Foods to Eat & Avoid If You Have a Hernia

Having a hernia is tough, but if you know what to eat and how to eat, you can often manage the symptoms and heal yourself from it. It is important to know which foods to incorporate and which foods to avoid for anyone with this condition.

What is Hernia?

When we speak of a hernia, it is a condition wherein a defect of the muscle or surrounding tissue wall through which an internal element of the body pushes through is created. The most common types of include inguinal, hiatal, umbilical, and femoral hernias. While curing it may not be possible merely by diet, some foods can assist in symptom relief and complications.


Foods to Eat

Certain foods can be consumed to relieve the symptoms are:

Foods rich in fiber:

These will prevent constipation, thus preventing straining during bowel movement-the factor to mainly aggravate hernias.

To include:

– Whole grains like oatmeal and bran cereals

– Fruits such as apples and bananas

– broccoli, carrots, and green beans like vegetables

– Legumes, including beans and lentils.

Lean Proteins:

Opt low-fat protein to minimize pressure on the stomach:

– Skinless poultry

– Fish

– Tofu and other plant-based proteins

Non-Acidic Foods: reduce irritation of the esophagus and thus from hiatal hernia-for instance, non-citrus fruits such as melons and pears as well as vegetables e.g. spinach and cucumbers.

Fermented Foods: Fermented foods rich in probiotics pave way for good digestive health. Examples of fermented food include:

– Unsweetened yogurt

– Kimchi

– Sauerkraut.

Foods to Avoid
There are certain foods that may worsen symptoms, so they should be limited or avoided:

Fried and Fatty Foods:

These kinds of food slow digestion and will increase pressure in the stomach:

– Fried chicken

– French fries

– High-fat cuts of meat

Spicy Foods:

They might irritate them in the digestive tract:

– Hot peppers

– Spicy sauces

Acidic Foods and Beverages:

They would worsen heartburn & reflux:

– Tomatoes & tomato products

– Citrus fruits

– Coffee & caffeinated teas

Carbonated Beverages:

They cause bloating and increase pressure on the stomach:

– Sodas

– Sparkling water

– Alcohol:

It relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter allowing acid reflux

Lifestyle and Dietary Tips
Some habits aside from some foods can ease these symptoms:

Take Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Smaller meals cannot fill the stomach too much thus easing pressure.

Don’t Lie Down Right After Eating: 2-3 hours must elapse after eating before lying down to avoid acid reflux.

Remain Within Normal Weight: Overweight will result in extra strain within the abdomen and even more hernia symptoms.

Consume Large Amounts of Water: This aids in digestion and preventing constipation.

Read more dietary tips here.

Conclusion
Dieting cannot cure at least, but it is really required for symptom management and quality of life improvement. It is possible for individuals with hernia conditions to eat properly and practice supportive behavior to enjoy their lives easily.

Consider going to a health professional or a registered dietitian for the proper diet plan based specifically on your condition.
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