{"id":3823,"date":"2019-02-07T06:09:34","date_gmt":"2019-02-07T06:09:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=3823"},"modified":"2021-03-26T13:58:54","modified_gmt":"2021-03-26T13:58:54","slug":"15-foods-that-aggravate-hiatal-hernia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/15-foods-that-aggravate-hiatal-hernia\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Foods That Aggravate Hiatal Hernia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A hiatal hernia is a particularly painful and unpleasant \u2018invisible\u2019 hernia. That is to say that it is an internal hernia, specifically one affecting the stomach and the lungs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hernias occur when an organ manages to push through the muscle tissue that would normally surround it and hold it in place. Often this is a result of gradual wear and tear or a sudden rupture in the muscle. When this occurs, the organ then breaks through and protrudes. In the case of a regular hernia, this often forms a visible bulge in the stomach or groin that can be pushed \u2018back in\u2019 and that hurts during movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the case of a hiatal hernia though, the same thing has occurred on the inside. The stomach is the organ in question and the muscle is the diaphragm. The role of the diaphragm is to help expand and contract the lungs to draw in and exhale oxygen, so when this becomes damaged, breathing can become labored. Meanwhile, the uncomfortable position of the stomach can cause painful reflux that makes it hard to eat \u2013 even swallowing can be difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is why you need to be mindful of what you eat \u2013 and certain foods can go a long way to aggravate the discomfort you feel in your stomach. In this post, we\u2019ll look at 8 foods that aggravate the condition, that should be avoided wherever possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Citrus Foods<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Citrus <\/a>foods include apples, oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and various fruit juices. These are highly acidic and <\/em>sugary, both of which cause a range of issues when it comes to your hiatal hernia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acidic food can directly aggravate and burn a sensitive area. Imagine pouring lemon juice into a paper cut \u2013 doesn\u2019t bear thinking about, does it! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Likewise, though, acidic foods can also go a long way to exacerbate the root course of the reflux. That\u2019s because reflux actually occurs when food travels the wrong way through the oesophageal sphincter along with stomach acid. This can then collect in the food pipe where it will burn and create a painful sensation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eating acidic foods, therefore, is a little like adding fuel to a fire. Far better is to try and eat alkaline foods, which will neutralize and ease the discomfort. This is the aim of antacids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Tough Fibers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Apple <\/a>is bad for all kinds of reasons. Not only is it a sugary and acidic food, but it is also covered in tough skin which is very hard to digest. While you might be used to thinking of fiber as being very good for your digestion, that is assuming your digestion is healthy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you have indigestion, fiber will only make matters worse. That\u2019s because fiber is difficult to digest in its very nature and if you have lots of it, then you\u2019ll find that it creates more stomach acid and is even more likely to get \u2018stuck\u2019 on the way down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apple can cause reflux in perfectly healthy individuals, so you should definitely avoid it if you have a hiatal hernia. And don\u2019t get us started on purple sprouting broccoli (stay away!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Fatty Foods <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fatty foods are similar to be avoided if you have a hiatal hernia. The reason here is very similar: fat is difficult to digest<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We often don\u2019t think of this as being true, seeing as we tend to think of fat as being gelatinous and spongey. But that doesn\u2019t mean it breaks down easily \u2013 and in fact, the best way to think about this is to remember washing up. When was the last time you tried scrubbing a greasy baking tray or frying pan? The fat just smeared all around right? I bet it ruined your best scrubbing brush too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The precise same thing happens in the stomach \u2013 with fat being very difficult to break down. This is actually the reason that we crave and enjoy fatty foods like burgers \u2013 because they help us to feel full quicker and for longer. But when you are struggling with reflux, that\u2019s once again the very last thing that you will want to happen!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Spicy Foods<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Spicy foods should be an obvious no-go if you have any kind of stomach pain. Spicy foods once again can cause pain in the stomach even if you don\u2019t have any pain, to begin with \u2013 and they wreak havoc on the mouth too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spicy foods aren\u2019t physically hot, but they work by stimulating the taste receptors on the tongue and in the mouth in a certain way. And as it happens, you actually have similar receptors inside your stomach \u2013 which is why you can feel burning sensations there too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While you might love a good curry<\/a>, this is not a good time to choose the vindaloo. Stick to the korma if you must!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Chocolate<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Conditions like hiatal hernia <\/a>are purely miserable, as they not only leave you in a lot of pain but also prevent you from indulging in some of your favorite treats. That means chocolate too, which is simply too sugary in order to be eaten when you have this issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ve probably heard by now that sugar isn\u2019t good for you. But do you have any idea just how <\/em>bad for you it is? