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Best and Worst Foods for Hernia
Inguinal and Umbilical Hernias
Most hernias happen in the lower or upper abdominal area and cause a lump under the skin, according to the AAFP. Inguinal hernias develop in the lower abdominal wall around the groin area. Umbilical hernias form around the belly button and are particularly common in infants (though adults can develop them, too).
Umbilical hernias, in particular, can cause a bulge near the navel or a ruptured-looking belly button, especially in babies. And any abdominal hernia can mimic digestive problems like belly pain, vomiting, or constipation, given their location.
Digestive issues like bloating and constipation can aggravate abdominal hernias by putting extra strain on the area, says Mary Ann Hopkins, MD, a general surgeon at NYU Langone Health and an associate professor of surgery at NYU’s Grossman School of Medicine in New York City.
Accordingly, Dr. Hopkins says to avoid foods that trigger these symptoms to avoid potentially pushing the intestinal tissue further into the abdominal wall and causing more discomfort. Although there are no foods that can cure a hernia, here are some tips to optimize your inguinal or umbilical hernia diet plan.
Foods to Eat
Fibrous foods are your best bet to help stave off constipation (and the hernia pain that can come with it), according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Avoiding constipation is also preventive, as chronic constipation can increase the risk of developing a hernia in the first place, MedlinePlus reports.
To fight constipation, the NIDDK recommends eating more high-fiber foods like:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains like spelt and buckwheat
- Legumes like lentils, peas, and beans
However, eating too many high-fiber foods too fast may lead to excess bloating, which can aggravate hernia symptoms in the first place, according to the Mayo Clinic. That’s why it’s important to gradually introduce them into your diet to allow your body time to adjust, as suggested by the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.
Foods to Limit or Avoid
While eating plenty of fiber can help you avoid constipation, certain fibrous foods may cause more gas and bloating than others, including:
- Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and broccoli
- Mushrooms
- Onions and garlic
- Certain fruits, including apples, pears, cherries, and dried fruit
The Mayo Clinic also says that other potentially gas-inducing foods to limit or avoid include:
- Dairy products like milk and cheese
- Beer and other carbonated drinks
- Chewing gum
- Hard candy
It’s equally important to eat and drink non-gassy foods slowly and thoroughly to avoid swallowing a lot of air — a common consequence of gulping down your meals that can add to bloat, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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