Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDietWeight LossEveryday LivingFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in Hiatal Hernia GuideWhat Is a Hiatal Hernia?

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Many people diagnosed with ahiatal herniawill not have any symptoms.Those who do have symptoms usually experience heartburn and indigestion. While medications may provide some relief, finding effective strategies to cope with pain and discomfort is important.

This article explains how what you eat and how you eat affects symptoms of hiatal hernia. It covers the benefits of losing weight if needed and suggests ways you can manage symptoms when they do occur.

Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin

hiatal hernia symptom relief

As you probably know, certain foods often guarantee a flare-up when you have chronic heartburn. Many of these food triggers are common to all sufferers. Other problems, meanwhile, are related to the amount of food we eat.

What You Eat

What they found was that there was as much as a two- to three-fold increase in therisk of symptomswhen people ate the following types of foods:

While the study didn’t take into the account certaincommon food triggers, like citrus or caffeine, the figures more or less reflect the experience of the typical person with GERD.

To this end, there are certain foods you need to avoid if you have active symptoms or are prone to recurrence. They include red meat, processed foods, mayonnaise, butter, margarine, tomato-based sauces, chocolate, coffee, caffeinated tea, carbonated drinks, citrus and citrus juices, and whole-fat dairy products. In their place, foods like lean chicken, fish, vegetables, grains, and low-fat dairy can provide you the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates you need without triggering the overproduction of stomach acid.

Alcoholshould also be avoided and not so much because it triggers acid production. Rather, alcohol has a corrosive effect on the esophagus and greatly amplifies the symptoms of reflux, in some cases tripling the risk ofsevere heartburnand chest pain.Similar results have been seen in people whooveruse salt.

How You Eat

When it comes toacid refluxand other hiatal hernia symptoms,howyou eat plays almost as important a role in the appearance of symptoms aswhatyou eat.

With a hiatal hernia, the protrusion of the stomach into the chest cavity can alter the alignment of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the valve that protects your esophagus from the contents of your stomach. As a result, food and acid can leak through this otherwise protective gateway—often profusely.

To remedy this, you need to be mindful of the position of your stomach as you eat. You also need to ensure that you don’t overtax the stomach and that food is able to move through the digestive tract without complication.

To achieve this:

Among the facets of the plan:

When it comes to hiatal hernia symptoms, self-care can go a long way in reducing themandpreventing them from returning.

Work to turn these suggestions into habits:

Finally,stop smoking.While smoking doesn’t cause acid reflux, it can affectgastric motilityand the way in which food moves through the esophagus. Smoking can also dull the responsiveness of your LES and promotedysphagia(swallowing difficulty). These effects are long-lasting and may become permanent in heavy smokers, turning even a small hernia into a source of ongoing grief.

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A small hiatal hernia may not cause any pain or discomfort—in fact, in 90% of cases, nosymptomsoccur. However, if the hernia is large, it may start to affect the function of the digestive system. When that occurs, related symptoms include:HeartburnThroat irritationRegurgitationBelching or hiccupping soon after eatingAbdominal discomfortBad breath

A small hiatal hernia may not cause any pain or discomfort—in fact, in 90% of cases, nosymptomsoccur. However, if the hernia is large, it may start to affect the function of the digestive system. When that occurs, related symptoms include:

A hiatal hernia is typically located in the middle to lower area of the chest. Also known as a stomach hernia, it occurs when a portion of the stomachpushes up above the diaphragminstead of staying beneath it.

To reduce hiatal hernia symptoms, consider over-the-countermedicationssuch as antacids or H2 blockers. These can be used to relieve heartburn and acid reflux attacks. Other ways to reduce symptoms and prevent hiatal hernias from getting worse include the following:Quit smoking.Elevate the head of your bed.Take a fiber supplement.Avoid heavy lifting.Try deep-breathing techniques.Wear clothing with loose waistbands.If medications and lifestyle changes don’t seem to help, surgery may be needed.

To reduce hiatal hernia symptoms, consider over-the-countermedicationssuch as antacids or H2 blockers. These can be used to relieve heartburn and acid reflux attacks. Other ways to reduce symptoms and prevent hiatal hernias from getting worse include the following:

If medications and lifestyle changes don’t seem to help, surgery may be needed.

