Hiatal Hernia: Causes And Natural Remedies To Treat It

Severe hiatal hernia can cause esophageal cancer, so it is essential to treat it early to relieve discomfort and avoid complications.

If you have been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, you should know that you should improve your lifestyle as soon as possible, in addition to following the treatment guidelines indicated by your doctor.

Hiatal hernia, also known as hiatal hernia, produces different quite annoying symptoms, such as: heartburn, difficulty in traffic, nausea, vomiting with blood or dark colored stools, acid reflux, among others; and all of them affect the quality of life of patients.

Below we will tell you more about this disease and what the treatment prescribed by the doctor includes. Additionally, we will indicate some of the home remedies that are usually suggested in the popular sphere.

What is hiatal hernia and what are its symptoms?

Hiatal hernia is an abnormality that occurs when part of the stomach moves up through the diaphragm. Acid rises more easily into the esophagus and in that case, gastroesophageal reflux disease could appear. However, having reflux frequently is not indicative of the presence of this problem.

Hiatal hernia is a fairly common condition that is most often diagnosed in people over the age of 50. For this reason it is said that a large percentage of the adult population suffers from this disorder, even though they are asymptomatic.

Symptoms

The most characteristic symptoms of hiatal hernia are:

• Bad breath.
• Flatulence
• Dark stools
• Pain in the chest.
• Vomiting blood
• Difficulty to swallow.
• Heartburn or heartburn.
• Feeling of excessive satiety after eating.

Some people with this condition remain asymptomatic, so it is more difficult to diagnose it. In addition, vomiting and dark stools appear only in severe cases of hiatal hernia. Sometimes some people with this condition are asymptomatic, which is why it is more complicated.

Possible causes

• Obesity.
• Smoking
• Weakened diaphragm muscle.
• Having increased pressure in the abdomen when coughing, vomiting or going to the bathroom.

Treatment of hiatal hernia

According to Mayo Clinic experts, most asymptomatic hiatal hernia patients do not need treatment. In contrast, those with symptoms may need to take certain medications. Surgery is usually reserved for the most severe cases.

Some of the drugs your doctor might prescribe are: antacids, drugs to decrease acid production, or drugs that block acid production and heal the esophagus.

Additional Recommendations

• Give up smoking.
• Keep a healthy weight.
• Do not eat large meals, but several meals a day (5 – 6 in moderate quantities).
• Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages and alcohol.
• Avoid greasy foods, sauces, chocolate, and other potentially irritating foods.
• Eat a light dinner and at least 2 or 3 hours before going to sleep at night.
• Do not lie down after eating, but sit for 15-20 minutes.

Natural remedies to treat hiatal hernia

According to popular wisdom, the following remedies can help relieve discomfort in the event of a hiatal hernia. It should be noted that it is advisable to consult with your doctor about its consumption, before starting it, in order to avoid interactions and adverse reactions.

Licorice infusion

As licorice has antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, it is said that the infusion can be a good remedy in case of having a hiatal hernia.

Ingredients

• Honey (to taste)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml).
• 1 teaspoon of licorice leaf (5 g).

Preparation

• Take a pot, add the cup of water and the licorice and let it boil for 10 minutes.
• Let it sit for 10 more minutes and then strain it. Then sweeten it with honey to taste (if you like) and drink.

Apple cider vinegar

According to beliefs, apple cider vinegar is another natural remedy that can help relieve discomfort if you have a hiatal hernia. To take advantage of it, it must always be diluted in a good amount of water.

Ingredients

• Apple cider vinegar (5 ml).
• 1 glass of water (250 ml).

Preparation

• Add the apple cider vinegar to a glass of water.
• Mix well with the help of a teaspoon.
• Drink at most once a day. 

Chamomile infusion

Chamomile tea is a very popular remedy that is used to relieve various discomforts, from menstrual cramps to restlessness. This is because chamomile has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and sedative properties that are helpful in providing relief.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of dried chamomile flower (30 g).
• 1 cup of water (250 ml).

Preparation

• Take a pot and bring the water to a boil for a few minutes.
• In a glass add the two tablespoons of chamomile and add the boiling water.
• Let it rest for a few minutes and drink the infusion.

Aloe vera juice

Aloe vera juice is a popular remedy for discomfort caused by hiatal hernia that should be used with great caution, as aloe is not always well tolerated and it can also cause diarrhea and other discomfort.

Ingredients

• 1 small piece of aloe vera or aloe (2-3 g).
• 1 glass of citrus juice of your choice (250 ml).
• Honey (to taste)

Preparation

• Cut a leaf of aloe vera, peel it and clean it well to obtain the crystal.
• Make sure to remove all the yellowish substance that is secreted when cutting the stalk because this could give the drink a bitter taste and could also cause diarrhea.
• In a blender add the citrus juice, the aloe vera crystal pieces and blend.
• Sweeten with honey to taste and drink at most once a day.

Laurel infusion

The infusion of laurel is another of the remedies that is proposed to alleviate some of the discomfort caused by a hiatal hernia. Specifically, colic and flatulence.

Ingredients

• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup of water (250 ml).

Preparation

• Heat the water and, when it reaches the boiling point, add the two bay leaves and let it rest.
• Strain the infusion.
• Drink by sips, in moderation.
• Avoid consuming more than 2-3 cups a day.

How to get hiatal hernia improvement?

To improve yourself, the most appropriate thing is that you follow the instructions of your doctor and at the same time, you try to maintain good lifestyle habits. Especially when it comes to your diet. Although remember that if you are a smoker, it is best to quit tobacco so as not to worsen your condition.

In short, before consuming any remedy, it is best to consult your doctor. This way you can avoid adverse reactions and drug interactions.