Hiatal Hernia Diet

A hiatal hernia is a protrusion of the stomach in the area where the stomach joins the esophagus. The condition causes the stomach to protrude through the opening and causes heartburn, nausea and burping. Monitoring the foods that you eat can help alleviate the symptoms of a hiatal hernia. Changing your diet and the way that you eat minimizes the pain and discomfort of the condition.

Lifestyle Changes

Eating smaller meals instead of three large meals during the day prevents the stomach from becoming overfull and pushing up into the esophagus. Cut meals in half and eat six small meals during the day. Try not to eat your last meal too close to bedtime and do not lie down after eating. Give the meal at least three hours to digest before you go to bed.
Don't exercise immediately after eating a meal. Wait about three hours before a strenuous workout. Taking a walk around the block should not cause any problems, however.
Tight constricting clothes can put too much pressure on your stomach. Wear comfortable clothing that allows your stomach plenty of room.

Well Balanced Diet

Losing weight is one of the best treatments for a hiatal hernia. A diet that contains lean protein and carbohydrates that come from fruits and vegetables can help you lose weight. Choose healthy fats such as olive oil and nuts to balance the diet.
When losing weight for a hiatal hernia, aim to lose only one or two pounds per week. Losing a great deal of weight too quickly is not healthy and it is more likely that the weight will be gained back. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to help with weight loss.
Losing weight lessens the pressure on the stomach and may eliminate the symptoms of hiatal hernia. Exercise helps you lose weight, but remember to schedule workouts three hours after a meal.

Trigger Foods

Some foods trigger the symptoms of a hiatal hernia. Fatty foods and fried foods often trigger heartburn and GERD symptoms. These foods take longer to leave the stomach and increase the amount of stomach acid that can back up into the esophagus.
Alcohol and caffeine also trigger hiatal hernia symptoms. Chocolate and spicy foods are trigger foods as well. These foods increase the amount of stomach acid, which can cause acid reflux. Monitor the foods that you eat to determine which ones trigger the symptoms of your hiatal hernia. Keeping a food journal will help you keep track of the foods that cause pain and discomfort.