"Extra fat within the abdomen can displace the stomach . . ."

I thought I would post this because I've known a few folks who've had hernia operations, and had they had this information prior to listening to their doctors they may not have gone through with the operation. Just as all surgeries weaken the tissue and organ operated on, so will hernia surgery weaken the abdomen. You don't want this, since so many functions we take for granted are under the direction of the abdomen and intestines. Think of what the diaphragm does. It regulates breathing and oxygen absorption. This is too important of a function for health. Don't take it for granted. Just because you are able to breathe and you do breathe does not necessarily mean that you're breathing to your fullest. Like everything else in your life you want high performance. It's why you seek certain foods at the grocery store or when you select certain restaurants to eat at. Don't skimp on your health and well-being either.

The points made in this slideshow are pretty good even if you don't have a hernia. I like Ayurvedic medicine. It is gentle. Ayurvedic herbs were the first ones I'd heard of to help with stress outside of the B Vitamins. Also, I'd had an Ayurvedic massage almost 12 years ago and could not believe the energy it generated throughout my body. I did go back months later for a second Ayurvedic massage but it didn't have the same effect. And the cost back then 2002 of $100 was prohibitive for me. Still, that was a great memory.

I do not know which vitamins would benefit a hernia.  I would guess that probiotics in the form of yogurt would help.  Problem is is that if you're a tough guy who has always been around construction, maintenance, lifting, or sports, you're going to find this a bit disappointing.  But maybe you could have watched out for your stomach and your intestines a little better.  Still, the video is worth the few minutes of your time.  One detail from the slideshow that caught my attention was that 27% of men get hernias, whereas only 3% of women get them.  Get that.  It's men who are doing all the lifting. I hope I am not overstating it.  And if it has no relevance to your, perhaps you can pass it on to a friend or family member who may benefit from it now . . . or later.  Obviously, I wish you the best health possible.  It's one reason why I make these posts.  Information does not hurt.  And this site is not a bad source for healthful resources.

The idea of customized and custom-fitted truss was excellent.  I could not imagine any better physical support than a bilateral hernia belt.  Find them at Amazon. These support belts will push an inguinal hernia back into its proper position in the intestinal wall.  This is a viable option if the hernia is reducible.  How can one know if it is reducible?  What are the signs of reducibility?  The hernia support belt should be fitted while standing so that it can accommodate any of the usual positions you assume in normal activity.  The truss must be specifically designed for your particular hernia rather than purchasing a generic drug store truss which may hinder circulation in the abdomen and legs.

EXERCISE YOUR ABDOMEN

To exercise your abdomen, simply lie on your back on the floor with your feet flat on the floor and your knees raised.  Keeping your shoulders on the floor, lift your buttocks and back.  Hold it for a second.  Repeat this exercise 10 times per session.

DIAPHRAGM

Tone the diaphragm.  A diaphragm too tight from stress needs relaxing.  Massage helps with this, but this exercise is also immediately beneficial, requires no appointment, and costs nothing but your time and effort.  A diaphragm with a weakened opening will require tightening.  Yoga breathing and relaxation techniques can help with both tightening and relaxation.  Not bad.

Always try diaphragmatic breathing.  The procedure is simple.  Lie down with both knees bent and feet close to the buttocks.  Feel relaxed.  Put both hands lightly on the abdomen and concentrate the attention on this area.  Now breathe in gently, pushing the abdomen up under the hands at the same time until no more air can be inhaled.  Then relax, breathing out through the mouth with an audible sighing sound and allow the abdominal wall to sink back.  The shoulders and chest should remain at rest throughout.

SMOKING

If you smoke, stop.  Nicotine weakens the muscles of the abdomen.  And chronic coughing can worsen or even cause a hernia.  

DIET

Roughage.  Eat plenty of roughage.  The slideshow depicts bread products as roughage.  I can think of more nutritious roughage.  It does state to avoid fatty and fried foods.  Hmm.  Mayb for the duration required to heal the hernia, but I would guess that fatty foods, foods with good saturated fats, would be good for you.  Fried foods I absolutely agree to avoid those.  Though they are delicious, the fried oils wreak havoc on the intestines.  Avoid foods that induce flatulence, like milk and carrots, as these can contribute to a strangulated hernia.    

Eat numerous small meals everyday rather than a few large ones.  Don't lie down or bend over within two hours of a meal.  Food gets trapped in pockets.  Avoid spicey foods, fried foods, and those that are hard to digest.  They also delay the stomach's emptying time.  Avoid hard fiber such as oats. Didn't realize that oats were hard fiber.  Compared to what?  He recommends rice.

Stay away from alcohol, caffeinated and fizzy drinks.

BED/SLEEP (5:57 minute-mark)

Raise your bed at the head end.  Don't support your head with extra pillows for this can increase pressure on the abdomen.

LIFTING & BENDING

Avoid lifting heavy weights.  If you do need to lift things, lift by bending your knees into a squatted position and lift with your legs, not with your back.

BODY WEIGHT (6:32 minute mark)

Lose weight if you are overweight.  Extra fat within the abdomen can displace the stomach, pushing it upward through the aperture in the diaphragm in the case of a hiatus hernia.  Hiatal Hernias involve the diaphragm.  Inguinal Hernia involves the groin.  Abdominal hernias occur at the abdominal wall.

CLOTHING

Avoid wearing tight clothes around your chest or abdomen.  They put pressure on the stomach.

TEAS

Herbal remedies.  1/4 cup of Aloe Vera juice in the moring and again at night. Very beneficial home remedy for hernia.

FOOD REMEDY

Rice has been shown to be beneficial for hiatus hernias.  Use buttermilk and banana and rice is a good treatment for the burning associated with a hiatus hernia.

FIND AYURVDEDIC PHYSCIANS IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA HERE, HERE AND HERE.