Hiatal Hernia Diet Tips, Best/Worst Food Choices, and Cooking Advice Many people with hiatal hernia, a condition in which part of the stomach bulges upward through an opening in the diaphragm, have no symptoms. For those who do, what they eat may make a difference between a good day (or night) and a bad one. Diet can play an important role in controlling the symptoms of hiatal hernia, namely heartburn and acid indigestion.

When you have a hiatal hernia, it is easier for stomach acids to come up into the esophagus, the tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach. This causes a burning feeling in your throat and chest. Certain foods can make these symptoms worse for some people. Fortunately, heartburn symptoms associated with hiatal hernia often can be controlled with diet and lifestyle changes.

Hiatal Hernia: Foods That May Cause Symptoms

The following foods are highly acidic or may weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, making it easier for stomach acids to back up into your esophagus. They may cause heartburn symptoms.

• Citrus foods, such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons, and orange juice, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, and lemonade
• Chocolate
• Fatty and fried foods, such as fried chicken and fatty cuts of meat
• Garlic and onions
• Spicy food
• Peppermint and spearmint
• Tomato-based foods such as spaghetti sauce, pizza, chili, salsa, and tomato juice
• Coffee, tea (including decaffeinated versions), and alcohol
• Carbonated beverages
• Dairy products, such as whole milk, ice cream, and creamed food. Try soy milk; it may be a good milk substitute. Also, mild cheeses, like feta or goat, may be enjoyed in moderation.
• Oil and butter

Hiatal Hernia: Foods That Are Less Likely to Cause Symptoms

The following foods are low-acid-producing foods and are less likely to aggravate your hiatal hernia symptoms:

• Bananas and apples
• Green beans, peas, carrots, and broccoli
• Grains, like cereals (bran and oatmeal), bread, rice, pasta, and crackers
• Low-fat or skim milk and low-fat yogurt
• Fat-free cheeses, cream cheese, and fat-free sour cream
• Lean meat, chicken, and fish
• Water
• Pretzels, graham crackers, rice cakes, and baked potato chips
• Low-fat sweets (no chocolate or mint)

You may find that some of the foods listed under "foods to avoid" may not bother you, while others on the "foods to enjoy" list may cause discomfort. Everyone tolerates food differently. To determine the best diet for you, keep a food diary for a few weeks. And then avoid anything that causes you to have symptoms.