A hiatal hernia is a condition in which, a person’s stomach bulges upward mainly through the diaphragm opening. However, what you eat makes a huge difference as to whether you will have a good day or a bad one. A specific hiatal hernia diet can cause a great amount of positive change in your health. If you follow a good hiatal hernia diet then it usually gets rid of the heartburn or any indigestion caused because of certain acids.

People suffering from this condition have stomach acids reaching the esophagus very quickly, thereby causing a burning feeling in the gut.

•   Chocolate
• Citric fruits like grapefruit, oranges, grapes, lemons, and juices like cranberry and lemon
• Garlic and onions
• Coffee or tea with a lot of caffeine or even the decaffeinated versions of the same
• Any kind of peppermint or spearmint
• Alcohol
• Any dairy products like cream cheese, butter, and ice creams.

 So, do not add these foods to a hiatal hernia diet.  Instead, try eating food that is less acidic in nature and can help balance the already existing acids in your stomach. Here is a list of such foods.

• Bananas, apples, carrots, broccoli, and greens.
• Low-fat or soymilk
• Fat-free cheese, oil, and butter
• Lean meats and fish
• Water
• Rice crackers and baked potato chips
• Low-fat sweets without chocolate or mint.

Hiatal hernia diet needs to be very specific. Food needs to be cooked in a specific manner so that the person remains healthy and at ease. Here are some of the healthy heartburn-free tips to cook your food.

• Try to choose lean meats like chicken that is skinless or foods that have less visible fat in any form. Ground turkey can be used instead of ground beef. One can use fish instead of goat meat or pork. Try to use lean beef in case you are using any. These include loins, chuck, and tenderloins.
• Try to bake or boil the foods instead of frying them. Even if you do feel like frying any foods, try an air-fryer.
• Remove the fat or the skin from the meats before you cook them.
• Try not to grease any of your foods with oil or butter. Herbal seasonings are a go but they should not be spicy and they need to be used in moderation.
• Try to substitute yogurts and dairy products with low-fat dairy foods and yogurts.
• Steam or boil your vegetables instead of cooking them in any oils. Even if you are cooking them, use only a drop of oil and cook the rest in water.

  It does not stop with a perfect hiatal hernia diet. One also has to bring some changes in their lifestyle. These lifestyle changes are also dietary since one might eat things on a daily basis without even noticing that they might be causing harm to themselves. Therefore, a hiatal hernia diet and a person’s lifestyle go hand in hand. This is how you can improve the same.

• Do not overeat. Try to take meals in small portions. This not only keeps your digestive tracks in place but it also increases your metabolism.
• Try to avoid lying down right after you have had your food.
• Do not do any physical activities like running or bending right after you have had your food.
• Do not smoke. This increases heartburn and increases your breathing rate, which is not good for either your lungs or your metabolism.
• Try to lose a little weight if possible. It can help in better digestion.
• Do not wear tight clothes as they can put extra pressure on your stomach.

If the dietary solutions mentioned above do not work out for you as a part of your hiatal hernia diet plan, then you should consult a physician or a doctor who can help in prescribing you with some drugs or over-the-counter solutions depending upon how serious your hiatal hernia gets. Surgery is required but in very rare cases.

  This problem can be very bothersome at times, therefore, it is very important for you to not be careless as far as your diet is concerned. Try not to have cheat days since that can affect your stomach to a great extent. You will start feeling better once you have adjusted your diet and your lifestyle according to your body’s needs.

It might take some time for you to get used to the bland and healthy diet so it’s important not to get stressed or disheartened by the specific nature of the hiatal hernia diet. Remember that a healthy diet can help you lead a happier life.