Hiatus Hernia Diet

The patient should observe certain precautions in eating habits.



The foremost amongst these is not to take water with meals, but half an hour before or an hour after a meal. This helps the digestive process considerably and reduces the incident of heartburn. Other important factors in the treatment of this disease are to take frequent small meals instead of three large ones and thorough mastication of food so as to break up the food into small particles and to slow down the rate of intake.

Diet for Hiatus Hernia

The diet of the patient should consist of seeds, nuts. And whole cereal grains, vegetables and fruits, with wheat tortilla on fresh fruits, raw or lightly cooked vegetables and sprouted seeds like alfalfa and green gram beans. At least 50 percent of the diet should consist of fruits and vegetables. The foods which should be avoided are over-processed foods, white bread, sugar, cakes, biscuits, rice puddings, over-cooked vegetables, condiments, 'pickles, strong tea and coffee.




Raw juices extracted from fresh fruits and vegetables,"': valuable in hiatus hernia. The patient should take three juices diluted with water, half an hour before each meal" Carrot juice is especially beneficial as it has a very restorative effect. It is an alkaline food, which soothese the, stomach.
The hot drinks should always be allowed to cool a little before taking. Extremes in temperature, both in food and drink should be avoided. Drinks should not be taking hurriedly but sipped slowly.

Treatment of Hiatus Hernia:

In the beginning of the treatment, it will be advisable to raise the head end of the bed by placing bricks below the legs of the bed. This will prevent the regurgitation of food during the night.



In case of the infant, all efforts should be made to keep the child upright day and night.
The next important step towards treating hiatus hernia is relaxation. An important measure in this direction is diaphragmatic breathing. The procedure is as follows:-
Lie down with both knees bent and feet close to buttocks, Feel relaxed, put both the hands lightly on the abdomen and concentrate the attention on this area. Now breath in, gently pushing the abdomen up under the hands at the same time, until no more air can be inhaled. Then relax, breathing out through the mouth with an audible sighing sound and allow the abdominal wall to sink back. The shoulders and chest should remain at rest throughout.

TREATMENT CHART FOR HIATUS HERNIA

A - DIET

I. An all-fruit diet for 2 or 3 days, with three meals a day of fresh juicy fruits at five-hourly intervals.

II. Thereafter, adopt a well-balanced diet on the following lines:

1. Upon arising: A glass of lukewarm water with half a freshly squeezed lime and a teaspoon of honey.
2, Breakfast: Fresh fruits and a glass of milk, sweetened with honey,
3. Lunch: Steamed vegetables as obtainable, 2 or 3 whole wheat wheat tortilla and a glass of buttermilk.
4. Mid-afternoon: A glass of fresh fruit or vegetable juice.
5. Dinner: A bowl of fresh green vegetable salad, with limejuice dressing, sprouted seeds and fresh home¬made cottage cheese or a glass of buttermilk.
6. Bedtime: A glass of fresh milk or an apple.

AVOID:

Flesh foods, fry foods, condiments, spices, white sugar, white flour and products made from white flour and sugar, tea, coffee, refined cereals and tinned and canned foods.

NOTE:

Always follow the under mentioned rules regarding eating:-

1.



Do not drink water with meals, but half an hour before and one hour after a meal.
2. Eat very slowly and chew your food as thoroughly as possible.
3. Never eat to full stomach.

B - OTHER MEASURES

1. Raise the head end of the bed by placing wooden blocks or bricks below the legs of the bed.
2. Relaxation through diaphragmatic breathing.