“What foods should I avoid if I have a hernia?”
I was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia. What foods should I avoid if I have a hernia?
10 Answers
Avoid constipation and straining. Lots of water, fiber (fruits and vegetables), and minimal processed foods/red meats.
Avoid foods that cause constipation.
Dr. Joshua Shaw
Surgeon
None. Eat what makes you happy within reason. Some foregut surgeries like hiatal hernia repairs may have special diets in the immediate post op period. Most abdominal and pelvic hernias don’t have special diets.
There are no food recommendations if you have any hernia with the exception of a hiatal hernia. Beside that, if your hernia interferes with your day to day life, have it fixed. If not - you can leave it alone.
Avoid foods that may cause constipation. Constipation increases abdominal pressure which can cause hernias. Always good to have vegetables and fruits in your diet. Take care.
Inguinal hernias are divided into hernias that are incarcerate and hernias that are not incarcerated. Incarcerated hernias have intrabdominal contents, usually small intestine, caught inside the hernia sack. If incarcerated the bulge cannot be reduced, it is stuck and often painful. A high fiber diet plus voiding foods that cause constipation would be advisable.
No specific diet will either help nor harm a hernia. Rather look for alarming symptoms such as boating and vomiting and inability to pass gas or bowel movement
You should be a able to have a regular diet. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid narcotics to prevent constipation
The only foods you may want to consider avoiding with an inguinal hernia would be ones that cause you constipation. Straining to have bowel movements will increase the pressure in your abdomen and potentially cause an increase in the size of your hernia.
Stick to an organic/non-GMO/low gluten Mediterranean diet.
