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Diet can play an important role in controlling the symptoms. Certain foods can worsen the symptoms for some people. Heartburn symptoms associated with hiatal hernia can often be controlled by diet and lifestyle changes. To determine the best diet for you, keep a food diary for a few weeks. And then avoid anything that causes you to have symptoms. An ideal way to enjoy the foods is to cook them in a healthy way. Choose lean meats, including skinless chicken, meat with little visible fat, ground turkey instead of ground beef, and fish. Lean beef cuts include round, chuck, sirloin, or loin. Bake or broil foods instead of frying. Skim off fat from meat during cooking. Go easy on seasoning. Most seasonings are reasonable, as long as they are not too spicy, but should be used in moderation.
Substitute low-fat dairy foods, including low-fat yogurt, for ice cream. Steam your vegetables with water only. Limit butter, oils, and cream sauces. Use cooking spray instead of cooking oil when sautéing. Choose low-fat or non-fat ingredients over full-fat products. Get creative. There are various ways to modify recipes. Don't be afraid to try new things. Do not overeat. Instead, eat small, frequent meals; and take your time. Eating fast can worsen heartburn symptoms. Avoid lying down or going to sleep for at least three hours after a meal. Do not bend over right after eating. Do not smoke; lose weight, if necessary; wear loose-fitting clothes so as not to add extra pressure on your stomach; raise the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches with wood blocks or other sturdy objects. Propping your head up with pillows probably won't give you the relief you need.
