5. Brown Rice: The Underdog of Comfort Foods
When it comes to rice, brown is the new white, especially if you’re navigating the tricky waters of hiatal hernia. Brown rice is a whole grain, meaning it still has its bran and germ layers. Don’t snooze yet; this is actually good news.
You see, the bran layer is chock-full of fiber, an unsung hero for anyone wanting to control their hiatal hernia symptoms. Fiber makes you feel full faster, which means you’re likely to eat smaller portions. And smaller portions equate to less pressure on your stomach and your hernia. Yes, you get to say goodbye to the discomfort after a large meal!
But the good stuff doesn’t end there. Brown rice contains magnesium, a mineral that acts as a natural muscle relaxant. It helps the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax and contract properly, keeping stomach acid where it belongs—inside your stomach. Ah, the sweet relief! (5)
