Diet Plan for Hernia

What is a hernia?

A hernia occurs when an organ pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. For example, the intestines may break through a weakened area in the abdominal wall.

Many hernias occur in the abdomen between your chest and hips, but they can also appear in the upper thigh and groin areas.

Most hernias aren’t immediately life-threatening, but they don’t go away on their own. Sometimes they can require surgery to prevent dangerous complications.

 

Types of hernia

There are several different types of hernias. Below, we’ll explore some of the most common ones.

Inguinal hernia

Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia. They occur when the intestines push through a weak spot or tear in the lower abdominal wall, often in the inguinal canal.

Inguinal hernias are more common in men because the testicles descend through the inguinal canal shortly after birth.

Hiatal hernia

A hiatal hernia occurs when part of your stomach protrudes up through the diaphragm into your chest cavity.

This type of hernia is most common in people over 50 years old. If a child has the condition, it’s typically caused by a congenital birth irregularity.

Umbilical hernia

Umbilical hernias can affect children and babies. They occur when the intestines bulge through the abdominal wall near the belly button.

Adults can also have umbilical hernias. They can occur from repeated strain on the abdomen due to conditions such as obesity, fluid in the abdomen (ascites), or pregnancy.

Ventral hernia

A ventral hernia happens when tissue bulges through an opening in the muscles of your abdomen.

Although a ventral hernia can be present from birth, it’s more commonly acquired at some point during your lifetime. Common factors in ventral hernia formation include obesity, pregnancy, and strenuous activity.

Hernia symptoms

The most common symptom of a hernia is a bulge or lump in the affected area. For example, in the case of an inguinal hernia, you may notice a lump on either side of your pubic bone where your groin and thigh meet.

Causes of Hernia

Hernias are caused by a combination of muscle weakness and strain. Depending on its cause, a hernia can develop quickly or over a long period of time.

Some common causes of muscle weakness or strain that can lead to a hernia include:

• A congenital condition, which occurs during development in the womb and is present from birth
• Aging
• Damage from an injury or surgery
• Strenuous exercise or lifting heavy weights
• Chronic coughing or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
• Pregnancy, especially having multiple pregnancies
• Constipation, which causes you to strain when having a bowel movement
• Being overweight or having obesity

Hernia treatment

The only way to effectively treat a hernia is through surgical repair. Whether or not you need surgery depends on the size of your hernia and the severity of your symptoms.

But yes, diet plays a really important role in checking the growth of hernia or avoiding its reoccurrence and easing your symptoms. Increasing your fiber intake may help relieve constipation. Constipation can cause straining during bowel movements, which can aggravate a hernia. Some examples of high-fiber foods include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Dietary changes can also help with the symptoms of a hiatal hernia. Try to avoid large or heavy meals, don’t lie down or bend over after a meal, and keep your body weight in a moderate range.

To prevent acid reflux, avoid foods that may cause it, such as spicy foods and tomato-based foods. Additionally, giving up cigarettes may also help, if you smoke.

We at Nutrishilp are there to help you while coping with your hernia condition with our nutritional and dietary assistance.