Hernias are a common medical condition occurring when an organ or fatty tissue protrudes through a tear or weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. The condition doesn’t bother you immediately; however, it starts intruding on daily activities in the long run. Hernias often require surgical intervention as a long-term treatment. At the same time, the foods you eat play a huge role in the prevention of this condition as well as faster recovery after surgery.
Making crucial dietary choices will help strengthen muscles, improve tissue health, and reduce the risk of hernia recurrence.
Why is Diet Important in the Prevention and Recovery of Hernia?
In most cases, hernias are the result of muscle strain triggered by several factors, including prior surgeries that happen through the abdominal wall, weak abdominal wall, excessive coughing, etc. However, some causes of this condition are directly affected by the foods you eat. For instance, constipation is a common cause of hernia. Obesity, too, increases your chances of hernia.
While diet doesn’t cause hernia, excess food take or eating the wrong food may increase the chances of hernia formation. If you have had hernia repair surgery, some foods may intrude on the recovery process, making it slower for you to resume your routine.
As per doctors, diet may go a long way in minimizing the pain of an existing hernia. Therefore, it is crucial to make the right food choices.
What Foods to Eat after Hernia Surgery?
After your hernia repair surgery, the doctor will give you a list of food items that will help you in quick recovery and prevent the relapse of hernia.
Protein-Rich Foods
Protein is the best nutrient when it comes to tissue repair and healing. Start incorporating various sources of protein into your daily diet, such as fish, tofu, lentils, chicken, turkey, and low-fat dairy products.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are full of fibers that prevent constipation, one of the major causes of hernia. They also provide essential minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, helping reduce inflammation and support tissue healing.
Whole Grains
Include more whole grains in your daily diet. You can opt for food items like whole wheat bread, brown rice, and oats. They are a rich source of fiber and aid digestion.
Healthy Fats
The doctor will also suggest including healthy fats, such as avocados, seeds, nuts, and olive oil, as they are good sources of healthy fats that your body needs for quick recovery after hernia repair surgery.
Low-Fat Dairy
If you are not lactose intolerant, include non-fat dairy products in your daily diet. Foods like yogurt and milk provide calcium for bone health.
Water
Lastly, drink enough water to keep yourself hydrated. Water aids digestion and supports overall healing by flushing out toxins and preventing constipation.
What Foods to Avoid after Hernia Surgery?
It is important to eat certain foods for quick and healthy recovery. It is also important to avoid some foods that may interrupt your healing or increase the chances of a hernia relapse. The doctor will strictly advise not to eat these food items.
Processed Foods
Do not consume high-starch foods such as low-fiber pasta, instant noodles, crackers, cookies, pre-made sauces, etc., as they may cause constipation, and excessive straining can worsen the hernia pain. Avoid carbonated drinks at all costs.
Fatty Foods
While good fats contribute to quick recovery after hernia repair surgery, you must avoid fatty foods, such as red meat, processed meat, fried foods, high-fat dairy products, hydrogenated vegetable oil, etc. These foods may cause inflammation and weight gain, making the protrusion of organs worse.
Acidic Foods
Acidity is the last thing you may want to experience while recovering from hernia repair surgery. There are high chances of GERD in the case of hiatal hernia. Thus, be sure to avoid all acidic food items, such as garlic, onion, lime, orange, tomato, vinegar, cherry, pineapple, and more. These foods may irritate and worsen your acid reflux associated with hiatal hernia.
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners may harm your health in many ways. They contain added sugars that leave behind no space for other essential foods your body requires to stay healthy. As these foods are good in taste, you tend to overeat them which kills your appetite. Limit the consumption of foods such as frozen desserts, baked cakes, whole milk, caffeinated tea, alcohol, pastries, and pies.
Conclusion
The foods you eat can make or break your healthy recovery after hernia repair surgery. It is vital to understand that certain food items not only help you with recovery but also avoid the recurrence of hernia to a certain extent. The above-mentioned list is a suggestion that you must discuss with your doctor and follow for better nutrition after hernia surgery. If you have specific dietary restrictions or medical conditions, consulting your healthcare provider about the food choices would be the best advice.