What lifestyle modifications should I recommend to patients diagnosed with a hiatal hernia to alleviate symptoms?

For patients diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, lifestyle modifications to alleviate symptoms primarily focus on reducing gastro-oesophageal reflux and dyspepsia. Advise patients to avoid known dietary and lifestyle triggers such as smoking, alcohol, coffee, chocolate, fatty foods, and being overweight. These factors can exacerbate symptoms and should be minimized where possible. Encourage weight reduction if the patient is overweight, as this can reduce pressure on the stomach and lower the risk of reflux. Recommend raising the head of the bed to prevent nocturnal reflux and advise having the main meal well before going to bed to reduce symptoms overnight. Offer advice on healthy eating and smoking cessation as part of the lifestyle changes. These measures can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life for patients with hiatal hernia.