After a hernia repair surgery, speed your recovery along by making sensible changes to your eating habits. Immediately after surgery, the list of foods that you can and can’t eat (as well as how you eat those foods) can be confusing, but we’re here to help you de-mystify it! The key to lasting success lies in a combination of eating the right foods the right way, boosting your metabolism and promoting a speedy recovery.
At first, your post-op diet will be very restricted, but as your eating patterns resume, it’ll be even more important to make sure you’re getting the hydration, fiber, and nutrients your body requires to keep healing. And because both surgery and restrictive post-op diets tend to shrink the stomach, you’ll want to make sure you get the most from what you’re eating. Opt for whole foods—unprocessed grains, dairy, protein, fruits and vegetables—instead of highly processed foods that fill you up but don’t provide the same nutritional value.
Foods That Irritate Hiatal Hernias
Highly processed foods
Spicy foods
Fried, oily, or fatty food
Junk food
Sugar
Caffeine
Alcohol
Carbonated or fizzy drinks
Refined white flour and products made from refined white flour
Acidic foods
Sticky, gummy foods that are difficult to swallow
Foods that cause constipation (chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, dairy)
Crusty breads
Food or drink that causes gas/bloating (soda, alcohol, cruciferous vegetables, onions, garlic, etc.)
Foods that clump together (white rice, untoasted bread)
Creamy sauces and dressings
Best Hiatal Hernia Diet Choices
Because every person’s digestive system is just a little bit different, these aren’t “hard and fast” dietary rules, only suggested guidelines. You know the saying: “Your mileage may vary.” So as you resume your normal eating habits, stay mindful of your body and keep a food journal—these are two of the most important tools during your recovery. Your best bets will always be on foods in their “whole” state, meaning the less processed, the better. As you integrate these foods into your diet, keep in mind that cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, onions, etc.) may cause some people to experience gas or bloating, and citrus fruits may be too acidic for some patients. Keeping a food journal will help you make note of “trigger foods” and avoid eating the things that hinder recovery. Here are some tips to eating well after your surgery:
Fiber-rich foods maintain healthy digestion, prevent constipation, and boost metabolism. Unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and grains are all good choices.
Antioxidants speed muscle recovery and ward off toxic substances. You can find antioxidants in dried fruits, mangos, peaches, and papaya.
Fruits are an excellent source of fiber, and many serve double-duty as good sources of antioxidants. Some tasty options include avocado, bananas, berries, melons and apples (after all, you know the saying about “An apple a day…”)
Vegetables, like fruits, work double-duty as both fiber-rich foods and antioxidants. Veggies also add valuable vitamins and minerals to your diet, hastening recovery. Try chopped leafy greens (spinach, kale), green beans, carrots, peas, or squash.
Protein speeds muscle recovery and repair tissues damaged during surgery—nutritionists recommend 1 gram of protein per 2 lbs of your body weight. Lean meats, eggs, beans, tofu/soy products, and low-fat dairy are sensible sources of protein.
Whole grains, nuts, and seeds are more healthy sources of fiber, vitamins, minerals, proteins, and essential fatty acids, which are easy to add into your diet through popcorn (which could satisfy your snack cravings), cooked cereals, whole-grain breads, and most types of tree nuts and seeds (think almonds, Brazil nuts, or sesame seeds).
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