Hiatal Hernia And Acid Reflux

Hiatal hernia and acid reflux are two commonly encountered health problems, which affect numerous individuals all over the world. In many cases these two conditions are linked, acid reflux occurring as a consequence of the patient developing a hernia. In such cases, the first step towards treating the acid reflux is effectively correcting the hernia. Once the hernia has been corrected, minimal treatment is required for the gastro-esophageal reflux disease to be controlled or even cured altogether.

In order to correct the hiatal hernia and acid reflux, there are several options available. In some cases, surgery may be the only valid option, while in others it may not be recommended, as it may weaken the area increasing the risk of a relapse. In such situations, a trained professional (such as a kinesiologist, a massage therapist or a chiropractor) can manually correct the stomach’s position.

In some cases, the patient may even employ a procedure which can help solve the problems caused by hiatal hernia and acid reflux, prior to seeking professional help. The method consists of drinking a pint warm water, which is believed to help relax the diaphragm and the stomach, and then repeatedly standing on the toes and dropping to the heels. By doing so, the water in the stomach will act as extra weight pulling the stomach down and can effectively provide relief in less severe cases.

The patient may also employ nutritional aids to help him control the symptoms caused by hiatal hernia and acid reflux. Some herbs, called mucilaginous herbs, can be ingested to help absorb the gastric secretions, and thus preventing them from refluxing into the esophagus. Examples of such plants are comfrey and slippery elm. While the use of nutritional aids is not meant to replace a permanent corrective solution, it may provide the patient with sufficient immediate relief, as the herbs help protect the patient’s ileocecal valve and reduce irritation.

Patients suffering from hiatal hernia and acid reflux should also reconsider their diet so that it contains foods and substances which help soothe the gastrointestinal system. These include balm, chamomile tea, celery, licorice, papaya, hops, brown rice, coriander, barley water, gentian, ginger root, safflowers, raw cabbage juice and marshmallows. At the same time, they should avoid foods which cause gas, even after a permanent corrective solution has been applied; abdominal gas can force the stomach upwards, increasing the risk of a relapse.