Diet for Hiatus Hernia

Importance of Diet in Hiatus Hernia
Hiatus hernia is a condition when part of the stomach bulges into the chest through the diaphragm. A symptom-oriented diet may assist:
- Minimize acid reflux and bloating
- Prevent the irritation of the esophagus
- Facilitate smooth digestion
- Help sustain healthy weight to minimize pressure upon the stomach
Goals of Diet Therapy
- Avoid intake of foods that relax the lower esophageal sphincter or raise acidity
- Avoid overeating and bloating
- Promote smaller, more regular meals
- Provide easy-to-digest, low-fat, non-acidic foods
- Steer clear of food culprits that aggravate reflux symptoms
Daily Diet Chart for Hiatus Hernia
Time | Vegetarian Option | Non-Vegetarian Option |
6:30 AM | Warm water with soaked fennel seeds OR jeera water – 1 glass | Warm water with a few soaked almonds |
7:30 AM (Breakfast) | Option 1: Soft vegetable upma with curry leaves, minimal spices | Option 1: Plain omelette with toast (no butter or spicy chutney) |
Option 2: Oats porridge with almond milk and grated apple | Option 2: Boiled eggs with roti or soft-cooked rice | |
10:30 AM (Snack) | Steamed banana or 1 apple with chamomile or tulsi tea | 1 boiled egg and coconut water |
1:00 PM (Lunch) | Option 1: Moong dal khichdi with cooked bottle gourd or carrot sabzi | Option 1: Grilled fish (light spice) with rice and sautéed spinach |
Option 2: 2 rotis with palak dal and boiled lauki sabzi | Option 2: Boiled chicken stew with mashed sweet potato | |
4:00 PM (Snack) | Handful of soaked raisins or papaya slices | Light fruit smoothie (banana or papaya with almond milk) |
6:30 PM (Evening Drink) | Herbal tea (fennel, ginger, or tulsi – caffeine-free) | Buttermilk with ajwain (if tolerated) |
8:00 PM (Dinner) | Option 1: Masoor dal soup with soft-cooked rice or suji upma | Option 1: Chicken stew with rice or mashed lauki |
Option 2: 1-2 rotis with pressure-cooked moong dal and boiled beans | Option 2: Light fish curry with soft rice and minimal oil | |
Before Bed (9:00 PM) | Warm water with a pinch of ajwain OR plain unsweetened almond milk | Warm milk (only if tolerated, else skip) |
Recommended Foods for Hiatus Hernia
- Easy-to-digest Cereals
Oats, rice, suji (semolina), whole wheat roti (thin), dalia
- Fruits (non-acidic only)
Bananas, papaya, melon, apple (peeled), guava (ripe)
- Vegetables
Bottle gourd, ridge gourd, carrot, pumpkin, spinach, beans (boiled or steamed)
- Proteins
Moong dal, masoor dal, paneer (soft), tofu, chicken (boiled/grilled), eggs (boiled or soft)
- Healthy Fats
Use cold-pressed oils in moderation; include soaked nuts like almonds and walnuts in moderation
- Fluids
Water, fennel/jeera/tulsi tea, buttermilk (if not reflux-inducing), coconut water
Foods to Avoid in Hiatus Hernia
- Caffeine: Coffee, strong tea, chocolate beverages
- Spicy & Fried Foods: Pakoras, samosas, pickles, heavy masalas
- Citrus Fruits & Juices: Orange, lemon, pineapple, tomato
- Carbonated Drinks: Soda, sparkling water, aerated drinks
- Fatty Foods: Cream, butter, ghee in excess, oily curries
- Onion and Garlic (raw): These tend to worsen reflux
- Peppermint: Can relax the LES and worsen reflux
Tips for Managing Hiatus Hernia with Diet
- Eat small, frequent meals (4–6 times/day)
- Avoid lying down for at least 2 hours after eating
- Elevate the head end of the bed by 6–8 inches if reflux happens during sleeping
- Chew food well and eat slowly
- Have a healthy body weight
- Avoid wearing tight clothes around the stomach
- Drink water in small sips, rather than in large quantities at one time
This meal plan consists of light home-cooked Indian foods such as dal-khichdi, steamed vegetables, soft roti-sabzi, thin chicken stew, and herbal teas to calm the digestive system and reduce reflux. With proper timing of meals, portion control, and avoidance of trigger foods, food management can substantially reduce symptoms and enhance quality of life in patients with hiatus hernia.
In conclusion, Homeo Care Clinic offers a holistic approach to treating the disease. The remedies mentioned above can treat the underlying causes of the condition and offer relief from the discomfort. However, it is important to consult a qualified homeopathic practitioner for the correct dosage and duration of treatment. Homeo Care Clinic provides comprehensive care for various ailments, and offers customized treatment plans based on individual requirements.
To schedule an appointment or learn more about our treatment, please visit our website or give us a call +91 9595211594 Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you. If you’re searching for the best homeopathy doctor, we are here to help.
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