Avoidcommon trigger foodsthat can cause acid reflux symptoms to flare up. These typically include:Fried or greasy foodsFoods high in fatFoods high in sugarSpicy foodsFruit juicesCitrus fruit (non-citrus fruit is okay)Tomato-based foodsPeppermint teaCaffeineAlcoholLearn MoreHiatal Hernia Facts

Avoidcommon trigger foodsthat can cause acid reflux symptoms to flare up. These typically include:Fried or greasy foodsFoods high in fatFoods high in sugarSpicy foodsFruit juicesCitrus fruit (non-citrus fruit is okay)Tomato-based foodsPeppermint teaCaffeineAlcohol

Avoidcommon trigger foodsthat can cause acid reflux symptoms to flare up. These typically include:

Learn MoreHiatal Hernia Facts

8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Siegal SR, Dolan JP, Hunter JG.Modern diagnosis and treatment of hiatal hernias. Langenbecks Arch Surg. 2017;402(8):1145-1151. doi:10.1007/s00423-017-1606-5Chen SH, Wang JW, Li YM.Is alcohol consumption associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease?. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B. 2010;11(6):423-8. doi:10.1631/jzus.B1000013Harvard Health Publishing.11 stomach-soothing steps for heartburn. Harvard Health.McRorie JW.Evidence-based approach to fiber supplements and clinically meaningful health benefits, part 2: What to look for and how to recommend an effective fiber therapy.Nutr Today. 2015;50(2):90-97. doi:10.1097/NT.0000000000000089Kohata Y, Fujiwara Y, Watanabe T, et al.Long-Term benefits of smoking cessation on gastroesophageal reflux disease and health-related quality of life.PLoS ONE. 2016;11(2):e0147860. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0147860Menon S, Trudgill N.Risk factors in the aetiology of hiatus hernia: a meta-analysis.Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2011;23(2):133-8. doi:10.1097/MEG.0b013e3283426f57Kahrilas PJ, Kim HC, Pandolfino JE.Approaches to the diagnosis and grading of hiatal hernia.Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2008;22(4):601-16. doi:10.1016/j.bpg.2007.12.007.Jarosz M, Taraszewska A.Risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease – the role of diet.Gastroenterology Review/Przegląd Gastroenterologiczny. 2014;9(5):297-301. doi:10.5114/pg.2014.46166.Additional ReadingChen, S.: Wang, J.; and Li, Y. “Is alcohol consumption associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease?“J Zhejiang Univ Sci B.2010; 11(6):423-28. DOI: 10.1631/jzus.B1000013.Jarosz, M. and Taraszewka, A. “Risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease: the role of diet.“Prz Gastroenterol.2014; 9(5):297-301. DOI: 10.5114/pg.2014.46166.Khan, A.; Kim, A.; Sanossian, C. et al. “Impact of obesity treatment on gastroesophageal reflux disease.“World J Gastroenterol. 2016; 22(4):1627-38. DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i4.1627.Ness-Jensen, E.; Hveem, K.; El-Serag, H. et al. “Lifestyle intervention in gastroesophageal reflux disease.“Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol.2016;14(2):175-82.e3. DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2015.04.176.Song, E.; Jung, H.; and Jung, J. “The Association Between Reflux Esophagitis and Psychosocial Stress.“Dig Dis Sci. 2013; 58(2):471-77. DOI: 10.1007/s10620-012-2377-z.