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve ever suffered from sensitive teeth, then you\u2019ll have an idea. This hurts because the sugar is impacting on the nerves and aggravating them. This is the same reason that diabetic patients will feel tingling in their fingers as their blood sugar builds up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And as you might have guessed, this is not a sensation that you\u2019re going to want to feel on your sensitive stomach right now. And another thing to consider is that chocolate is actually very fatty and is, therefore, harder to digest than it looks!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Peppermint<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Peppermint <\/a>is another ingredient that can stimulate the stomach in a very specific way. This can not only be painful when it reaches the hernia, but it also acts as a diuretic making you more likely to need the toilet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The problem with a diuretic is that it causes further pain and stimulation to the stomach area, while at the same making you more likely to need to strain and push \u2013 two things that really do upset a hiatal hernia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Caffeine<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Caffeine <\/a>is often the perfect comfort after a night of little sleep or too much drink. While this is true though, it\u2019s also true that caffeine can be just the wrong thing for a condition like hiatal hernia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s because caffeine is what is known as a \u2018vasoconstrictor\u2019. This is a substance that causes the veins and arteries to narrow, thereby restricting the blood flow in some areas. This has its benefits, but in the case of a hernia, it actually exacerbates one of the key problems: blood flow to the stomach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This in turn now means that many of the symptoms associated with hiatal herniae such as butterflies in the stomach, difficulty swallowing, indigestion, heartburn, and more can end up getting worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then there\u2019s the other issue: caffeinated drinks such as coffee and tea are almost always hot. This means that you\u2019re likely to further irritate the painful issues inside the stomach and that can be a serious problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Red Meat<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Red meat<\/a> is in many ways one of the worst things you can eat with a hiatal hernia due to just how difficult it is to digest. That\u2019s partly because the fat in red meat makes it harder to break down, but it\u2019s also due to the protein itself which can often be tough and sinewy. Add to the fact that red meat is often hot, and you have a very difficult dish for someone who is struggling to swallow and keep food down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So just what can you eat? While bland and very soft foods are generally best (such as yogurt), you may find you need to try meal replacement shakes in order to ensure you continue to get all your nutrition. And most important of all is to make sure that you keep drinking lots of water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Refined Carbohydrates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Consuming refined carbohydrates <\/a>in convenience foods and soda creates massive amounts of inflammation in the digestive system. Refined carbs, like sugar and white flour, found in many convenience foods, exacerbate symptoms of reflux and discomfort associated with the development of a hiatal hernia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients should avoid eating candy and snack foods like potato chips. The refined carbs in these foods cause swelling of the intestinal wall. As a result, harmful particles and toxins escape into the bloodstream. These particles start the onset of systemic inflammation that spreads throughout every biological system in the body, increasing the presence of inflammatory cytokines, which reduce of sense of well-being. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients with a hiatal hernia should focus on eating clean foods and drinking water. Complex carbs like whole-grains and sprouts are the best diet options to help you recover from a hiatal hernia. Patients with a hiatal hernia may find that they develop gastrointestinal reflux and heartburn. By limiting the carbs in your diet, you get rid of these symptoms of discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Carbonated Beverages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who are dealing with the effects of a hiatal hernia should avoid drinking carbonated <\/a>beverages like soda and Seltzer water. The CO2 in these beverages causes a gas build-up in the stomach and digestive system, resulting in symptoms of discomfort that lead to belching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Belching can be a very uncomfortable experience for patients who are dealing with a hiatal hernia. Under normal circumstances, burping releases pressure in the stomach. However, in patients with a hiatal hernia, burping may cause significant amounts of discomfort. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoiding drinking carbonated soda, even diet soda, is essential if you want to prevent these symptoms. It\u2019s also important to note that the phosphoric acid found in soft drinks also contributes to signs of gas build-up, as does the artificial sweetener found in diet soda as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drink green tea to help reduce the inflammation, and alkaline water to lower acidity in the gut and prevent acid reflux.