Change of Lifestyle Controls Hiatal Hernia

The term hernia is defined as a protrusion of an organ through a muscular wall, which usually contains it. Hiatus or hiatal hernia is the protrusion of the stomach into the thorax through the diaphragm. This condition can develop in all ages and in both sexes, though the incidence is reported more in the middle age group.  It is seen that even normal people over the age of 50 suffers from a small degree of hiatal hernias.

Life style adjustments can control hiatal hernia.

Certain bad habit like smoking which contributes to the occurrence of hiatal hernia can easily be taken care of by discontinuing the bad habit of smoking which will additionally help the passive smokers also to breathe free air. Another most important hazard which certainly is one of cause that leads to hernia is overweight. If you are overweight, it is of paramount importance that the weight is reduced at any cost. Certain people like to wear tight fitting clothes. The tight fitting garments and belts especially those which put stomach undue pressure to be avoided to reduce the chances of hernia.

Certain care to be taken about the bed to control hernia. The bed frame, at the end where head rests, should be raised by 6 inches. The beneficial effect is, the gravity will prevent the stomach acid to travel upwards to esophagus during sleep, thereby, and the stomach will not be under undue pressure. To get the aforesaid benefit, one may use a foam wedge underneath the mattress so that the body rests slightly on a slope rather than on a flat position. But, one must not use pillows to raise the head which will generate additional pressure to the abdomen.

• One must not take too much food in one go.
• He should take small amount of food at a time.
• Non-spicy and non-acidic food to be taken
• Eat 2 hours before sleep.
• After eating, one should not bend or lie down.