Natural Remedies for Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia is a common condition found mostly in older adults which can result in very uncomfortable physical symptoms. It is estimated that approximately 60% of individuals over the age of 50 have it. Fortunately, there are effective natural remedies and lifestyle changes that can be made to control or eliminate these symptoms.

A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach protrudes into the thorax through a tear or weakness in the diaphragm. This can result from any lifestyle factor that causes weakening of the diaphragm and the connective tissue between the stomach and the esophagus. Examples are: heavy lifting, hard coughing or sneezing, straining from constipation, violent vomiting, and pregnancy and delivery. However, the most common causes of a hiatal hernia are stress, obesity, lack of proper rest, and smoking. Poor posture while sitting and the use of drugs are also factors.

There are two kinds of hiatal hernias:

The most common, which accounts for 95% of cases, is a sliding hiatal hernia. This occurs when the stomach and the part of the esophagus that joins the stomach slides above the diaphragm. A sliding hiatal hernia occurs when the abdominal cavity experiences severe pressure. Once the pressure is relieved, the stomach falls into place.

The next kind, which accounts for the remaining 5% of cases, is a fixed hiatal hernia. This type of hiatal hernia involves part of the stomach herniating through the esophagus/diaphragm junction and remaining in a fixed position in the chest cavity.

In most cases, individuals with a hiatal hernia do not experience any symptoms. However, when the hiatal hernia is large, or if it is a fixed hiatal hernia, certain symptoms can present themselves. The most common symptom is acid reflux/GERD. Other symptoms include chest pressure or pain, difficulty swallowing, belching and hiccups. On rare occasions, a fixed hiatal hernia can become strangulated, cutting off the blood supply to the trapped portion of the stomach. This results in severe pain and is considered a medical emergency.

The following steps can be implemented to relieve or eliminate the symptoms caused by hiatal hernias:
*Avoid cigarette smoke.
*Eliminate caffeine.
*Eliminate alcohol.

*Eat a healthy diet and most of all, do not overeat.

To relieve or eliminate symptoms of acid reflux/Gerd:
*Mix one tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar in an 8 oz glass of water and sip during meals.
*Take probiotics to keep the beneficial bacteria in your intestines thriving.
*Digestive enzymes will help proper digestion.