What to avoid with a hernia?
A healthy diet, and limiting in certain unhealthy foods, might be helpful in dealing with your hernia symptoms.
Refined Starches:
Fiber is an indigestible type of starch that can promote digestion, as well as cardiovascular wellbeing. To avoid constipation and/or strain during bowel movements (that can worsen inguinal hernia pain), you are recommended to have a fiber-rich diet.
Avoid low-fiber starches, such as:
- White bread
- Rice
- Enriched pasta and pretzels
Instead, add complex carbohydrate sources, such as:
- Whole grains
- Sweet potatoes
- Legumes
Fatty Foods:
Fatty foods can relax the lower part of the esophagus, which in turn can provide room for acid reflux.
Avoid foods that are high in saturated or trans fats, such as:
- Red and/or processed meat
- High-fat dairy
- Fried foods
- Foods containing hydrogenated vegetable oils
Instead, consume modest levels of healthy fat foods, such as:
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Olive oil
- Canola oil
- Avocados
- Salmon
Acidic Foods:
Although acidic foods are not dangerous, they can elevate irritation and worsen your acid reflux linked to hiatal hernias. If you are more susceptible to acid reflux, you must avoid acidic foods, such as:
- Orange juice
- Caffeine
- Decaffeinated coffee
- Tart apples
- Cherries
- Pineapple
- Tomatoes
- Vinegar
- Pickles
- Sauerkraut
- Canned beets
- Artichokes
Added Sugars:
Added sugars can contribute calories, as well as sweetness, but only a few nutrients to your foods and beverages. Consuming excessive amounts of added sugars, which almost all Americans do, can contribute to several health problems.
To avoid such risks, avoid foods that are high in added sugars, such as:
- Regular soft drinks
- Candy
- Pancake syrup
- Jelly
- Frosting
- Frozen desserts
- Cakes
- Cookies
- Pies
- Pastries