Natural Healing for Acid Reflux & Hiatal Hernias

Hiatal hernias occur in the section of your diaphragm where the esophagus and stomach connect. The stomach protrudes into the esophagus and can cause symptoms like acid reflux, nausea, chest pain and burping. The hernia itself does not require any treatment unless it is causing severe symptoms unmitigated by other forms of treatment. Surgery is the only treatment for the actual hernia. A natural treatment strategy using a combination of natural supplements, lifestyle recommendations and self-care can address acid reflux. The University of Maryland Medical Center and the Mayo Clinic offer several suggestions.

Self-Care to Reduce Reflux

• Certain self-care measures will benefit your condition whether you are using alternative or conventional treatment for your hernia-induced acid reflux. Eat smaller meals throughout the day. Do not lie down or exercise for at least three hours after eating.

  Lose excess weight. Stop smoking; it encourages the production of acid reflux and dries up your saliva, which shields your esophagus from stomach acid. Raise the head of your bed six to nine inches; this will keep stomach acid from traveling up the esophagus. Wear loose-fitting clothes to relieve pressure on your stomach.

  Avoid certain medications that worsen reflux. They include NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, sedatives, tranquilizers, calcium channel blockers, tetracycline. Talk to your doctor to see if any of your medications might be contributing to your problem. He can suggest alternatives if possible.

Reducing Reflux With Diet

• Certain foods and beverages will aggravate your condition either by increasing acid production or relaxing muscles that will allow acid to move up the esophagus. They include alcohol, caffeine in all forms, carbonated beverages, citrus, fatty foods like dairy and meat and decaffeinated coffee. Everyone is different and while these items are the most common offenders, you might find other foods worsen your acid reflux; keeping track of what you eat and when symptoms strike can help you determine if you should avoid additional things.

Using Natural Supplements

• The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests the following supplements might be useful for treating acid reflux and protecting the tissue. You do not need to use every supplement as many offer similar effects. Talking to a health care provider experienced in using natural supplements can help you design a treatment regimen.

  Omega-3 fatty acids ease inflammation; take 1 or 2 capsules of fish oil twice a day. Probiotics and L-glutamine 1,000 mg three times a day promote gastrointestinal health. Probiotics come in many forms; take your chosen supplement as directed. Melatonin offers gastric protection; take 2 to 6 mg before bed. Cat's claw (20 mg three times a day) and reishi mushroom (300 mg three times a day) have anti-inflammatory properties.

Reducing Stress

• Stress aggravates acid reflux and worsens symptoms. Experiment with relaxation techniques, such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing, calming music or progressive relaxation to ease stress, anxiety and other negative emotions.