Hernia

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What Is Hernia

A Hernia occurs when an organ pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. For example, the intestines may break through a weakened area in the abdominal wall. The most common types of Hernia are inguinal (inner groin), incisional (resulting from an incision), femoral (outer groin), umbilical (belly button), and hiatal (upper stomach). It is self-diagnosable, and they may be asymptomatic (produce no symptoms) or cause slight to severe pain. The pain can occur while resting or only during certain activities such as walking or running.

Signs Of Hernia

The signs and symptoms of a Hernia can range from noticing a painless lump, to a severely painful, tender and swollen protrusion of tissue that you are able to push back into the abdomen. Reducible Hernia may appear as a new lump in the groin area, but it may ache without feeling tender. Irreducible Hernia may be occasionally painful, and may be chronic without pain. Lastly, in a Strangulated Hernia, pain is always present, the entrapped intestine has its blood supply cut off, and the condition is a surgical emergency.

Abdominal or pelvic pain
Lump in the groin area
Protrusion of tissue near abdomen

What Causes Hernia

It is ultimately caused by a combination of pressure and an opening or weakness of muscle; the pressure pushes the organ or tissue through the opening. More often than not, lifting heavy objects without stabilizing the abdominal muscles, diarrhea or constipation, and persistent coughing or sneezing can cause a Hernia. The risk of Hernia increases with age and men are more likely to develop Hernia than women. Possible causes can include:

Enlarged prostate
Long-term constipation
Lifting heavy items
Poor nutrition
Smoking
Cystic fibrosis
Obesity

Dherbs Approach...adjusting your diet is always key!

Natural Remedies

Although it is recommended to rest through the first few days after a Hernia incident, there are certain exercises that can help with the healing and pain relief. Trying low-impact exercises such as walking or water aerobics are safe because you can avoid the site where your hernia is located. Additionally, being in the water aids with weightlessness, and straining to lift weight can worsen the Hernia.
Cinnamon has natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that have a soothing and calming effect on the inner lining of the stomach. It helps prevent the stomach from bloating and may relieve the intense abdominal pain caused by a Hernia.
Since being overweight or obese, in conjunction with poor eating habits, can increase risk of Hernia, maintaining a healthy body is important to prevent and treat a Hernia. If you want your digestive system to work properly, you need to give it the right food. Try focusing on plant-based foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains, and steer clear of processed foods, meats, dairy products, junk foods, and refined grains and sugars, all of which are hard on the digestive system. Reducing stress on the digestive system may help with the healing process.
Hiatal Hernias occur when the stomach pushes through an opening in the diaphragm and into the chest. These can be treated by consuming foods such as avocado and bananas, which may help to reduce the acid reflux that is caused by this Hernia.
Changing your sleeping position may alleviate the negative impact a Hernia can have on a good night’s sleep. Try sleeping on the side of your body that has not been affected by the hernia, given that it can further irritate the hernia site.

Things you should eat