A hiatal hernia (often called a hiatal hernia) is a condition in which the lower part of the esophagus and part of the stomach slide through the hiatus in the diaphragm, or in which part of the stomach pushes together with the esophagus into the thoracic cavity. Hiatal hernias can be caused by injuries or accidents, strong sneezes or coughs, heredity, smoking, heavy lifting, or bending over. Hiatal hernias are also common in people who are obese, pregnant, or have GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

Heartburn and chest pain are the most common symptoms and complaints of people with a hiatal hernia, although some patients may not even realize they have a hiatal hernia unless a doctor finds them with an x-ray. The symptoms are caused by the reflux of food and stomach acid and must be treated to prevent other health problems.

There are many natural remedies and forms of treatment to limit and prevent hiatal hernia symptoms. These combine diet, exercise and natural remedies in addition to eliminating bad habits. There are many articles and websites that give vague advice. Below is an example of an actual routine and eating plan you can implement to relieve hitaural hernia symptoms.

*Breakfast

Avoid: Eggs, dairy products, coffee, and most fruit juices.

Try: watermelon, green tea, and herbal tea.

Taking a walk in the morning will help with good digestion and improve overall health.

* Mid-morning snack

Avoid: Chocolate or ice cream

Try: bananas or papaya

* Lunch

Avoid: Highly sour meats and fast foods that produce more stomach acid and cause painful reflux in people with GERD and hiatal hernia.

Try: salmon or tuna with sides like carrots, green beans, kale, or broccoli. Herbs like mint and fennel can also help with hiatal hernia.

Note: If you have a hiatal hernia, you should avoid bending over or lying down after eating, as this can cause food to reflux back into the esophagus.

* Afternoon snack

Avoid: Chocolate bars, fast food, soft drinks, and yogurt.

Try: celery sticks, cucumber slices, or maybe almonds or sunflower seeds.

Note: Stay hydrated throughout the day. Drink 6-10 glasses of water every day if you have a hiatal hernia as this will help metabolism and promote a cleaner body. It’s best not to drink liquids with meals, as this can impede proper digestion and dilute stomach acid when it’s needed to process food quickly.

*Dinner

Avoid: People with a hiatal hernia should avoid sour meats, especially red meat. Also avoid large, heavy meals at night, as this not only encourages weight gain, but because the food is not digested before bedtime, it will cause more discomfort and the likelihood of reflux when you lie down.

Try: Eat smaller, lighter meals at night. Soup and salad are good options. Soups can include broccoli, potato, lentils, and many more. Salads are great, they don’t have bad carbs and can include lots of alkaline vegetables. Just be sure to use the dressing carefully and avoid creamy dressings.

Note: Taking another short walk after dinner can be great in many ways for everyone, not just those with a hiatal hernia. If you must lie down a couple of hours after your last meal, keep your upper body elevated to prevent reflux. If you are still suffering from heartburn and chest pain, there are a wide variety of natural remedies that can be added to your treatment routine to help.