A belly button hernia, also known as an umbilical hernia, is a bulge of either intestines, fat or fluid that pushes through a weakened area of your stomach muscles. Some people may not even know it's there without their doctor pointing it out; for others, it causes pain and discomfort.
Minimizing constipation may help prevent problems, so you should fill your diet with foods high in fiber and avoid low-fiber foods.
Eat More Fiber
To prevent constipation with a belly button hernia, aim to eat 25 grams to 35 grams of fiber a day. Add fiber slowly to your diet to allow your digestive system time to adjust to the increase, and drink plenty of water, at least 8 cups a day. High-fiber foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds.
Low-Fiber Food Swaps
Swapping out your low-fiber foods for high-fiber ones may help you get more fiber in your diet and keep you regular. For example, instead of white bread, which has about 1 gram of fiber per slice, eat whole-wheat bread, which has 2 grams per slice. Or even better, swap white rice, which has 1 gram of fiber per cup, for barley, which has 8 grams of fiber in a 1/2 cup, as your grain side dish. Whole-wheat pasta is a better option than white because of its higher fiber content. You can also boost your fiber intake by replacing some of your usual meat protein with beans.