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Nightshades<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Nightshade describes over 2,000-varieties of plants. Practitioners of traditional medicine rely on some nightshades for the narcotic and hallucinogenic <\/a>effects that are useful in sedating patients with pain symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research shows that the high concentration of alkaloids found in nightshades may be harmful to those patients who are dealing with digestive issues or diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are dealing with the effects of a hiatal hernia should avoid eating nightshades. Tomatoes are the most common nightshade found in western cooking. Pizza and spaghetti sauce, salsa, chili, and vegetable juice all contain nightshade properties that make them unsuitable for consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nightshades create significant amounts of inflammation in the stomach and the digestive system. As a result, the patient may experience the build-up of gas and stomach discomfort that leads to belching and an exacerbation of the patient\u2019s symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eggplant, peppers, and potatoes are also examples of common nightshades in the western diet. Patients should avoid these foods if they want to reduce the intensity and duration of their pain and discomfort associated with the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. High-Sodium Foods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sodium <\/a>may be an essential mineral responsible for many critical metabolic functions in the body \u2013 but it has no place in the diet of some that are dealing with the effects of a hiatal hernia. It\u2019s vital that we understand the difference between encumbered and unencumbered sodium before we go any further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Encumbered sodium exists in foods such as potato chips and hot dogs. This type of sodium is horrible for your health and may lead to water retention that starts the onset of heart disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, unencumbered sodium is good for your health. Including unencumbered sodium from Himalayan pink salt is an excellent way to maintain your body\u2019s sodium levels. Under normal circumstances, unencumbered sodium helps to balance the mineral profile, ensuring that we remain hydrated while enhancing our neural response to external stimulus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s vital that you watch your intake of encumbered sodium, and limit it to as little as possible. This form of sodium will exacerbate your symptoms of discomfort and pain associated with a hiatal hernia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Alcoholic Beverages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It should come as no surprise that patients who are dealing with a hiatal hernia should avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol causes a build-up of stomach acid that may aggravate symptoms of discomfort and pain associated with a hiatal hernia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certain types of alcohol <\/a>may increase the intensity of the pain symptoms as well. Red wine comes packed with sulfites, and its typically a very acidic beverage. Drinking red wine while you are dealing with a hiatal hernia \u2013 is like pouring gasoline on an open flame. The acidity of the beverage, along with the, dramatically increases symptoms of gastric reflux associated with hiatal hernia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid drinking any alcohol while you are recovering from your hiatal hernia, especially after an operation. Alcohol thins the blood and may cause symptoms of internal bleeding in the chest cavity that could lead to life-threating complications for the patient. Stick to water and herbal teas, and leave the alcoholic beverages alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Junk Food<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

By now, you should have a clear understanding that what we eat plays a significant role in improving or delaying our recovery from a hiatal hernia. Food plays such an essential role in our lives, and many of us take it for granted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, many Americans make the mistake of eating fast food regularly. Research shows that over two-thirds of Americans eat fast food every day, with lunchtime being the most popular meal for fast food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, not only is fast food horrible for your health \u2013 it won\u2019t do you any favors when it comes to managing the effects of your hiatal hernia either. Munching on a burger<\/a>, fries and a soda for lunch may be satisfying at the present moment, but you will live to regret it in a few hours. Fast food comes loaded with refined carbs, trans-saturated fat, and encumbered sodium that makes it terrible for the health of your digestive system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eating fast food will greatly exacerbate your hiatal hernia symptoms, and diminish your sense of well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Pasteurized Dairy Products<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Did you grow up hearing the myth that drinking milk <\/a>gives you strong bones and teeth? While milk and dairy products may have been the go-to foods for the baby boomer generation, commercial dairy farming has changed the game in recent decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the demand for milk and dairy soaring, dairy farmers turned to the pharmaceutical industry for help with managing their dairy production. As a result of the dramatic increase in demand for dairy over the last twenty to thirty years, dairy farmers now add hormones and antibiotics to cow feed. They use hormones to boost milk production, while the medicines help to prevent any disease from infecting the heard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, trace amounts of these harmful compounds end up in the dairy we eat and drink. Drinking commercial dairy products like whole milk will cause massive amounts of inflammation to develop in the digestive system, causing acid reflux. Patients with a hiatal hernia may experience an exacerbation in their symptoms if they consume dairy products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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