Hernia is one of the most common abdominal diseases. Almost 5 percent of the population suffers from it and men have to deal with hernia more frequently than women. The likeliness of developing diseases like inguinal hernia is about 25 times more in men when compared to women. It is extremely painful. If you do not go for proper treatment it might become a significant hurdle in your life.

Hernias, in general, are not life-threatening but do not go away on their own. Surgery may be required to prevent complications. But you can manage the symptoms of hernia naturally as provided in the guidance below.

What exactly is Hernia?

Hernia is a condition in which an organ or a part of an organ bulges out through the tissues that normally hold it. This life debilitating condition that reduces general mobility can be handled by adhering to some lifestyle and diet changes. Even though hernia cannot be cured on its own and surgery may be the only way out, some simple tips will definitely help you in dealing with it.

Understanding inguinal hernia

The inguinal canal is present in males as well as females, but in males it creates a space for the spermatic cord and the testicles to descent at birth. It is later supposed to attach back to the pelvis but the muscle leaves a weak spot in this area of the abdomen. Inguinal hernia occurs when intestinal fats or tissues push through the inguinal canal via this weak spot. It is much more common in males and causes a bulge in the groin area on movement which is often very painful.

Causes of hernia

Extra pressure on areas of weakness in the abdominal wall can cause the tissue to push through the space causing hernia. There are many risk factors associated with inguinal hernia like obesity, cystic fibrosis, pregnancy, frequent constipation, long standing for greater durations of time, chronic cough or a premature born child.

Signs and symptoms associated with inguinal hernia

A painful bulge in the pubic or groin area that moves on coughing and increases in size on standing is classified as an inguinal hernia. Pain on exercising, coughing or bending because of movement in the tissue, burning sensation on urinating, heaviness of the groin, swelling of scrotum and sharp pain are characteristic features of this condition.

5 Simple Tips to Successfully Deal With Hernia

1. Hernia girdles

A hernia occurs mostly in the abdomen, even though other parts such as groin, upper thigh area, and belly button area are also susceptible to it. Depending upon the type of hernia, one can wear girdles or straps that are designed to give instant relief from the pain and discomfort.

Hernia girdles do not help in curing the disease, but they successfully help in alleviating pain and discomfort. The design of modern medical hernia girdles contour the body and offer adequate support to the weak abdominal muscles. It also looks smooth under your regular clothing without offering any visible signs of projections. These belts support the body in those situations that tend to aggravate hernia pain, such as weight lifting and fits of coughing. One can wear it under the normal clothing on a daily basis without being noticed by anyone. Even though these types of medical compression girdles are quite expensive, they are worth a try.

2. Diet and lifestyle changes

Diet and lifestyle changes are the most important things one can embrace to prevent hernia from becoming severe. Adopting some lifestyle modifications can help you in staying away from medical or surgical interventions altogether.

There are some fundamental rules that should be followed to alleviate pain caused by hernia. Some of them are: eat lesser quantity of food at a time; have more frequent meals; avoid eating at least two hours before sleep; do not engage in body exertions immediately after eating; stay away from alcohol etc. Stay away from certain foods that aggravate heart burns and other symptoms of hiatal hernia. One needs to identify the foods that cause problems for them. It has been generally observed that citrus foods are harmful for hernia patients, while fruits like banana, avocado, berries, etc are safe. Acidic dairy products, hot spicy foods, meat, fatty foods, carbonated and soft drinks should be avoided to lessen pain. Also, take care to chew your food and never swallow food in a hurry. Indulge in foods that are easy to digest. Never postpone bowel movement. Some safe foods that can be consumed without worry are: whole-grain pasta, brown rice, fish, lean poultry etc.

3. Yoga therapy

Experiences show that the ancient Indian practice of yoga is of much help in dealing with hernia of various types. There are rare instances wherein hernias are cured completely through yoga without any surgery. But, yoga should be performed under an expert supervision, if you do it to cure hernia.

Certain postures in yoga are really helpful in strengthening abdominal and other weak muscles. The irregular stretching and liberation of the abdominal muscles enhance blood flow to the affected body parts. This in turn assists in reducing digestive disorders and discomforts. Some yoga postures and poses make the muscles stronger making them capable of bearing the internal pressure caused by organs. Obese people are more prone to hernia. Yoga helps in reducing weight and so, reduces risk of hernia. Inverted postures are found to be really helpful in reinforcing abdominal muscles. Refrain from indulging dynamic exercises since they exacerbate the symptoms of hernia.

4. Home remedies

You can never say no to the good old home remedies that are helpful in curing a lot of diseases without surgery. There are some effective home remedies to treat hernia also. Even though they may not cure the disease completely, it will help you in dealing with the pain.

