I have a request from one of our readers regarding hiatus hernia. They asked if we could explain about hiatus hernia and the natural treatment for it, wanting to know the most effective way to remedy this issue as they are experiencing significant discomfort.

Hiatus hernia is not rare, and it tends to be more common among individuals over the age of 50. Many who have this issue are not entirely sure about their condition, often mistaking it for acid stomach or thinking they have symptoms of heartburn or reflux. A hiatus hernia occurs when food passes from the mouth, through the esophagus, and into the stomach. To reach the stomach, it must go through a thick muscle region called the diaphragm, crucial for lung function and breathing. In the case of a hiatus hernia, the stomach gets displaced, rising into the esophageal region. This displacement can lead to stomach acid flowing back up, causing symptoms like reflux or heartburn.

Some people even mistake the pain associated with a hiatus hernia for a heart attack. Factors like gender, age, physical fitness, and emotional states can influence its occurrence. For instance, it tends to be more frequent in women than in men and in those who are overweight or emotionally stressed.

Furthermore, an under-acidic stomach, known as hypochlorhydria, where an individual produces insufficient digestive enzymes or hydrochloric acid, can mimic symptoms of an over-acidic stomach, leading to heartburn. There are natural approaches to manage hiatus hernia. One beneficial practice is mastering proper breathing techniques, focusing on the diaphragm. Learning to breathe correctly and understanding the link between diet, stress, and the condition can naturally control and potentially reverse the hernia over time. It is essential to note that there is no need to rely on acid-blocking medications indefinitely.

To help manage this, consider the following simple technique:

1.  Stand up and drink about half to three quarters of a glass of warm water.
2.  Relax for a minute, focusing on belly breathing.
3.  Lift your hands up, opening the diaphragm area.
4.  With the water weight in your stomach, do gentle drops on the ground. This action aims to activate the diaphragm and close the hernia.
5. Master the art of proper breathing, emphasizing nasal and belly breathing.

When done regularly and combined with proper diet and stress management, these steps can offer relief from the discomfort associated with hiatus hernia.

Disclaimer: The techniques mentioned in this blog post are general suggestions. It is crucial to consult with your healthcare professional to ensure these practices are suitable for your specific situation.