8 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Siegal SR, Dolan JP, Hunter JG.Modern diagnosis and treatment of hiatal hernias. Langenbecks Arch Surg. 2017;402(8):1145-1151. doi:10.1007/s00423-017-1606-5Chen SH, Wang JW, Li YM.Is alcohol consumption associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease?. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B. 2010;11(6):423-8. doi:10.1631/jzus.B1000013Harvard Health Publishing.11 stomach-soothing steps for heartburn. Harvard Health.McRorie JW.Evidence-based approach to fiber supplements and clinically meaningful health benefits, part 2: What to look for and how to recommend an effective fiber therapy.Nutr Today. 2015;50(2):90-97. doi:10.1097/NT.0000000000000089Kohata Y, Fujiwara Y, Watanabe T, et al.Long-Term benefits of smoking cessation on gastroesophageal reflux disease and health-related quality of life.PLoS ONE. 2016;11(2):e0147860. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0147860Menon S, Trudgill N.Risk factors in the aetiology of hiatus hernia: a meta-analysis.Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2011;23(2):133-8. doi:10.1097/MEG.0b013e3283426f57Kahrilas PJ, Kim HC, Pandolfino JE.Approaches to the diagnosis and grading of hiatal hernia.Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2008;22(4):601-16. doi:10.1016/j.bpg.2007.12.007.Jarosz M, Taraszewska A.Risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease – the role of diet.Gastroenterology Review/Przegląd Gastroenterologiczny. 2014;9(5):297-301. doi:10.5114/pg.2014.46166.Additional ReadingChen, S.: Wang, J.; and Li, Y. “Is alcohol consumption associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease?“J Zhejiang Univ Sci B.2010; 11(6):423-28. DOI: 10.1631/jzus.B1000013.Jarosz, M. and Taraszewka, A. “Risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease: the role of diet.“Prz Gastroenterol.2014; 9(5):297-301. DOI: 10.5114/pg.2014.46166.Khan, A.; Kim, A.; Sanossian, C. et al. “Impact of obesity treatment on gastroesophageal reflux disease.“World J Gastroenterol. 2016; 22(4):1627-38. DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i4.1627.Ness-Jensen, E.; Hveem, K.; El-Serag, H. et al. “Lifestyle intervention in gastroesophageal reflux disease.“Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol.2016;14(2):175-82.e3. DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2015.04.176.Song, E.; Jung, H.; and Jung, J. “The Association Between Reflux Esophagitis and Psychosocial Stress.“Dig Dis Sci. 2013; 58(2):471-77. DOI: 10.1007/s10620-012-2377-z.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Siegal SR, Dolan JP, Hunter JG.Modern diagnosis and treatment of hiatal hernias. Langenbecks Arch Surg. 2017;402(8):1145-1151. doi:10.1007/s00423-017-1606-5Chen SH, Wang JW, Li YM.Is alcohol consumption associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease?. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B. 2010;11(6):423-8. doi:10.1631/jzus.B1000013Harvard Health Publishing.11 stomach-soothing steps for heartburn. Harvard Health.McRorie JW.Evidence-based approach to fiber supplements and clinically meaningful health benefits, part 2: What to look for and how to recommend an effective fiber therapy.Nutr Today. 2015;50(2):90-97. doi:10.1097/NT.0000000000000089Kohata Y, Fujiwara Y, Watanabe T, et al.Long-Term benefits of smoking cessation on gastroesophageal reflux disease and health-related quality of life.PLoS ONE. 2016;11(2):e0147860. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0147860Menon S, Trudgill N.Risk factors in the aetiology of hiatus hernia: a meta-analysis.Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2011;23(2):133-8. doi:10.1097/MEG.0b013e3283426f57Kahrilas PJ, Kim HC, Pandolfino JE.Approaches to the diagnosis and grading of hiatal hernia.Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2008;22(4):601-16. doi:10.1016/j.bpg.2007.12.007.Jarosz M, Taraszewska A.Risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease – the role of diet.Gastroenterology Review/Przegląd Gastroenterologiczny. 2014;9(5):297-301. doi:10.5114/pg.2014.46166.

Siegal SR, Dolan JP, Hunter JG.Modern diagnosis and treatment of hiatal hernias. Langenbecks Arch Surg. 2017;402(8):1145-1151. doi:10.1007/s00423-017-1606-5

Chen SH, Wang JW, Li YM.Is alcohol consumption associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease?. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B. 2010;11(6):423-8. doi:10.1631/jzus.B1000013

Harvard Health Publishing.11 stomach-soothing steps for heartburn. Harvard Health.

McRorie JW.Evidence-based approach to fiber supplements and clinically meaningful health benefits, part 2: What to look for and how to recommend an effective fiber therapy.Nutr Today. 2015;50(2):90-97. doi:10.1097/NT.0000000000000089

Kohata Y, Fujiwara Y, Watanabe T, et al.Long-Term benefits of smoking cessation on gastroesophageal reflux disease and health-related quality of life.PLoS ONE. 2016;11(2):e0147860. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0147860

Menon S, Trudgill N.Risk factors in the aetiology of hiatus hernia: a meta-analysis.Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2011;23(2):133-8. doi:10.1097/MEG.0b013e3283426f57

Kahrilas PJ, Kim HC, Pandolfino JE.Approaches to the diagnosis and grading of hiatal hernia.Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2008;22(4):601-16. doi:10.1016/j.bpg.2007.12.007.

Jarosz M, Taraszewska A.Risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease – the role of diet.Gastroenterology Review/Przegląd Gastroenterologiczny. 2014;9(5):297-301. doi:10.5114/pg.2014.46166.

Chen, S.: Wang, J.; and Li, Y. “Is alcohol consumption associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease?“J Zhejiang Univ Sci B.2010; 11(6):423-28. DOI: 10.1631/jzus.B1000013.Jarosz, M. and Taraszewka, A. “Risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease: the role of diet.“Prz Gastroenterol.2014; 9(5):297-301. DOI: 10.5114/pg.2014.46166.Khan, A.; Kim, A.; Sanossian, C. et al. “Impact of obesity treatment on gastroesophageal reflux disease.“World J Gastroenterol. 2016; 22(4):1627-38. DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i4.1627.Ness-Jensen, E.; Hveem, K.; El-Serag, H. et al. “Lifestyle intervention in gastroesophageal reflux disease.“Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol.2016;14(2):175-82.e3. DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2015.04.176.Song, E.; Jung, H.; and Jung, J. “The Association Between Reflux Esophagitis and Psychosocial Stress.“Dig Dis Sci. 2013; 58(2):471-77. DOI: 10.1007/s10620-012-2377-z.

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