The right diet for Hiatus Hernia

When we eat, the food goes from the mouth to the esophagus, which is in the thoracic cavity, and from there goes to the stomach, located in our abdomen. The thorax and abdomen are separated by a muscle called the diaphragm, and the esophagus communicates with the stomach through a hole in the diaphragm called the hiatus.

The problem occurs when part of the stomach passes through the hiatus into the thoracic cavity as this facilitates gastroesophageal reflux (GER), meaning that the contents of the stomach return to the esophagus. When it happens, the esophagus, which is not protected like the stomach to support the acids of digestion, is irritated and that is when we begin to suffer the symptoms that were previously mentioned.

To improve the symptoms produced by hiatus hernia, it is important to follow a diet that is therapeutic. This should be created according to the tolerances, personal tastes and in line with our lifestyle, while being balanced with our energy expenditure.

As general considerations, it is important to reduce the weight whenever necessary since it will relieve the pressure in the abdomen, promoting an improvement in the symptoms.

In addition, meals should not be excessively copious , this hinders digestion, increasing the chances of reflux appearing. It is much more advisable to make lighter meals more frequently. The way of cooking food also influences the prevention of reflux. Avoid everything that is not boiled, baked or steamed. And, special caution with grilled food, if the food is burned can irritate the stomach.

In the same way that there are practices that will help to alleviate the symptoms there are also certain foods whose intake should be eliminated or reduced in order to avoid the discomfort that they produce in the stomach when digesting them.. This is the case of spicy foods, very salty, alcoholic and carbonated beverages, acidic foods (tomatoes, vinegar, citrus ...) and also certain condiments.