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Restrictive diets can cause problems for people in regards to satiety. In regards to digestive sensitivities it is generally recommended to have a light, simple and nutritious diet which avoids heavy foods. I suggest that you consider purchasing a quality protein and carbohydrate powder which is free from sugars and preservatives. You may add this powder to foods such as juices, cereals, fruit smoothies or water to increase your intake of carbohydrates and proteins.

Long term health may be established by addressing the digestive complications and you may find that you can begin to enjoy other foods again which previously caused you grief. It is recommended to eat foods which are easy to digest and will not place a further strain on the digestive organs.

Foods such as the following may help you to feel full and satisfied:
• Vegetable juices
• Miso soup with brown rice
• Vegetable hotpots with grains
• Green salad with avocado and grilled chicken or fish
• Fruit smoothies with berries, protein powder, slippery elm and flaxseed oil
• Soaked bircher muesli with yoghurt and stewed fruits
• Oat porridge with stewed fruits
• Vegetable soup with grains such as barley
• Fish soup with rice noodles
• Grilled meats with steamed vegetables

The following may also be of benefit to help relieve the discomfort associated with these digestive complaints:

• Herbal teas such as Alfalfa, Peppermint, Licorice, Fennel, Ginger and Chamomile may alleviate the discomfort caused by hiatus hernia. Peppermint and Chamomile are considered the King and Queen of the digestive herbs and may be of benefit to improve digestive function.

• Slippery Elm may alleviate the discomfort due to the mucopolysaccharides having a demulcent (soothing) effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Add a teaspoon of Slippery Elm to foods such as water, yoghurt, fruit or smoothies. Slippery elm is a carminative to the gastrointestinal tract and will help the sphincter to relax and healing of the digestive wall.

• The mineral Magnesium is an important factor due to a deficiency being associated with muscle tension. Magnesium may help the herniation to relax and reposition itself.

• Psyllium (husks) may alleviate the discomfort associated with hiatus hernia.

• Herbs to increase digestion and reduce overacidity are Chamomile, Licorice, Magnolia, Atractylodes, Aloe Vera, Peppermint, Evodia, Marshmallow, Poria, Citrus Peel, Zizyphus, Cardamom, Asian Hawthorn, Alfalfa and Slippery Elm.

• The minerals Silica and Calcium Fluoride are specific minerals which may help to reinforce the integrity of the oesophageal sphincter and reduce the acid. Foods which are high in Silica are onions, spinach, celery, oats, barley, millet and the herb Horsetail.

• Eat slowly and chew your food properly.

• Don’t drink large amounts of liquids 20 minutes prior to eating or after eating as it will dilute the digestive enzymes and reduce digestive function further.

• Don't eat if you are feeling stressed. If you are currently feeling under pressure or stressed learn stress relief techniques to help you cope such as breathing, exercise, meditation, walking or stretching.

• Reduce acidic foods which can contribute to reflux and feelings of discomfort such as tea, coffee and alcohol. Foods which may aggravate are tomatoes, potatoes, chilli, eggplant, caffeinated or carbonated drinks, food additives, sugar, alcohol, spices, fatty foods, rich or heavy meals and bread.

• Eat small meals often to help lighten the load on the digestive processes rather than large meals.

• Reduce pharmaceutical antacids which treat the problem and not the cause of the problem.

• Increase your consumption of good oils in the diet to lubricate the lining, reduce inflammation and promote healing. Good oils include raw unheated olive oil (added to salads or meals before serving), flax seed oil, avocado, nuts and seeds and fish oil.

• Take a probiotic supplement to encourage a healthy balance of good digestive flora and to address Helicobacter pylori or Candida infection and reduce fermentation of foods.

• Increase your consumption of soothing (demulcent) foods such as papaya and banana.

• Make a vegetable juice each day to help alkalise the system and add cabbage juice to it because cabbage contains Substance U which may help to alleviate gastritis and reduce pre-ulcer formation.