Hernia

A hernia is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal protrusion of internal organs or tissues through the cavity that normally contains them. The primary factors contributing to the development of hernias include obesity, smoking, heavy lifting, excessive physical strain, and inadequate nutrition. Among the various types of hernias, inguinal and femoral hernias are particularly prevalent. While hernias are generally not life-threatening, they require medical attention as they do not resolve spontaneously. Patients may experience pain ranging from mild to severe; however, if the blood supply to the affected area is compromised, serious complications may arise. A balanced diet that includes complex carbohydrates, plant-based proteins, and unsaturated fats can be advantageous for individuals with hernias. It is advisable to avoid foods that are hard to digest.

DIET CHART FOR HERNIA

EARLY-MORNING

Luke warm water /Herbal tea / Green tea

BREAKFAST

Broken wheat porridge (veg Dalia) / Veg oats / Veg Semolina (veg upma) / Veg poha (Rice flakes) / Vermicelli (Sewia)/ Chapatti with veg or Dal

MID-MORNING

Fruit / Coconut water / Herbal tea / Green tea / Salad/Fruit juice

LUNCH

Chapatti / Boiled Rice / Vegetable + Dal / Salad/Non – veg (once in week)

EVENING

Sprouts / Green tea / Soup (Home-made) / Herbal tea / Salad /Roasted Grams

DINNER

Chapatti / Boiled Rice / Vegetable + Dal

DIET INSTRUCTIONS

ALLOWED TO TAKE	AVOID
CEREALS	CEREALS
Wheat, Brown rice, Sorghum, Amaranth, Finger millet, Foxtail millet, Pearl millet, Buckwheat, Little millet Flour Ratio – Wheat Atta (50%) + Soybean Atta (20%) + Ragi flour (30%)	Rye, Barley
FRUITS	FRUITS
Banana, Water melon, Muskmelon, Avocado, Peaches, Pear, Coconut, Pomegranate, Figs, Mango, Litchi, Custard apple, Sapodilla, Papaya	Orange, Apple, Mango, Strawberries, Lemon, Limes, Grapes, Blueberries
VEGETABLES	VEGETABLES
Zucchini, Sweet potato, Pumpkin, Celery, Coriander, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Kale, Mushrooms, Spinach, Carrot, Peas, Fenugreek leaves, Yam, Bottle gourd, Bitter gourd, Brussels sprouts, Lettuce, Ginger, Chicory greens	Tomatoes, Potatoes, Garlic, Onion, Green chilies, Red chilies
PULSES	PULSES
All pulse and legumes	Nil
Dairy Products	Dairy Products
Null	Milk, Cheese, Buttermilk, Butter, Curd
OILS	OILS
Cow ghee, Sunflower oil, Olive oil, Mustard oil	Cream, Palm oil, Coconut oil
SPICES	SPICES
Cumin, Coriander, Turmeric, Ginger, Pepper, Fennel, Cinnamon	Mustard, Pimento, Nutmeg
Drinks	Drinks
Coconut water, Homemade soups, Green juice, Herbal tea	Whole milk drinks, Cream based liqueurs, canned soup and packaged soup, Alcohol, Sweetened drinks, Squashes, Carbonated drinks
DRY FRUITS & SEEDS	DRY FRUITS & SEEDS
Almond, Raisins, Ground Nuts, Walnut, Peanuts, Pistachio, Cashew, Pumpkin Seeds, Chia Seeds, Flax Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Sesame Seeds.	Nil
FLESH FOODS	FLESH FOODS
Egg white, Chicken (Once in a week)	Processed and fried meat, Red meat- (Beef, Lamb, Pork), Fishes (Tilefish, Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel, Marlin, Bluefin Tuna).
OTHERS	OTHERS
Honey	Bakery and Processed Foods, Fried Food, Junk Food, Pickles, Artificial Sweeteners, Packed Soups, Refined Sugar

HOME REMEDIES

Aloe Vera juice– Drink 20 ml aloe Vera juice in morning. It relives the symptoms of hernia due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Vegetable juice– It is very helpful to reduce the burning and various symptoms of hernia.
Ice packs– The abdominal pain is common symptom of hernia. Ice packs can be applied directly on affected areas. It will reduce the pain and inflammation.
Licorice decoction – Boil three cup of water and add 1 tsp of licorice root. Heat it for 2-3 minutes and drink it one time in a day.
Black pepper– Take 1 teaspoon of black pepper and mix it with jaggery. Make a paste and consume it two times in a day.

DIET INSTRUCTIONS

Follow regular and balance meal pattern.
Consume high fiber and adequate fluid diet.
Whole fruit should be preferred to fruit juices.
Skipping of meals should be avoided, especially the breakfast
Water intake should be increased at least 8-10 glasses of water per day.

Things in this diet chart may vary patient to patient due to the Associated Health Issues, so better to consult Ayurveda Experts for better results.