Diet and Hiatal Hernia

Straining at stool over time may force part of the stomach up into the chest, contributing to GERD acid reflux disease. This may explain why hiatal hernia is extremely rare among populations eating high-fiber diets.



Hiatal hernia is not the only condition that high fiber diets may protect against. See:

I’ve got a load of other bowel movement videos dropping soon. Stay tuned for:
• How Many Bowel Movements Should You Have Every Day?
• Should You Sit, Squat, or Lean During a Bowel Movement?
• Diverticulosis: When Our Most Common Gut Disorder Hardly Existed
• Does Fiber Really Prevent Diverticulosis?

Image Credit: The Clear Communication People via Flickr and Sara Marchetto.

[weezywagan]

I suffered from a hiatal hernia and severe constipation for a long time at the age of 19. It wasn't until I started eating a vegan diet (high in fruit too!) That I cured my hernia, constipation and my severe acid reflux!! I seriously looked everywhere on the internet and never found the answers until I traveled to Costa Rica and worked on an organic farm. We ate loads of fruit veg rice and beans. NEVER GOING BACK TO ANIMAL PRODUCTS AGAIN!!!

[JuwuVods]

I have a hiatal hernia but eating too much fibre in a meal makes my symptoms worse! I eat whole foods plant based, 5 small meals a day and I finally feel better!

[GlennGJ]

This channel should have millions of subscribers.

[SciSciToys]

I have been suffering from GERD/acid reflux for 20yrs and taking prilosec for that time, recently started the mcdoughall diet which is vegan mostly starches and my reflux seemed to get worse (2weeks) so then I started my own paleo version (1 week) and seems to work for my GERD, the answer isnt a simple one, like eat this or that, I wish it was, for example I eat meat but find it tough to digest cause prilosec reduced stomach acid so sai acid doesnt travel up the esophagus, but I eat raw (scalded) meat and no problem digesting it, but feel more nervous on it seeing as carbs make me relax more.

The Hiatus Hernia/GERD solution in my opinion is one that attacks the problem/disease from many angles.
1. Diet - low carb diet seems to cause less bacteria build up and less pressure pushing up against a weakened LES, High fibre diet relieves this upward pressure by a faster transit time etc, so who is right??? High fibre foods are going to be carbs, like friuts, cereals like wheat bran and of course veggies! I can't eat gluten so bran is out for me!

So I suppose I can eat only veggies like lettuce, cucumbers, spinach, etc. and avoid high carb foods and no meat.

2. The studies don't touch on what happens in a few thrid world countries i.e. squatting when defecating, THAT could be the main reason why for example in africa they would have less GERD/Hiatus Hernia cause this practise causes less pressure on the LES??

3. Relaxation, raising the bed 8 inches, taking certain supplements, losing weight, various exercises, chiropracter sessions etc should be also taken into account when trying to fix the HH and GERD.

[katoish]

straight to the point informative. thanks!

[kimih]

Wow, amazing information once again, thank you!

[steelcody]

I have a hiatal hernia and reflux. I'm on Protonix, but still wake up short of breath with belching in the middle of the night. I try not to eat within 4-5 hours of laying down, yet I still lose sleep 4-5 nights a week. If I increase fiber intake and cut out fatty foods, when could I notice  relief? I'm in fairly good shape by the way. Not fat at all, and I exercise. Scares me that at 27 I'm struggling with this, and have been for 5 years.

[karenohanlon]

I took a hiatal hernia after a twin pregnancy.
Noticed it the day after delivery. Too long in Labour I think.

[Magnulus]

Another factor is that in traditional, non-western lifestyles, they squat to defecate. This allows stool to pass with less abdominal pressure. Traditional Japanese toilets are a good example of this. In western countries you can buy a Squatty Potty or just use a footstool and achieve most of the benefits.

[ChasingCornfields]

Without thinking, once the video ended I exclaimed 'S***.' Aaaand started laughing to myself. Anyways, great video, it helps explain alot. Will be sharing this with others.

[johnlord]

Old wise man saying.  Good food goes in easy, comes out easy.  Bad food goes in difficult, comes out difficult.

Eating good food, not necessarily vegan, won't give you the constipation and grunting pressures forcing food-concrete from your bowels.  Also, having the proper daily amount of fluids will make sure that you properly digest and move your food-fuel down the highway without bunching-up and clogging your speed lane, and all later food traffic.

[vanebrin]

Dr. Greger when are you making a video about Helicobacter Pyloris or GERD? thanks!! Im a post VSG and new vegan low fat patient and im suffering with this two issues. Will love to get your findings on these.

[TheZeyver]

On this thought...aside of meals habits, I guess people with hiatal hernias should refrain themselves from working out with weights.... Straining would be out of the question?

[trsking]

I suffer, from a hiatal hernia form in the center of my abdomen. I get constipated every time i eat and straining is a normal painful activity. I drink h20 but, get dehydrated often. I take fiber and probiotics daily. I recently, added BHCI, and enzymes to my eating. A recent colonoscopy revealed no blockage. I only, eat 2X a day, fish and vegs no meat and not sure what to do next. My gastroenterologist has no clue. I kn that drinking more h20 will help. Nonetheless, clueless. This condition is hell to deal w. I need to kn what you think doc. Thxs.

[nicevideomancanada]

this may be my problem. I have Crohn's Disease. Something new to think about. Thanks Dr. Greger.

[jordanwardan]

1:38, traditional plant based where does it say that in the article ????

[MikoVanara]

good to know!  I may never get varicose veins if I continue my vegan diet, yea :)

[bluebird]

If this theory is true then how come many people are recovering fron gerd by eating a very low carb diet and are fine eating fats as they dont ferment in the stomach causing gas putting pressure on the

[edepillim]

I have been vegan for 6 months. My gastric reflux has got less and less and has now virtually disappeared. I no longer take PPI s to stop acid, and lack of acid prevents intrinsic factor needed for b12 absorption.

[rosiecerosiomakeup]

Im vegan and have been years and I have just been diagnosed with Hiatal hernia.