How To Cure Hiatal Hernia Naturally

Whenever an internal organ pushes up into an area inside the body where it does not belong is called a hernia. In general, all types of hernia that cause any symptoms should be repaired. Patients suffer from many health complications due to hernia which is treated first with medication and lifestyle changes. If there is no relief by these therapies then the next step is to perform surgery to remove the hernia. But, the first choice always remains the management of hernia in ways that are close to nature such as herbal medications, easy exercises, and eating such foods that do not trigger the symptoms to make your hernia worse.

The focus of this article is to give readers a thorough knowledge about how to cure hiatal hernia with natural medicines and treatment without needing any surgery.

What is hiatal hernia?

We can define hiatal hernia as a prolapse of a portion of the stomach through diaphragmatic esophageal hiatus. It is basically a type of diaphragmatic hernia that can be congenital which can be very rare or acquired. Sometimes acquired Hiatal hernias can be traumatic in etiology.

Non-traumatic Hiatal hernias can be classified into two types

1. Sliding hiatal hernia:

It is a type of hernia in which gastroesophageal junction (junction between food pipe and stomach) protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest.

2. Paraesophageal or fixed type hernia:

Sometimes a part of the stomach slips up to the esophageal hiatus into the chest cavity. This is called Paraesophageal hernia.

Mostly, Hiatal hernias are of sliding types. In this hernia, a portion of the stomach and lower esophageal sphincter move into the chest and protrude through the diaphragmatic wall.

Causes of hiatal hernia:

There is a good chance that hiatal hernia can be a hereditary condition; certain factors can contribute to causing it. These factors include:

• Persistent coughing
• Heavy weight lifting or muscle straining
• Multiple surgeries
• Putting excess pressure while passing feces (IBS)
• Obesity
• The buildup of extra fluid or ascites in your abdominal cavity

When is surgery required?

Mostly Hiatal hernias do not cause any symptoms. Therefore, treatment is not required. But in situations of mild symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, and gastroesophageal syndrome, the patient may be able to treat his condition with the help of lifestyle changes and proper medication. However, if it becomes impossible to treat the symptoms with medication then surgery is recommended. These complications are:

• If symptoms become very severe and affect the quality of life.
• No benefit with taking any medication or treatment
• If the blood supply to herniated tissue is cut off. This situation is called a strangulated hernia
• Symptoms like intestinal bleeding, ulcers, narrowing of esophagus which is also called an esophageal stricture

After surgery, most people do not feel any severe pain but they may feel discomfort in their stomach and chest. They may also have trouble swallowing. This situation remains for almost 48 to 72 hours. The patient will feel well again in a few days but may find that he gets tired easily plus surgery can cause other complications such as recurrence of the hernia, difficulty to urinate, the formation of seroma and tissue or organ damage. In the days after the procedure of surgery, the patient will be advised to:

• Wash the incision area every day with disinfectant and water
• Use shower instead of taking a bath and avoid the use of hot tubs and pools
• Walk around when possible to stop blood clots forming in the leg
• Avoid drinking liquids with the help of a straw
• Practice breathing and coughing exercises told by your physician to strengthen the diaphragm

In the next few post-surgical weeks of hiatal hernia, the United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS) recommends the following:

• Avoid any heavy weight lifting activities for 2 to 3 weeks
• Avoid driving for 10 to 15 days
• Go back to work within 3 to 4 weeks or whenever the patient is feeling well enough
• Take painkillers regularly for a few days after surgery to minimize pain or discomfort

Natural Treatment Of Hernia With Grocare Hernia Kit:

Ayurveda is an ancient traditional medicine system that belongs to south Asian countries especially India. The principle of treatment in this medical system is to address the root cause of the problem by using a holistic approach. It emphasizes using herbal remedies, simple and suitable diet, meditation, breathing exercises, and physical therapy.

Like many other diseases, hiatal hernia treatment is also available in Ayurveda. Pain in hernia is caused by chronic inflammation of the tissues which is impossible to treat with surgery. Therefore, ayurvedic treatment is given to patients as an alternative therapy to treat inflammation-related pain and other symptoms. In Ayurveda, hiatal hernia is correlated with antra Viriddhi. The herbs or plants which are effective for its treatment are combined in a hernia kit formulated by Grocare. The constituents present in this medicine give strength to the intestinal wall, improve the bowel movements, and decrease the inflammation related pain due to hiatal hernia.

Hernica®:

The active ingredients are:

Pongamia Glabra: This herb has a chemical constituent in it known as karanjin and some essential volatile oils in it. All of these substances have strong anti-inflammatory and natural healing properties. This plant also provides great relief from hernia pain and also helps to repair the damaged layer by working as a rejuvenating agent.

Cassia Angustifolia: This plant carries two main glycosides named as Sennosides A and B. These glycosides are strong natural laxatives and purgatives. They help to treat digestion issues such as gas, constipation, belching and bloating to keep the gut free of food irritants to avoid food allergies and other complications.

Holarrhena Antidysenterica: It is a potent antispasmodic agent and used to relax the smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract. This plant is also used as a digestive aid to treat problems such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and colic. All these mentioned problems worsen the hernia symptoms therefore; it is given to patients to avoid these complications.

Ferula asafoetida: This plant has strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used as a treatment for chronic patients suffering from Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. It helps to decrease the inflammation plus pain in the gastrointestinal tract and stomach in patients of hiatal hernia. It also works as an antispasmodic agent and emmenagogue.

