Those suffering from Hiatal hernia know the pain and discomfort that is associated with this disorder. In many cases, seeking relief can be difficult and they may feel as though their options are limited. While surgery, prescription and over-the-counter medications may be available, many simply do not wish to deal with the undesirable side effects associated with such treatments. However, there are other forms of Hiatal hernia help that are natural and provide results.

Diet and Supplements

Changes in diet and supplementation can help ease the symptoms of this type of hernia. Many of the herbs used for such remedies can be mixed with a hot beverage such as tea or may be taken by capsule or simply mixed with plain water for consumption. Common herbs used in treatment can include black walnut and licorice root, just to name a few. For more severe cases that are accompanied by a constant burning and stinging sensation, research suggests that supplementation of calcium phosphorica can alleviate the pain. These supplements are often taken at bedtime, when symptoms may be at their worst for many sufferers.

Regulation of Digestion

Regulating digestive process can play a significant role in the body’s response to the hiatal hernia. This too involves supplementation to the diet. One key element is that of aloe vera. Although it is typically associated with soothing skin inflammation, it can also help calm gastrointestinal disorders and their associated symptoms. Rather than take capsules though, the juice is actually extracted from the leaf of the plant.

Exercise

While cardio is often the first thing that comes to mind, strength training workouts are actually the most recommended for hiatal hernia help. The goal is to strengthen and tone the muscles surrounding the affected area. This can significantly decrease the symptoms and promote healing. Generally, all that is needed is as little as fifteen minutes of exercise that targets the abdomen and chest at least three times a week. However, it is recommended that the patient build-up his or her tolerance level over a matter of weeks, otherwise this may temporarily increase discomfort.

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Hiatal hernia is the term used to describe a condition in which a portion of the stomach has protruded into the diaphragm, either as a result of a tear or a weakness of the diaphragm muscle. When this occurs, it interferes with the flow of food through the esophagus and into the stomach, which can result in multiple problems including heartburn, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

Hiatal hernias are most common in individuals over the age of 50 and can be caused or aggravated by factors such as obesity, smoking, frequent coughing, poor posture, and heavy lifting. Many individuals who suffer from hiatal hernias do not experience any symptoms, but a small percentage of people will experience symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty swallowing, acid reflux, and hiccups.

One of the more disturbing symptoms reported with hiatal hernias is shortness of breath. This happens when the hernia crowds the chest area, thereby giving the lungs less room to work. With the reduced lung capacity, individuals who suffer from this condition often find that they have a hard time catching their breath, as well as feeling as if they never quite get enough oxygen into their lungs. It can make everyday activities such as climbing stairs much more difficult.

Often, lifestyle changes can be highly effective in mitigating the symptoms of a Hiatal hernia. Simple changes such as exercising more and improving posture can make a significant difference, especially when it comes to alleviating the shortness of breath that can occur with a hiatal hernia. Other recommended changes include eating smaller meals, refraining from heavy lifting, and elevating the head while sleeping. Dietary changes also have been shown to have a positive impact on these symptoms. Eliminating things such as caffeine, chocolate, and fried foods can be highly effective and preventing or eliminating these symptoms.

For many individuals experiencing shortness of breath due to a Hiatal hernia, implementing these lifestyle and dietary changes will allow them to successfully eliminate or manage their symptoms.

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Nature and Symptoms

Also known as hiatus hernia, paraesophageal hiatal hernia is a protrusion of the stomach into the thorax due to a tear or weakness in the diaphragm. This condition is often called the ‘great mimic’ because its symptoms resemble many other disorders, such as heartburn, shortness of breath, or even chest pains, which can be mistaken as heart attack.

While hiatus hernia can occur anytime as a result of some factors, it affects mostly middle-aged people and is more common in developed countries. This is likely a result of unhealthy diets, higher rates of obesity, and less physically active lifestyles.

