A hernia can be a distressing situation for those who are suffering from it. The lump in the area and the associated pain can hinder the quality of life of a patient. A hernia can be cured only with surgery. But some people due to fear of surgery skip the option and try to follow non-surgical approaches for their hernia problem. However, certain non-surgical approaches may help keep the hernia in place.
This might sound strange but yes, fixing a hernia without undergoing a surgery is possible. The debilitating symptoms of a hernia can be relieved through simple lifestyle changes, like exercise, and making use of some homemade natural remedies can help fix your hernia problem.
Some of the remedies that can help you skip the fear of undergoing a hernia repair surgery are mentioned below:
1. Wear hernia belts
Hernia belts help keep your hernia in place. It is designed in such a way that it helps keep the protruding tissue in place and relieve discomfort. Hernia belt is worn around the abdomen or on the hernial site that helps push the displaced organ or protrusion back to its original place. The belt helps bind the hernia and keep it intact in its place. Wearing a hernia belt is a temporary solution and can only help prevent the symptoms of hernia but doesn’t cure it. However, a hernia belt worn after wearing surgery can reduce the chances of recurrence.
2. Hold your hernia
A person suffering from hernia may experience pain while coughing or sneezing as it puts strains on the hernia. In such a case, putting pressure on the swollen region while coughing and sneezing can help prevent the excessive strain on the hernia and associated pain. One can try putting a slight pressure or holding the swollen area with hand. Putting pressure not only helps prevent extra force but also prevents another one from popping on the other side.
3, Walk
Taking light walks strengthens your abdominal muscles and the muscles in your groin area and the pelvic floor. Brisk walking for 30 minutes can be effective in healing you from within and also boosts your blood circulation helping you relax and get rid of hernia symptoms.
4. Avoid anti-inflammatory foods:
In the case of intestinal hernias, it is important to avoid foods that may trigger inflammation. This is because, if a part of the intestine is already pushed out of your intestinal wall consuming foods that can cause inflammation may worsen the symptoms. In the case of hiatal hernia where the symptoms involve heartburn, pain in the chest, and bloating avoiding foods that are spicy, drinks containing caffeine or anything should be avoided as it irritates the inner lining of the stomach.
5. Exercises
A hernia results due to a combination of weakened muscular wall and strain. So to strengthen the weaker muscles in the abdomen performing mild exercises can help. Practising regular exercises not only strengthen the muscles but also help reduce the swelling and discomfort caused by the hernia.
Some of the exercises that can help strengthen your abdominal muscles include-
- Bridge pose
- Abdominal crunches
- Pillow squeezes
- Plank
- Bird dog pose
6. Maintain a healthy weight
Overweight and obesity are the main cause of hernia. Being overweight puts pressure on the hernia and worsens it. So it’s necessary to maintain a healthy weight to ensure a steady balance and blood flow throughout your body. Try controlling your diet, eat light, exercise regularly and live a healthy active lifestyle. Remember not to undergo strenuous exercise like heavy weightlifting which can worsen hernia and cause immense pain.
7. Apply some ice
Inflammation at hernial site results due to the accumulation of inflammatory mediators at the hernial site. Some other symptoms include swelling, redness, pain in the abdomen or groin area. Applying an ice pack can temporarily relieve the inflammation by constricting the blood supply to the area. It also provides a soothing effect. So next time you observe, the pain, redness or swelling due to hernia to be worsening apply an ice pack directly to the affected area for immediate pain relief.
8. Fibre-rich diet
Eating fibre rich foods has numerous benefits. It forms the bulk, helps relieve constipation and improve your quality by reducing the strain. Include fibre rich foods in your diet like fresh fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, beans, peas, sweet potatoes,
- Nuts like : Chia seeds, Almonds and cashews.
- Fruits: Apples, pears, papaya and watermelons
- Dairy products: Yoghurt and milk.
- Also, keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fresh fruit juices.
9. Ginger tea
Do you know ginger is an effective remedy to heal your stomach and reduce the pain in the abdomen caused by acid reflux? A cup of warm ginger tea can alleviate the pain in the abdomen by preventing a gastric buildup in the stomach. It neutralizes the acid and also prevents it from entering into the oesophagus thereby, lowering the risk of acid reflux.
10. Say no to stress
Stress can aggravate and worsen the symptoms of hernia. It also puts excessive strain on your abdomen and affects your metabolism as a whole. To reduce stress you can perform yoga, exercise, meditation. You can also use essential oils during night to feel relaxed, undergo aromatherapy or try massage.
Summary
The above mentioned techniques can work differently for different people. One can find only temporary relief from the above mentioned tips. These tips doesn’t cure your hernia and can just provide relief from its symptoms. Try consulting your doctor before opting for the above mentioned remedies as sometimes a hernia can get strangulated causing life threatening effects.
