Hernia is a serious condition that requires medical attention. But there is more than one type of hernia that occurs in the body. Hiatal hernia is one of type of hernia that occurs in the upper part of the stomach. As a result of this condition, it pushes your diaphragm higher towards your chest which causes health issues. Usually this condition is not very problematic but it can create issues with digestion and oesophagus passage. Diet is a very crucial part of health and there are some precautions and restrictions that you need to take care of while having hiatal hernia. Today we will discuss about which food to have and avoid in this condition.
Diet for Hiatal Hernia
It is important to have a regulation on your food consumption while going through this condition or treatment process. We spoke to Ms. Pooja Joshi, Consultant and Dietician in Fatima Hospital, Lucknow. She explained that the reason behind having a conscious diet is that as diaphragm is pushed towards the chest, the symptoms of acid reflux start to occur. In order to reduce or control this acid reflux, you need to have diet that does not cause discomfort to your body and digestive process. Hiatal hernia takes time to cure and dietary nutrition can help in curing this condition in a better manner. For that you need to choose food that produces less acid.
Food and Beverages to Avoid
There are some foods and beverages that you need to avoid during hiatal hernia. This is because these foods might produce acid that results in acid reflux in the body. Gastroesophageal reflux disease can also be caused if you do not take precautions.
Food that need to be avoided are-
- Onions and garlic, especially raw
- Certain fruits that have high citrus content such as limes and oranges
- Tomatoes and tomato based food and curry
- Do not have spicy food
- Foods high in sodium
- Peppermint and mint
- Cocoa and chocolate
- Caffeinated drinks
- Coffee
- Alcohol such as beer, spirits and wine
- Carbonated drinks and sodas
- Whole milk
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Foods to include in your Diet for Hiatal Hernia
Even after so many restrictions, there are plenty of food choices and beverages that you can have in your diet. These food items can be beneficial for your health and can even help you get rid of the acid reflux that could happen in hiatal hernia. This condition can be complex only if we make it. Thus choose a diet high in fibre that can help to control symptoms of hiatal hernia.
Foods to add in your diet are-
- Non-citrus fruits that includes apples, pears, melons and berries
- Vegetables that include carrots, sweet potatoes, asparagus, squash beans and leafy vegetables
- Try to add more whole grains in your diet
- Have yogurt
- Lean proteins that can elevate recovery
- Plant based milks such as soya milk and almond milk
- Nuts and seeds such as chia seeds and almonds
- Juices those are fresh and pure such as aloe vera juice, carrot juice, cabbage juice, etc.
Dietary Tips to Cure Hiatal Hernia
Here are some tips given by dietician in order to secure better health and recovery from hiatal hernia. These tips are based to reduce heartburn and avoid use of triggers in the diet that can harm health of the person.
1. Cook food that has healthy fats, avocado and olive oils in it
2. Try to have more of whole foods; these are beneficial in controlling acid reflux. Whole foods are less processed foods that do not trigger condition of hiatal hernia.
3. Eat is small meals that contain few hours of resting period. This can improve your health condition and improve digestion in the body. do not have heavy meals while going through hiatal hernia.
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4. Add probiotic foods in your diet. Cultured vegetables and pickles can be beneficial for your health. Try to have more of yogurt, kefir and other such beneficial foods in your diet.
5. Try to drink plain water, this means that avoid having beverages. Most of the beverages have additives and sweeteners that can harm your health. Have 8 glasses of water each day especially going through hiatal hernia to secure benefits on your health. Add some lemon to your water for additional acid-reducing agent in your diet.
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