What fruits can you eat with a hiatal hernia?

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

With approximately 3 million cases of hiatal hernia occurring in the U.S. each year, managing symptoms through diet is a common concern. Understanding what fruits can you eat with a hiatal hernia is crucial for minimizing discomfort and acid reflux, which can be exacerbated by certain foods.

Quick Summary

Manage hiatal hernia discomfort by choosing low-acid, high-fiber fruits like bananas, melons, and berries. Avoid high-acid citrus fruits and tomatoes that can trigger reflux. Pay attention to individual tolerance and ripeness to find the best fruits for your diet.

Key Points

Choose Low-Acid Fruits: Focus on non-citrus options like ripe bananas, melons, and apples to minimize reflux triggers.
Avoid High-Acid Fruits: Steer clear of citrus fruits (oranges, lemons) and tomatoes, which are common culprits for heartburn.
Consider Ripeness and Preparation: Ripe fruits are often easier to digest than unripe ones. Cooking can also improve tolerance.
Eat Smaller Portions: Overeating, even safe fruits, can increase pressure. Opt for smaller, more frequent fruit servings.
Mind Your Timing: Avoid eating fruits or any meal shortly before lying down to prevent acid reflux.
Monitor Individual Reactions: Keep a food diary to identify your specific fruit triggers, as tolerance varies from person to person.

Understanding the Hiatal Hernia and Diet Connection

A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach pushes up through an opening in the diaphragm and into the chest cavity. This can lead to increased acid reflux, a common symptom that can be controlled with dietary modifications. The key is to choose foods that are less likely to increase stomach acid production or relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach. While many fruits are part of a healthy diet, their acidity levels and fiber content can either soothe or aggravate hiatal hernia symptoms.

Safe and Soothing Fruits

Opting for fruits with lower acidity levels can help neutralize stomach acid and reduce irritation. These choices are generally well-tolerated by individuals with a hiatal hernia.

Bananas: Considered an alkaline food, ripe bananas can help coat the esophageal lining and combat stomach acid. They contain pectin, a soluble fiber that aids digestion. It's important to choose ripe bananas, as unripe ones are higher in starch and can be harder to digest.
Melons: Most melons, including watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew, are highly alkaline and have a high water content, which helps dilute stomach acid.
Apples: Low in acid, apples are often recommended as a safe fruit for those with reflux. Pectin in apples also aids digestion. Some people find that softer, sweeter varieties or cooked apples are even easier to tolerate.
Pears: Similar to apples, pears are low in acid and a good source of fiber, making them a safe choice for many.
Berries: While individual tolerance can vary, many people find berries like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries to be less acidic than citrus fruits and safe to eat in moderation.
Papaya: This exotic fruit contains papain, a digestive enzyme that can help break down proteins and aid digestion, potentially reducing symptoms.
Avocados: High in healthy fats and low in acid, avocados can be a beneficial and easy-to-digest option.

The Role of Fiber and Ripeness

Fiber-rich fruits are beneficial because they promote healthy digestion and can prevent constipation, which reduces the need to strain and put pressure on the abdomen. The ripeness of a fruit can also impact its effect on the stomach. Unripe fruits often contain more starch and can be harder on the digestive system, while ripe fruits are typically softer and easier to process.

Fruits to Approach with Caution

Highly acidic fruits are the most common culprits for triggering heartburn and reflux symptoms. Minimizing or avoiding these can significantly reduce discomfort.

Citrus Fruits and Juices: Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit are notoriously high in acid. They can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and cause irritation. This also applies to their juices.
Pineapples: Although it contains the digestive enzyme bromelain, pineapple is very acidic and can trigger symptoms in many individuals.
Tomatoes and Tomato-Based Products: While often used as a vegetable, the tomato is a fruit that is highly acidic. Tomato-based sauces, ketchup, and even raw tomatoes can be significant triggers for those with a hiatal hernia.

Fruit Comparison for Hiatal Hernia


Feature	Safe Fruits (e.g., Banana, Melon, Apple)	Cautious Fruits (e.g., Citrus, Tomato, Pineapple)
Acidity Level	Low	High
Symptom Impact	Can neutralize stomach acid and soothe irritation.	Can increase stomach acid and trigger heartburn.
LES Effect	Not known to relax the esophageal sphincter.	Can relax the esophageal sphincter, promoting reflux.
Fiber Content	Often rich in fiber, promoting good digestion.	Varies, but high acidity is the primary issue.
Digestive Enzymes	Papaya contains helpful enzymes.	Pineapple contains enzymes, but its acidity often outweighs the benefit.

Practical Tips for Eating Fruits with a Hiatal Hernia

Beyond simply choosing the right fruits, how and when you eat them can make a big difference in managing your symptoms.

Eat in Moderation: Even with safe fruits, overeating can put pressure on the stomach. Eating smaller portions throughout the day is often recommended.
Timing is Key: Avoid eating fruits, or any meal, right before lying down or going to bed. Give your body a few hours to digest while in an upright position.
Chew Thoroughly: Taking your time to chew food properly can aid digestion and reduce the risk of bloating and gas.
Cook for Comfort: If certain fruits like apples cause issues, try cooking them. This can soften the fiber and make them easier to digest.
Monitor Your Reaction: Everyone's body is different. What works for one person may not work for another. Keep a food diary to help identify your specific triggers.

Conclusion: Personalize Your Approach

Living with a hiatal hernia requires mindful eating, and when it comes to fruits, low-acid options are your safest bet. Focus on enjoying a variety of bananas, melons, apples, pears, and tolerated berries, while cautiously limiting or avoiding citrus fruits, pineapples, and tomatoes. By combining these dietary adjustments with proper eating habits, you can significantly reduce discomfort and enjoy the nutritional benefits of fruit without triggering reflux. Always consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to create a personalized plan that best suits your needs. For further guidance on managing a hiatal hernia, see the comprehensive diet overview by Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, ripe bananas are often recommended for a hiatal hernia. They are low in acid, can help coat the stomach lining, and contain pectin which aids digestion.

Yes, melons like watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew are excellent choices. They are alkaline and have a high water content, which can help neutralize stomach acid.

Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruit are highly acidic. This high acidity can irritate the esophagus and relax the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the likelihood of acid reflux.

Yes, apples are generally safe due to their low acidity. Choosing sweeter, ripe varieties or cooking them can make them even gentler on the digestive system.

Many people with a hiatal hernia can tolerate berries like blueberries and strawberries in moderation, as they are less acidic than citrus fruits. However, individual tolerance varies, so it is best to start with small portions.

Yes, it can. Ripe fruits are generally softer and easier to digest. Unripe fruits, like green bananas, can be higher in starch, which may cause digestive issues and discomfort for some individuals.

For a sensitive stomach, consider having fruits cooked or pureed rather than raw. This can make them easier to digest and potentially reduce the risk of triggering symptoms.