How to Heal a Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal hernias occur when the tissue around your esophagus becomes weak and your stomach pushes into your chest cavity, spilling acid into your esophagus. This can cause heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing and excessive belching. Most hernias can't be healed without surgery; however, unless it's very serious, you can heal your hiatal hernia by making some simple lifestyle changes. With this knowledge, you can live a more comfortable life.

Instructions

1

Treat your body well. Wear lose-fitting clothes to avoid pressure on the hernia. Relax and de-stress as often as possible with yoga and breathing exercises.

2

Change your diet, eliminating any aggravating foods. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, mints, chocolates, onions and acidic and spicy foods. Also, stay away from fatty foods, as they slow digestion.

3

Eat five to six small meals a day, and don't overeat, or your stomach will further bulge into your chest cavity. Chew your food thoroughly, and drink a glass of water after every meal to wash any food residue out of your esophagus.

4

Lose weight through daily exercise and diet. According to Georgia Health Info.gov, this may be the most important step you can take in healing your hernia. Don't exercise for two to three hours after a meal.

5

Wait at least three hours after eating before going to bed or laying down. Prop up the head of your bed six to nine inches by placing bed risers under the feet of the head of the bed. Sleeping in this position stops the acid in your stomach from drifting into your esophagus.

6

Take medication to reduce acid production if these life changes don't work. Antacids and H-2 blockers are over-the-counter solutions that can relieve your symptoms. Your doctor may also prescribe a proton pump inhibitor, which blocks production of acid and gives your esophageal tissue time to heal.