Hiatus hernias are often found in conjunction with conditions such as acid reflux and obesity. The hiatus hernia is simply the movement of a portion of the stomach into the chest via an opening in the diaphragm. Many people do not realize they have a hiatal hernia; however, both types of hiatal hernias may cause pain and digestive disorders. Homeopathic treatment may help reduce symptoms caused by the hernia. Homeopathy cannot repair a hernia, however. Homeopathic remedies work by triggering the body to respond to an irritation or external stimulus that allows the individual to heal himself.
Symptoms and Causes
The esophagus extends through the hiatus, the opening leading to the stomach through the diaphragm. A hiatal hernia occurs when a stimulus allows the top portion of the stomach to pass upward into the hiatus, explains Go Ask Alice, the Columbia University Health Service. It may be overeating, obesity or too much digestive acid irritating the stomach lining. Two types of hernia can occur -- sliding or fixed. Most people do not experience much discomfort or pain from the sliding hernia; however, a fixed hernia generally needs to be repaired with surgery. Hernia symptoms may be heartburn, gassiness, belching, chest pain and difficulty swallowing or breathing. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that most people who have surgery for either type of hiatal hernia no longer suffer from acid reflux or heartburn discomfort. Because other serious diseases may produce similar symptoms and characteristics to a hiatal hernia, it is important to be checked out by your health practitioner for your condition.
Prevention
You can reduce your symptoms and manage a hiatal hernia with lifestyle changes as well as with certain homeopathic remedies that may alleviate symptoms. Avoid eating large meals in favor of eating more frequent, smaller meals. Do not bend or lie down after eating for at least one hour. Lose weight, loosen your belt during meals, stop smoking and learn about which foods aggravate you and eliminate them from your diet.
Homeopathic Remedies
Two remedies in particular may be helpful in relieving symptoms from a hiatal hernia, according to William Boericke, M.D., in the "Materia Medica and Repertory."
Lycopodium is indicated for people whose pain and discomfort may start on the right side of the abdomen and then move to the left, writes Boericke. There may be loud belching, burning sensations in the chest after eating, and a large amount of flatulence that passes with force. The person will generally prefer very hot food and hot drinks. He may have a huge appetite and then be easily satisfied after eating only a few bites. Other indications are liver and gallbladder problems that accompany digestive difficulties, aggravating the hernia.
Nux vomica is indicated for people who over-indulge in food, drink, alcohol and other stimulants that may trigger acid reflux and the hernia, says Boericke. Nux vomica is an excellent remedy for people who have forceful, dominating personalities, are bossy and tend toward workaholism. The person may suffer from problems with the liver as well as other types of hernias. People needing this remedy may have a great deal of sensitivity in the area of the stomach, sour belching, acid indigestion and painful hernia symptoms.
Other Conditions
Homeopathic remedies are available over the counter in most health food stores and online. If you are diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, it is recommended that you consult with an experienced homeopath that can help choose a remedy that best fits your condition.
References
- Go Ask Alice: WHAT IS A HIATAL HERNIA AND ITS SYMPTOMS? CAN IT CAUSE SHORTNESS OF BREATH??
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- "Materia Medica and Repertory"; William Boericke; 1998
- "Desktop Guide"; Dr. Roger Morrison; 1993