Causes

Paraesophageal hiatal hernia is caused by several factors including diet, heredity, weight, lifestyle, and habits. Pregnancy and obesity can push the top of the stomach upwards, leading to hiatal hernia. Other physical causes include violent vomiting (especially when forced out as in anorexics), hard sneezing or coughing, heavy lifting, and straining during defecation.

A lack of fiber in the diet causes constipation and straining during defecation. This increases intra-abdominal pressure to the stomach which can result in hiatus hernia. Unhealthy lifestyles such as excessive drinking,smoking, and stress may also contribute to the condition.

Risks

Occasional mild discomfort and feelings of bloating or acid reflux are common, and need no urgent medical attention.

However, an enlarged hernia can pose two major threats – incarceration and strangulation. Incarceration is where the hernia is tightly stuck and repeatedly squeezed beside the esophagus, causing intense pain. Strangulation is more serious and life-threatening, because the hernia is in a position to cut off air circulation and blood supply. In rare cases, the hernia can lead to esophageal injury and even cancer.

Treatment and Prevention

In less serious cases, doctors advise patients to elevate the head of the bed and avoid lying down when full. Medications may be prescribed for stress, acid reflux, and constipation.

Hiatus hernia can be prevented through healthy habits and proper nutrition. Consumption of high-fiber foods prevent constipation and reduce risk of hiatal hernia. Avoid coffee, alcohol, and cigarettes. When lying down, elevating the head and torso can alleviate symptoms. Weight loss is advisable in overweight individuals. Physical activities should exclude heavy lifting. Most of all, individuals should relax and avoid stressful situations.

These practices will alleviate the condition and help one to avoid extreme solutions, which can include surgery.

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The best treatment for hiatal hernia is to cure your chronic heartburn, acid indigestion or gastro-esophageal acid reflux (GERD), which is what causes your hiatal hernia to flare up in the first place.

Think about what a hiatal hernia actually is . . . it’s your stomach stuffed with partially digested food pushing up further and further until it shoves your stomach up into your throat area.

Sounds gruesome doesn’t it?

Hiatal hernia isn’t fun, but you probably already know that or you wouldn’t be here reading this, would you? The hiatal opening is at the top of your diaphragm where your esophagus goes through. Once your stomach slips up through there the treatment of the symptoms of hiatal hernia isn’t going to reverse the problem.

Once your stomach bulges upward through this opening the only way to get your stomach back into your abdominal area is to help your digestive system to relax as a whole, which means you need to help your digestive system finish digesting the contents of your stomach.

For immediate treatment you can do heel drops, deep breathing and stretching.

A heel drop works by standing on the tip of your toes, hands to your sides and drop down to your heels, repeatedly. Jumping on a trampoline may help as well. The idea is to help the gut relax and by using gravity to jar your stomach back down into the abdominal cavity where it belongs.

The only treatment I am aware of for hiatal hernia is physical treatment or nutritional treatment. Another thing you can try is to use one of those big yoga balls. They are around a 2.5 to 3 foot diameter rubber ball used for exercise and stretching.

First make sure you have room to tumble in case you roll off the yoga ball. Here’s what you do . . . squat – as low as you can, preferably resting on your heels, with your back on the ball and using your hands to stabilize it, or else get help if you aren’t that flexible, and slowly lean back against it. Gradually lifting your behind off your heels and gently rolling backward, allowing the yoga ball to support your body. If you’re successful you will be arched parallel to the floor with your head hanging over. Now carefully bounce with your leg action until the stretch is complete.

This treatment should drop your hernia back out of your hiatal opening. Deep breathing treatment is recommended to help you focus and relax, this also helps expand your abdominal or chest cavity as well, giving more space for your stomach to drop down.

So treatment for hiatal hernia depends on if it’s an emergency of not, if not then treatment should be based on preventative and maintenance measures by supplementing with ionic minerals, probiotics and enzymes, which will also help you improve you immune, enteric and digestive systems.

You were born to heal,

Todd M. Faass

Health Advocate