive stomach acid production and cause acidity and acid reflux. People with hiatus hernia should avoid or limit citrus consumption and opt for more alkaline fruits.
Tip: Include alkaline fruits such as bananas, melons and apples instead of citrus fruits. You can also enjoy newly squeezed vegetable juices for greater nutrition.
| Food to avoid | Alternatives |
|---|---|
| Fried and fatty foods | Lean meats, low fat lactees, healthier cooking methods |
| Spicy foods | Softer spices, no n-spicy flavor enhancers |
| Fruits and citrus juices | Alkaline fruits, newly squeezed vegetable juices |
Foods to Include in a Hiatal Hernia Diet
By creating a diet for hiatus hernia, it is important to focus on foods that are soft for the stomach and do not aggravate the condition. These foods can help prevent acid reflux, reduce inflammation and improve digestion. By incorporating the following foods into your diet, it can help relieve the inconvenience associated with a hiatus hernia.
- Little acidic fruits: Include fruits such as bananas, melons, apples and pears in your diet. These fruits have a lower level of acidity and it is less likely to trigger stomach burning or worsen the symptoms of acid reflux.
- FIBER RICH FOODS: OPTE for whole grains, vegetables and legumes rich in fiber. These foods favor regular intestinal movements and prevent constipation, which can contribute to the worsening of hiatus hernia symptoms.
- Lean proteins: Choose lean meats, such as birds without skin, fish and tofu, since they are easier to digest and it is less likely that they cause irritation or discomfort in the esophagus.
- Healthy fats: incorporate healthy fat sources, such as avocados, olive oil and nuts. These fats help promote satiety and provide essential nutrients without exacerbating acid reflux.
- No n-acidic drinks: Stay hydrated with no n-acidic drinks such as water, infusions and coconut water. Avoid caffeine, carbonated drinks and citrus juices, since they can trigger symptoms and increase acid production in the stomach.
- Small and frequent meals: instead of copious meals, try to make smaller and frequent foods throughout the day. This approach can help avoid excessive stomach pressure and reduce the probability of acid reflux.
| Food group | Foods that must include | Food to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit | Bananas, melons, apples, pears | Oranges, grapefruit, tomatoes |
| Whole grains | Comprehensive rice, whole bread, oatmeal | White bread, refined cereals |
| Vegetables | Broccoli, spinach, carrots | Onions, garlic, peppers |
| meats | Birds without skin, fish, tofu | Fatting meat cuts, fried meats |
“The inclusion of little acidic fruits, fibe r-rich foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, no n-acidic and frequent meals can significantly benefit people with hiatus hernias by reducing symptoms and favoring better digestion.”
The Importance of Portion Control
Rations control plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy diet and in the treatment of various medical conditions. It implies knowing the adequate amount of foods that we must consume to meet our nutritional needs without eating in excess. The control of the portions allows to control the weight, avoid the excesses and reduce the risk of suffering certain diseases.
Eating in excess can cause various health problems, such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes. It is essential to be aware of the amount of food we consume at each meal to avoid excessive calorie intake. Rations control helps create a balance between the energy we consume and the one we spend. By consuming adequate portions, we can ensure that our body receives the necessary nutrients without exceeding their energy needs.
“Rations control is key to maintaining healthy weight and preventing weigh t-related health problems.”
- It allows people to know the nutritional needs of their body and avoid that they eat in excess.
- It helps control weight and prevents the risk of health problems related to obesity.
- It helps regulate blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of developing diabetes.
Mealtime Tips for Hiatal Hernia Patients
Eating Habits to Adopt:
- Eat less quantity and more frequently: eating smaller rations throughout the day instead of three copious meals can help avoid excess stomach pressure and minimize acid reflux. Consider the possibility of dividing your daily food intake into five or six smaller meals.
- Eat slowly and chew well: take your time to eat and chew food well. This can facilitate digestion, reduce the possibilities of swallowing air and avoid eating in excess.
- Avoid lying immediately after meals: wait at least two or three hours after eating before bed or go to bed. This allows the stomach to be partially empty and reduce the risk of acid reflux.
