What Do I Eat With a Hiatal Hernia?

Managing the pain and discomfort resulting from a hiatal hernia necessitates changing the way you eat and drink. Attention to diet and the behaviors that influence the digestion of food are often all that is required to control the most common symptom of the hiatal hernia---gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.

Eating "safe" foods will reduce heartburn symptons.

Foods to Avoid

Pineapple reduces the effect of stomach acid.

Avoid fatty, fried, spicy, acidic, and sour foods, including citrus fruits and fruit juices, and tomatoes and tomato-based food products. Avoid chocolate. Limit the intake of caffeine beverages to one serving per day.

Digestion-Friendly Foods

Acocados are healthful and easy to digest.

Bananas, avocados, and pineapple are healthy fruits that do not create heartburn. Broiled, grilled or baked chicken, lean beef and fish are excellent sources of protein. Vegetables, with the exception of tomatoes, onions and peppers, are safe choices, as are low fat dairy products.

Portion Control

Small meals are easier to digest.

Avoid overeating. Consuming too much food at one sitting is an invitation to heartburn. Eat five or six small meals throughout the day to reduce the likelihood of reflux. Drink a glass of water before each meal to help you feel full and avoid overeating.

Eat Slowly

Eat at a leisurely pace.

Taking small bites, pausing between bites, and chewing your food well lessens the amount of acid your stomach produces. Also, eating too quickly results in swallowing more air, which makes it harder for the stomach to digest food.

Preventing GERD

Don't lie flat for an hour after eating.

Remain sitting up after eating. Wait at least an hour after eating before exercising or going to bed. Exercising or going to bed too soon after eating may lead to heartburn. If you must lie down, elevate your head. Avoid wearing tight clothes.

References

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
• Hiatal Hernia Diet
• Hiatal Hernia

Resources

• The GERD Diet