How to Avoid a Hernia – Top Things That Can Potentially Help
Hernias are very common conditions, especially in the beginning or in the later stages of your life. More than 20 million people all over the world get hernia surgery, many in advanced stages and with progression that could have been prevented.
Once a hernia appears, there isn’t much that you can do about it except for surgically repairing it. In this blog, you will find out some tips and tricks that can potentially prevent a hernia from getting worse or even forming in the first place.
What Are Hernias?
Regardless of your weight and shape, your belly has a muscle wall that supports you and keeps your intestines contained.
When that muscle wall weakens, your intestines will push against that spot until it pokes out of a hole. If the hole is big enough, the intestines will seep out, sometimes creating a bulge. And each time you do intensive straining, your organs will squeeze through that spot.
Top Tips to Prevent Hernia Problems
As mentioned, preventing a hernia from appearing is not always possible. However, there are certain things that you can do to prevent it from getting worse. Below are some tips that can help prevent or at least reduce the symptoms of a hernia:
1. Be Careful When Lifting or Bending
Hernias happen when strains are continuously placed on the muscle, potentially causing it to rupture. The more you do these movements, the higher the chances for complications will be. To prevent a hernia from happening or potentially worsening, you should be mindful of how you bend or lift things.
2. Keep a Healthy Weight
If you are overweight, especially with a BMI over 30, your chances of developing a hernia double. This happens because excess weight can push against the diaphragm, worsening the effects of the hernia. By maintaining a healthy weight, you may be able to prevent the hernia from happening in the first place or reduce the symptoms of an existing one.
3. Avoid Heavy Meals
Conditions such as hiatal hernias can lead to a variety of symptoms, including acid reflux. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended that you stick to smaller meals, as this will cause less reflux. Try to avoid foods and drinks that can make your heartburn worse. This can include fatty or rich foods, along with coffee, alcohol, and carbonated drinks.
4. Exercise
Dieting to maintain a healthy weight is not always enough when you are dealing with a potential hernia, so you should also try to exercise. That being said, you should avoid anything too strenuous and always maintain a proper posture. Exercises such as Pilates, yoga, or sit-ups can help strengthen your abdominal wall.
5. Stop Smoking
Smoking irritates your digestive system and makes your entire organism feel off. This can significantly weaken your muscles and affect the healing process of your organs. By quitting smoking, your muscles can grow stronger.
The Bottom Line
Hernias can be a literal pain, and you cannot derail them once they’re formed. The only solution is hernia surgery, which is why the best course of action is to try and prevent this condition. If you notice signs of a hernia, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Patrick Moore as soon as possible.
For more information about hernias and how to prevent them, please contact Dr. Patrick Moore, MD, at 951-477-5700. We would be more than happy to offer you all the information that you need.