Note: It is essential to listen to your body and identify which food triggers symptoms or worsen your hiatus hernia. Although the following foods can affect some people, they may not cause discomfort to everyone. Take a food diary to control your symptoms and identify any pattern.
Foods to Include in Your Diet:
- FIBER RICH FOODS: Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes in your diet. These foods help prevent constipation, which can exacerbate the symptoms of hiatus hernia.
- Maggas proteins: Opt for lean meats, such as skin without skin, fish and low fat products. Proteins are essential for repair and maintenance of tissues.
- Healthy fats: incorporate healthy fat sources such as avocados, nuts, seeds and olive oil. These fats help absorb fa t-soluble vitamins and contribute to general health.
Although making changes in your eating habits can relieve the symptoms of hiatus hernia, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional or a dietitian entitled to ensure that she is following a dietary plan appropriate to your specific needs.
Managing Symptoms with Lifestyle Changes
1. Eating habits: The adjustment of your eating habits can play an important role in control of hiatus hernia symptoms. It is recommended to make smaller and frequent meals throughout the day, instead of copious meals. This helps avoid excessive stomach pressure and reduces the probability of acid reflux. In addition, it is important to avoid lying or lying immediately after meals, as this can exacerbate symptoms. Instead, wait at least two or three hours before bedtime to allow adequate digestion.
Tip: incorporate a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins to maintain a healthy weight and promote digestive health in general. Avoid foods known for triggering acid reflux, such as spicy or fat meals, citrus, caffeine and carbonated drinks.
2. Posture and physical activity: Maintaining a good posture and performing regular physical activity can help relieve symptoms associated with hiatus hernia. It is important to avoid activities or postures that exercise excessive pressure on the abdomen, such as lifting heavyweights or making efforts when defecating. Instead, you have to focus on exercises that strengthen the trunk and improve posture, such as yoga or pilates.
- Some recommended exercises are
- Deep breathing exercises to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
- Trunk strengthening exercises, such as plates or bridges.
- Low impact activities, such as walking or swimming.
- Remember to consult with a health professional before starting any new exercise regime.
3. Choice of clothing: Wearing baggy clothes can help relieve the discomforts associated with hiatus hernia. Adjusted clothes, especially around the waist, can exert pressure on the abdomen and worsen the symptoms. Opt for comfortable and no n-adjusted garments that allow the stomach to expand naturally during digestion.
Avoid the following:
Food to avoid: Activities that should be avoided: CLOTHING TO AVOID: Spicy or fatty foods Raise heavyweights Tight belts Citric fruits Efforts when defecating Cowgirls or tight pants Caffeine Carbonated drinks By implementing these lifestyle changes, people with hiatal hernia can effectively manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance based on individual circumstances.
The Role of Stress in Hiatal Hernia and Dietary Recommendations
Stress is a complex physiological response that affects several body systems, including the digestive system. When a person experiences chronic stress, it can cause increased stomach acid production, which can contribute to the development or worsening of hiatal hernia symptoms. Additionally, stress can disrupt the normal functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscular valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach. This can cause stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus, causing acid reflux and heartburn.
Important note: Chronic stress may be a contributing factor to the development and exacerbation of hiatal hernia symptoms. Managing stress levels through relaxation techniques, exercise and counseling can help reduce symptoms and improve overall well-being.
- Dietary recommendations:
- Include high-fiber foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. These foods promote healthy digestion and can help prevent constipation, which can aggravate hiatal hernia symptoms.
- Avoid trigger foods that can increase stomach acid production, such as spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeinated drinks, and carbonated drinks.
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce pressure on your stomach and minimize the risk of acid reflux. Avoid overeating and opt for smaller portions.
- Chew your food well and eat slowly to facilitate digestion and reduce stress on the digestive system.
- Stay hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day. This can help maintain healthy digestion and prevent constipation.
Important note: Following these dietary recommendations can help manage hiatal hernia symptoms and reduce the risk of acid reflux. It is important to consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice based on individual needs and medical history.
Author of the article
Dr.Greenblatt M.Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont
