Hiatal Hernia Diet Plan

Hiatal hernia is a condition where the esophageal hiatus opening is larger than usual, allowing a section of the upper stomach to slip (herniate) through the hiatus and into the chest. The precise reason why this happens has not been pinpointed, but there are some possible causes. Among them is the shortening of the esophagus, which consequently pulls the stomach up. The esophagus may shorten after extended exposure to stomach acid that is regurgitation (called reflux), which causes inflammation and scarring. Another likely cause of haital hernia is the attachment of the esophagus to the diaphragm being abnormally loose, which enables the stomach to slip upwards.

In most cases, the discomfort that a hiatal hernia patient experiences stems from the reflux of gastric acid, air or bile. Among the effective ways to ease this discomfort, one is to follow a hiatal hernia diet plan. These efforts can be supplemented with medications that neutralize stomach acidity, decrease acid production, or strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter (the muscle that prevents acid from backing up into the esphagus)

A hiatal hernia diet plan includes lists of foods to be consumed and avoided. However, even the best diet for hiatal hernia will be pointless unless patients refrain from consuming large meals. As a hiatal hernia patient, it is best to avoid the foods that trigger reflux in most patients and consume those that are considered safe.

These are the foods that you should include in your hiatel hernia diet, as they are well tolerated by most patients.

• Fruits considered non acidic, such as apples and bananas, should find a prominent place in one's diet.
• Among the vegetables; carrots, peas, beans, baked potatoes, cabbage and broccoli are very unlikely to trigger reflux. However, many other vegetables are also considered safe, so check with your doctor to widen your hiatal hernia diet plan options.
• The non vegetarian portion of your diet can safely include extra-lean ground beef, skinless chicken breast, london broil steak, egg whites and fish without added fat.
• Most patients are able to consume cream cheese, feta or goat cheese and soy based cheeses without suffering from acid reflux.
• Without certain breads, breakfast would be hard to manage. You can include multi-grain or white bread, cereal, bran, oatmeal, corn bread and Graham crakers for breakfast.
• Brown or white rice, rice cakes and pretzels can also be included in your hiatal hernia diet plan. If you badly need to satisfy a sweet tooth, your options range between a fat free cookie, red licorice or jelly beans.

The following are foods that are excluded from a hiatal hernia diet plan.

• While these might include some of your favorite junk food, it is essential to avoid fried, especially deep fried foods.
• The beverages that you need to stay off are coffee, tea, liquor and wine. Unfortunately, chocolate and mint are also known triggers, so try to renounce them.
• Citrus fruits are especially bad, so exclude lemons and lemonade, grapefruit, orange and cranberry (and their juices) from your daily diet.
• Vegetables that are to be avoided are tomatoes (and tomato juice) and raw onions. As oily foods are a problem, consequently, fries and mashed potatoes are a no-no.
• Refrain from chicken nuggets, ground chuck, buffalo wings, and marbled sirloin. Cheese is also considered a trigger food product.

For more information on acid reflux and its stimulants, you can also refer to:

• Acid Reflux Disease
• Hernia

Based on these food rules, you can make a chart that lists your breakfast, lunch and dinner options. While a hiatal hernia diet plan is a little difficult to maintain, the key lies in substituting your usual ingredients with foods from the list. If you aren't sure of a certain food, you could consult a dietitian/doctor before adding it to your list. Also, remember that these rules apply to most people, but all may not apply to you. So modify the list according to your own experiences.