Hiatus Hernia

I just found out that I have a hiatal hernia and I have difficulty swallowing but no burning from reflux. I would like to use some natural therapies.

A hiatus hernia is a tear, weakness or protrusion (herniation) of part of the stomach through the diaphragm at the opening of the Esophagus. The symptoms associated with a hiatus hernia include acid reflux, pain similar to heartburn in the chest or upper stomach, nausea, indigestion or bloating. However for many people it can be asymptomatic. Sometimes patients experience heartburn and regurgitation, when stomach acid refluxes back into the esophagus, this occurs generally due to a weakness of the esophageal sphincter not holding the contents of the stomach down. In Chinese Medicine this weakness and production of reflux is termed Rebellious Qi. In time, the disruption of digestion causing weakness to the sphincter may begin a vicious cycle whereby the degradation of the esophageal sphincter causes decreased digestive function and vice versa.

Dysphagia

The difficulty in swallowing you are experiencing may be related to the trauma of the digestive tract due to the hernia. The musculature of the wall becomes irritated and the smooth muscles become tense causing further discomfort to swallowing and digestive function. If the hiatus hernia relaxes this symptom should also pass, however if this condition is not properly addressed it may cause further complications to digestion in the future.

Risk factors associated with a hiatus hernia

The most common cause is an increased amount of pressure within the abdomen caused by: heavy lifting or bending, frequent or hard coughing/ sneezing, pregnancy and delivery, violent vomiting, straining with constipation or obesity. Other risk factors include hereditary, smoking, drug use, stress or diaphragm weakness.

Diet tips for hiatus hernia

Reduce acidic foods which can contribute to reflux and feelings of discomfort. Foods which may aggravate are tomatoes, potatoes, chilli, eggplant, caffeinated or carbonated drinks, food additives, sugar, alcohol, spices, fatty foods, rich or heavy meals and bread
Eat small meals often to help lighten the load on the digestive processes rather than large meals
Reduce any foods which aggravate your symptoms
Eat foods high in the mineral Silica such as celery, onions, oats, spinach, barley, millet ant the herb horsetail

Lifestyle factors for hiatus hernia

Consider the risk factors explained above
Reduce pharmaceutical antacids which treat the problem and not the cause of the problem

Natural remedies for a hiatus hernia

Slippery Elm may alleviate the discomfort due to the mucopolysaccharides having a demulcent (soothing) effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Add a teaspoon of Slippery Elm to foods such as water, yoghurt, fruit or smoothies. Slippery elm is a carminative to the gastrointestinal tract and will help the sphincter to relax and healing of the digestive wall
The mineral Magnesium is an important factor due to a deficiency being associated with muscle tension. Magnesium may help the herniation to relax and reposition itself
Psyllium (husks) may alleviate the discomfort associated with hiatus hernia
Herbs to increase digestion and reduce overacidity are Chamomile, Licorice, Magnolia, Atractylodes, Aloe Vera, Peppermint, Evodia, Marshmallow, Poria, Citrus Peel, Zizyphus, Cardamom, Asian Hawthorn, Alfalfa and Slippery Elm
The minerals Silica and Calcium Flouride are specific minerals which may help to reinforce the integrity of the esophageal sphincter and reduce the acid

For further information see the Ask a Naturopath.com webpage concerning digestion