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Healthy Diet Plans >>  Health Issues and Diet >>  Hernia

Hernia Diet, Nutrition


Hernia is a conspicuous lump that appears through the weakened area of the abdominal wall. An organ partly bulges out through the tissues that contain it, causing some amount of pain and reduction in mobility. There are different kinds of hernias, but the abdominal and umbilical hernias are commonly observed. By themselves, hernias could be asymptomatic or can cause severe to slight pain. Along with seeking medical treatment for remedying the same, it is important to maintain a stringent diet, so that you do not incite any kind of complications.

A hernia diet can help in managing the discomfort and pain that can come with the condition.

The best and ideal diet for hernia patients should include sufficient vitamins with fatty foods being limited. Fatty foods prevent the lower esophageal sphincter from providing sufficient pressure against contents from the stomach. As a result of this, acids in the stomach can flow back into the esophagus. Along with the knowledge of what to eat, it is also essential that you understand when and how to eat for treating the problem of hernia. One of the tips for diet for a hiatal hernia patient is to avoid having large meals because they can cause a rapid production of acid in the body. It is suggested by many doctors to have 5–6 meals rather than the usual three meals.

Diet Plan:

Hernia diet plans like alkaline diets, acid reflux diets, and the GERD diet plan are very effective for hernia patients. It may be suggested to have a diet that is bland for the patients with symptoms that are extreme. The GERD diet or gastroesophageal reflux disease diet is usually suggested to the ones who suffer from heartburn, regurgitation, and chest pain after having food. According to the GERD diet, creamy, fried, fatty, spicy, and oily food should be avoided. Foods that are highly processed should also be avoided by hernia patients. Brown rice, carrots, cucumbers, grilled chicken, and cooked cereals are the recommended foods according to the GERD diet plan. An acid reflux diet provides information regarding the unsafe and safe foods for a hernia patient. An alkaline diet combines anti-oxidants and other elements that can fight the toxic substances. Mangoes, peaches, papaya are the alkaline foods and asparagus, celery, carrots, Brazil nuts and barley are the alkaline fruits that can help in the maintenance of your health. As mentioned earlier, smaller, frequent meals is recommended for patients with hernia.

Foods To Eat & Avoid With Hernia


The list of foods to eat during hernia include fish, feta cheese, egg whites, turkey breasts, skinless chicken breasts, lean ground beef, peas, beans, broccoli, carrots, pineapples, avocadoes, bananas and apples. The main thing to remember is to make dietary changes that will help you stay away from surgery and medications. You can consult a dietician to widen your options of hernia foods. He or she can help you create a satisfying and reasonable meal plan that will be enjoyable.

Foods To Avoid:

The foods to avoid with hernia include junk food that is fried like chips, Buffalo wings, chicken nuggets, mint lemons, chocolate, raw onions, and tomatoes. Some of the beverages that are harmful include wine, liquor, tea, and coffee. Hernia foods to avoid also include carbonated or soft drinks. You should also observe what foods trigger acid reflux or heartburn and consciously avoid them. Making the wrong choice of foods or not following the hernia diet plan diligently can trigger pain and worsen the condition.

Vitamin, Herbs & Supplements For Hernia


Vitamins:

Consuming sufficient vitamins for hernia is important because vitamins help in combating the symptoms that come with hernia. A diet that has high amounts of calcium and vitamin B helps in reducing the symptoms of acid reflux. Some of the foods that include calcium and vitamin B include whole grains, dark leafy greens, and almonds. Vitamin C, which is present in many vegetables and fruits, helps in providing antioxidant effects.  

Nutrition:

Nutrition therapy for hernia is essential because it helps in repairing the tissues that are weak. Eating plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits will give you the nutrition and prevents acid reflux since they digest rapidly. Nutrition for hernia in women and men includes taking in 75–90 mg of vitamin C every day. Consuming cabbage, strawberries, mangoes, and Brussels sprouts can help increase the intake of this vitamin.

Supplements:

You can make use of some supplements for hernia to counteract the symptoms of hernia, and these can be more effective than over-the-counter formulas. For example, to counteract acidity, you could take one tablespoon of a liquid combination formula of calcium and magnesium two times in a day. Consult your doctor for more information on supplements and their intake.

Herbs:

Making use of herbs for hernia is an excellent alternative for those looking for a natural cure. Chinese herbs for hernia can be used in combination with other herbs or by themselves. Some of the herbs include fructus foeniculi, rhizoma corydalis, rhizoma cyperi and fructus gardeniae.

Diet After Hernia Surgery

The diet after hernia surgery will usually include yogurt and other soft foods because it will be difficult to have solid foods for some time after surgery. For protein, you could have tofu or fish instead of red meat. Your post hernia surgery diet should also include many servings of vegetables and fruits each day.

Symptoms, Causes, Treatment For Hernia


Symptoms:
  • One of the most common hernia symptoms is a bulge or lump that is visible. This is common with all hernias whether it be umbilical, femoral or inguinal hernia.
  • Other symptoms include pain, occasional digestive upsets, and a feeling of heaviness or fullness in the abdominal cavity.

Causes:

  • The hernia causes will depend on different people.
  • Some of the mechanical causes include hard coughing bouts, tight clothing, and improper lifting of weights.
  • Conditions that increase the pressure of the abdominal cavity can worsen existing hernias or cause them.
  • Hernias can also occur if the muscles become weak because of overexertion, smoking, or poor nutrition.

Treatment:

  • It is usually advised to get the hernia treatment quickly to prevent complications.
  • Most of the abdominal hernias can be repaired surgically. The recovery time is greatly reduced if the operation is done laparoscopically.
  • Hernias that are uncomplicated can be repaired by reducing or pushing back the herniated tissue.

Prevention:

  • It has been suggested that the leading contributor to hernias is weak muscles, so it is important to get sufficient exercise and stay fit for hernia prevention.
  • You should also avoid smoking as it can weaken muscles.
  • You should also pay attention to the risk factors. You are at a greater risk when you’re pregnant and also when you are constipated. Observing the risk factors can help you prevent hernia.

Diagnosis:

The diagnosis of hernia is quite easy. Usually, there is no requirement for any test to be conducted for a hernia diagnosis. The doctor will be able to feel or make out the hernia with a touch of the index finger in the affected area.

Submitted on January 16, 2014