Some other active ingredients are also included in this medicine to enhance the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect of it.

Xembran®:

The active ingredients in this medicine are the following:

Shankha Bhasma: It is a great anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal, antispasmodic agent, and used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBS). It also reduces the pain related to hiatal hernia in patients and gives a soothing effect.

Myristica fragrans: It is a great anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving (analgesic) remedy if you are suffering from a stomach ache and hiatal hernia pain. The chemical constituents are myristicin, elemicin, and safrole. These all are potent analgesics and contain anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, relieve stomach pain and stimulate internal organ health. It is used as a carminative to aid digestion problems in chronic patients.

Zingiber officinale: It is a natural anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory agent. Therefore, it is used to treat several digestion problems such as stomach infections and pain. Zingiber officinale also possesses a miraculous natural healing effect. This is the reason that it is used as a remedy to treat internal injuries and internal bleeding from centuries.

Few other constituents are also present in this medicine in small concentrations.

Acidim®

The main active ingredients in this are the following:

Ipomea Turpethum: This plant tends to have mild laxative and cathartic properties. Therefore, used as a digestive aid in people who suffer from irritable bowel disease (IBD) and different hernias.

Eugenia Cryophyllata: This is also known as clove and used as a seasoning in foods often especially in Asian countries. It possesses some essential volatile oils such as eugenol, caryophyllene, kaempferol, tannins, flavonoids, and vitamins A and C. These all are very effective antioxidants plus analgesics and used to prevent and treat digestive health issues. These essential oils may also help to rejuvenate the tissue to repair the hernia if its size is small.

Cyperus rotundus: This plant also has antioxidant properties which give a protective effect to the abdominal lining to repair the hernia and other stomach issues.

Emblica Ribes: This is also known as false black pepper and has potent anti-bacterial, anti-flatulence, and antiprotozoal activities. Therefore, it is added in this formula to treat digestive ailments such as gas, bloating, inflammation which may worsen the hernia symptoms.

Hiatal Hernia Diet Tips:

Hiatal hernia usually shows no symptoms in most people. Those who do experience these symptoms must be careful about what they eat. The typical symptoms of hiatal hernia are gastroesophageal reflux disease, indigestion, and heartburn. Certain foods can make symptoms worse for such people. Luckily these symptoms can often be controlled by diet management and changing your lifestyle.

Foods that may cause hiatal hernia symptoms:

These foods are highly acidic in nature and can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter. Therefore, it becomes easier for stomach acids and contents to flow back into your esophagus. This will cause heartburn symptoms.

• Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons. Acidic drinks such as orange juice, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, coke, and lemonade
• Chocolates
• Fried and fatty foods such as fried chicken and fatty cuts of meat
• Onions and garlic sausages
• Spicy foods
• Peppermint and spearmint
• Food containing ketchup or tomatoes in it such as spaghetti sauce, pizza, chili, salsa, and tomato juice
• Coffee, tea (including decaffeinated versions as well) and alcohol
• Carbonated soft drinks
• Dairy products such as milk, whey, and yogurt. Instead try soy, almond, or coconut milk. These may be good milk substitutes. Also, mild cheeses (for example feta and goat) may be enjoyed in moderation.
• Oily foods and butter

Foods those are less likely to cause hiatal hernia:

Foods that are lower acid-producing in nature are less likely to aggravate your hiatal hernia symptoms. For example:

• Apples and bananas
• Leafy green vegetables, green beans, peas, carrots and broccoli
• Grains such as cereals (bran and oatmeal), bran bread, bran rice, pasta, and crackers
• Low fat or skimmed milk and low-fat yogurt
• Fat-free cheese and cream, and fat-free ice cream
• Lean meat, fish and chicken
• Plain water
• Pretzels, rice cakes, and baked potato chips
• Low-fat sweets and bakery items

Cooking Tips:

A good way to enjoy the above-mentioned foods is to cook them in a healthy manner. Here are a few tips for you to enjoy your food.

• Boil or bake vegetables and other food items instead of frying
• Choose lean meat like skinless chicken or ground turkey instead of beef (to avoid excessive fat)
• Go easy on spices. Some of these seasonings are fine if they are not too spicy. Therefore, should be used in moderation
• Steam the vegetables with plain water
• Experiment with your food. There are so many recipes available online. You should try new ones to add flavor to your routine meals.

You can consult a nutritionist and get a suitable diet chart as per your dietary requirements.

Other medication to treat hiatal hernia:

• Over the counter antacid medications are used to give patients short term relief from pain. These medicines include Maalox and Mylanta etc.
• The second choice is histamine agonists such as Zantac, Pepcid, Tagamet, and nizatidine Axid. These drugs are given to patients if prescribed by a doctor on the recommended dose to reduce acid production and are also available over-the-counter in some chain pharmacies and non-prescription online pharmacies (NPOPs).
• For more complicated and severe conditions, you may be prescribed a proton pump inhibitor (PPIs) such as omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), or lansoprazole (Prevacid).

Sometimes physicians also prescribe the above-mentioned drugs in a combination of a synergistic effect. But first of all, talk to your doctor and tell him about your symptoms, condition, and every medicine that you are taking at the time. Also, if by using any of these drugs you feel any unusual side effects or allergy, consult your doctor immediately and discontinue the medication right away.