Using A Hiatal Hernia Diet Plan

Hiatal hernia is a condition in which a part of the stomach wall loosens and sticks upwards to the chest. This usually passes through an opening in the diaphragm. It is one of the most common causes for acid reflux and regurgitation, which can lead to the painful symptoms of heartburn.

Normally, the hiatus and the lower esophageal sphincter or LES, rely on each other to keep stomach contents from backing up into the esophagus. It is believed that a hiatal hernia can weaken the LES, and make it easier for the stomach acid to back up into the esophagus.

The Two Types Of Hiatal Hernia Symptoms

Sliding Hernia

A sliding hiatal hernia is one in which he gastroesophageal junction and part of the stomach slides into the chest. This may occur because of weakening of the anchors of the esophagus to the diaphragm, from years of longitudinal esophageal muscle contractions, or from increased pressure in the abdomen.

This junction and part of the stomach reside permanently in the chest during swallowing. As an individual swallows, the esophagus contracts and shortens, and pulls on the stomach. After the swallow, the junction falls back into the abdomen. It is estimated that 90% of all hiatal hernias are the sliding type.

Para-esophageal hernia

This type of hernia is one in which the gastroesophageal junction remains where it is, but part of the stomach is squeezed up into the chest beside the esophagus. These hernias remain in the chest at all times. Many complications can occur with this type of hernia, such as incarceration and strangulation.

Incarceration means that the hernia is stuck and is being squeezed. Strangulation results from lack of blood supply, leading to the death of the tissues involved as in the case when incarceration persists for a long time. However, this can be corrected through surgery.

The causes for hernias are unknown but there are many factors which result to the weakening of the supporting tissues. These can be due to pregnancy, tight clothing around the abdomen, a sudden physical exertion such as weight lifting, abdominal injury causing a hole or tear in the diaphragm, constipation or straining during bowel movements, and vomiting.

The Hiatal Hernia Diet Plan

Diets for hiatal hernia help to control the heartburn that usually occurs. Certain foods can make it easier for the stomach acids to come up into the esophagus. The list below are some of the food types that are highly acidic and may cause acid reflux, further worsening hiatal hernia:

• Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits, as well as their juice concentrates.
• Fried and fatty foods, especially fast-food outlets.
• Chocolates
• Tea or coffee
• Garlic and onions
• Spicy food (Some sources do not regard spicy food a factor for acid reflux, but it can cause irritation to the esophagus)
• Tomato-based food such as spaghetti sauce, salsa, chili, or tomato juice.
• All dairy products such as creamed food, and even ice cream.
• Carbonated beverages
• Butter and oil

By properly separating these acid-forming foods, you can then determine which are the best foods for you to consume in order to prevent an occurrence of acid reflux caused by hiatal hernia.

Aside from knowing which foods to eat, you should also be able to eat properly.  Here are some tips for you:

• Do not overeat. Doing so can force food into the stomach. This will cause your stomach to stretch and the esophageal valve to relax.
• Try not to eat very fast as well. The faster you eat, the more air you will swallow. And if you don’t properly chew your food, your stomach will have to exert more effort in trying to digest its contents.
• Caffeine can relax the lower esophageal valve, and in the presence of a hiatal hernia, acid reflux can easily occur.
• Grains generally neutralize the stomach juices. It is therefore important to consume lots of grain products such as cereals, breads, rice, and crackers.
• Citrus juices can aggravate harmful symptoms, but there are other fresh fruit juices which can benefit you instead. These include pear juice, apricot juice, and mango juice. All of these are not very acidic and your stomach can react very little to them. You may also try Birch sap and nectars.
• Don’t eat or drink anything 1 to 2 hours before going to bed.
• Avoid bending over after eating.
• Sleep with your head or shoulder inclined.
• Before eating out at a restaurant, you should be able to familiarize yourself with the menu and know which foods can cause heartburn or not.
• At parties, try to look at the whole menu first before you choose the foods you want to eat. This way, you can determine which choices are best for you, and which ones to avoid.
• Smoking stimulates the production of stomach acid and can weaken and relax the lower esophageal sphincter. This allows for reflux of stomach contents. In this case, you should stop smoking althogether.

If there are certain foods to avoid, there certainly are good foods that you should eat more of as well. Some of these foods are:

• Fruits such as apples and bananas.
• Vegetables such as potatoes, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, green beans, and peas.

Hiatal hernia needs to be managed and the good news is that you can. Just follow these steps and you’ll be experiencing relief from pain in no time.