Even though you may feel some relief from pain by applying heat to the area, never resort to that. You should not apply heat to the swollen area. Instead, you may place some ice bags on the affected part to get relief from pain. Regular intake of American ginseng will help in strengthening internal muscles the pain and discomfort caused by hernia. Drink half cup of aloe vera juice daily in the morning and evening to get relief from the symptoms of hernia. Burning sensation caused by hiatus hernia can be reduced by consuming a blend of rice, buttermilk and ripe bananas daily.

There is another effective herbal remedy that can relieve hernia pain and discomfort. Take one chicken egg, three tablespoons of honey and cumin oil each in a glass. Add enough water to it and blend it well. Drink this juice daily in the morning to get instant relief from pain.

5. Prevention is better than cure

Make physical exercises a part of your life. It is beneficial in strengthening muscles and will be less prone to rupture. Regular exercises will also help you in maintaining healthy body weight and will prevent you from becoming obese. Overweight people are more susceptible to hernia and a host of other disease. Obese people are at greater risk of contracting inguinal hernia since their abdominal muscles have to bear huge amount of pressure. Staying healthy through exercise and healthy diet is the best way to prevent hernias.

Never strain your body excessively which can lead to the ripping of muscles. Resort to good body mechanics when picking up heavy objects. Regular bowel movement will prevent your muscles from straining too much. Include fiber-rich foods in your diet in plenty. Indulge in fruits, vegetables and whole grains to maintain physical health. Most of the diseases can be kept at bay by adopting preventive measures, and hernia is not an exemption.

6. Dealing with belts, trusses and briefs

For those looking for options other than surgery, various medical supplies are available in the market these days. These products can be used to relieve the associated symptoms as well as prevent the occurrence of hernia in those who are genetically predisposed.

Inguinal hernia is the most common type of hernia and occurs more frequently in males. This painful condition can be treated only through surgery, but for those that wish to avoid surgery, some products like belts, briefs, trusses, binders can help in allowing free movement.

Medical products for patients of hernia

1. Hernia Truss

For long periods of standing or walking a truss can be used by hernia patients. If your hernia is reducible that is you are able to push it all the way back into the abdomen then, you can apply a truss over it to prevent it from coming down again. A truss is like a belt and goes around the abdomen as well as one thigh to keep the hernia tissue in place.

2. Belts and Briefs

Hernia support belts, briefs, wraps and pressure garments are designed to keep the hernia tissue tucked in the right place and prevent it from popping out. These belts and briefs apply pressure on the abdominal area and may sometimes push more tissue into the hernia space thus worsening the condition.

3. Abdominal Binders

Preferred to be used post-surgery, these products are usually advised after open surgery of the abdomen. These help in healing and reduce scar formation. Some physicians prefer to let the surgical area heal by itself while most prefer to put their patients on abdominal binders. These may help in relieving pain too.

Preventing hernia

For those that are at a higher risk of developing hernia due to personal or family history, it is possible to lessen their symptoms. Staying on a healthy diet which is rich in fiber, avoiding smoking and alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding lifting heavy weights can be beneficial.

Fixing a Hiatal Hernia naturally

Hiatal Hernia has seen an upsurge in recent years because it has a close connection with inactive and unhealthy lifestyles, and a lot many people today relate to this sort of lifestyle. It also has a slew of other causative factors such as age, heavy weight lifting, applying too much of pressure while passing stools, stress, smoking, sleeping right after having meals, and no exercise.

Loss of appetite, heartburn, fatigue, acidity, and abdominal pain are the symptoms that follow. Whatever is the reason behind this development in your body, you can use these following home remedies to cure the symptoms naturally.

Apple Cider Vinegar

The holy grail of healthy home remedies, apple cider vinegar is one of the most effective remedy to ease painful burning sensations owing to stomach acid. If you drink ACV mixed in water thrice a day, you will experience a considerable relief in heartburn and other Hiatal Hernia symptoms.

Aloe Vera Juice

Just like apple cider vinegar, Aloe Vera is also capable of curing a slew of health problems. To drink a small glass full of fresh and undiluted aloe vera juice in the morning and night should be your routine if you want to cure your hiatal hernia the natural way. It improves your digestive system and makes your stomach lining strong enough to withstand otherwise damaging effects of acid produced in stomach.

Warm Water

Avoid drinking coffee, tea, juice, or cold water immediately after you wake up; rather make it a point to have a glass of lukewarm water. Warm water relaxes the stomach muscles, eventually bringing down the hernia in its place from the diaphragm opening.

Chamomile

Curing heartburn, abdominal pain, and to soothe and relax digestive tract is not a problem for chamomile, as it does all this quite efficiently. It works as a natural remedy to cure hiatal hernia, so drink chamomile tea twice or thrice a day, or dry chamomile flowers on your own. All dried flowers to boiling water, strain, add some honey if you want, and enjoy healthy tea.

Cinnamon Powder

Hiatal hernia makes your digestive system weak, and acid production in stomach is a signal for you that your system is becoming weak. If you consume cinnamon powder on a regular basis, you will experience relief from numerous symptoms such as heartburn and acidity because cinnamon powder helps eliminate stomach acid production.