In the natural remedy for Hiatus Hernia it is advisable to raise the head end of the bed by placing bricks below the legs of the bed. This will prevent the regurgitation of food during the night. The next vital step towards treating hiatus hernia is relaxation. An important measure in this direction is diaphragmatic breathing. It is important to be able to relax at any time and in that way prevent building up of physical and mental tensions which may cause actual physical symptoms. The best method for this is practice shavasana.
The patient of hiatus hernia should observe certain precautions in their eating habits. The most important amongst these is not to take water with meals, but half an hour before or one hour after a meal. This helps the digestive process significantly and reduces the frequency of heart burn. Drinking water with meals increases the overall weight in the stomach, slows down the digestive process by diluting the digestive process and this increases the risk of fermentation and gas formation, which distends the stomach and causes uneasiness and pain.
Another important factor in the treatment of this disease is to take frequent small meals instead of three large ones. Thorough mastication of foods is also important, both to break up the food into small particles and to slow down the rate of intake. The diet of the patient should consist of seeds, vegetables and fruits, nuts and whole cereal grains, with emphasis on fresh fruits, raw or lightly cooked vegetables and sprouted seeds. The foods which should be avoided are over processed foods like white bread and sugar, cakes and biscuits, rice puddings and over cooked vegetables. At least 50 per cent of the diet should include fruits and vegetables, and the remaining fifty per cent of protein, carbohydrates and fat.
Raw juices extracted from fresh fruits and vegetables are helpful in hiatus hernia, and the patient should take these juices half an hour before each meal. Carrot juice is in particular advantageous as it has a very restorative effect, and is rich in vitamin A and calcium. It is an alkaline food which soothes the stomach. All juices should be diluted with water. The hot drinks should always be allowed to cool a little before taking. Extremes in temperature, in both food and drink should be avoided; drinks should not be taken hurriedly, but sipped little by little. The patient should keep away from condiments, pickles, strong tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages and smoking.
