Hiatal Hernia

Description

A hiatal hernia is a condition in which the area where the stomach and wind pipe meet (the starting of the diaphragm) is stretched. This causes the top of the stomach to push-up into the chest cavity. As a result, the esophageal sphincter, which normally acts as a one-way control device to allow meals to travel into the stomach, is unable to prevent the contents of the stomach, including gastric chemicals, from traveling upward.

Signs and symptoms

Although most people with hiatal hernia experience no symptoms, when symptoms do occur, they primarily manifest as heart problems or acid reflux, which can be made worse by bending over, especially after eating, or exacerbated at night or when lying down.

Hernia can sometimes cause material from the stomach to be pushed upward into the esophagus. This is called esophageal reflux and may cause heartburn. The pain of hiatal hernia can also mimic other health problems such as stomach problems or cardiac arrest.

Cause

Those most prone to hiatal hernia tend to be smokers or obese.

Hiatal hernia is usually due to chronic, extreme pressure in the psoas and quadratus lumborum, two large muscles that merge with the diaphragm, causing the diaphragm to become persistently stressed. Osteopathic manipulation might help normalize these types of muscles.

Natural Cures

Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing exercises can help to strengthen the muscles of the diaphragm and expand the lungs. This is important because many people with hiatal hernia have restricted breathing patterns and also have a practice of swallowing air more frequently than normal. This causes the excessive air to go in the stomach, stressing the diaphragm and exacerbating hiatal hernia signs and symptoms. Conscious, breathing exercises might help slow down the rate of swallowing to more normal amounts.

Diet: Avoid overeating and minimize your consumption of spicy meals, fried foods, espresso, tea, carbonated drinks, citrus fruit juices, alcoholic beverages, whipped cream, milk smoothies, peppermint, onions and green and red-colored peppers, all of which can worsen symptoms. Also avoid eating large meals and then lying down or even bending over, and do not drink too much throughout the day and after meals. While your condition persists, it is best to eat small meals throughout the day, as opposed to the typical three-dinner plan.

Physical exercise and Lifestyle: Sit in an armchair, breathe in, and hold your breath as you lift your legs up toward your chest. Lower your thighs and then breathe out. Repeat this physical exercise several times per session, as well as do it several times a day.

If your symptoms consist of shortness of breath or even food becoming lodged inside your esophagus, consume 16 oz. of pure filtered drinking water daily.

When you rest, be sure that your upper body is in an elevated position so your chest cavity is above your belly. This will prevent your stomach from rising into your upper body cavity.

Herbal treatments: To reduce the inflammation and the signs of acid reflux caused by hiatal hernia, make an infusion of equivalent parts comfrey root, marshmallow root, as well as meadowsweet and drink throughout the day and before going to sleep.

Homeopathy: Calc carb., Hepar sulph., and Ferrum phos. can help relieve signs and symptoms.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists, and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies but please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these treatments to ensure they are right for you.

*Purified water is essential for any hydrotherapy remedy.

Nutritional Supplements: The digestive nutrients pancreatin and hydrochloric acid can help relieve symptoms, as can aloe vera liquid. Vitamin B complex and a multivitamin pill/mineral formula can also help.

Optional Professional Care

If your symptoms persist despite following the measures listed above, seek the help of a qualified medical expert. The following expert care therapies have all been shown to be helpful for treating hiatal hernia: Applied Kinesiology, Biofeedback Instruction, Bodywork, Chiropractic care, Detoxification Treatment, Magnetic Field Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Osteopathy, Reflexology, and traditional Chinese Medicine. (See Glossary for descriptions of these Alternative Therapies.)