Natural health: How can I manage my hiatus hernia? 

"Hiatus hernia usually results from the weakening of the oesophageal hiatus over time, particularly where regular heavy lifting, constipation, obesity, or chronic coughing are an issue."

Picture: iStock 

I have a hiatus hernia which I am managing with antacids, and I watch my diet. I don’t want to be on long-term medication, so what would you recommend?

There are two main types of hiatus hernia, sliding and fixed. A sliding hiatus hernia is the most common type and occurs when the upper portion of the stomach slides up through the hiatus as a result of increased pressure in the abdominal area, sliding back to a normal position once the pressure is released. A fixed hiatus hernia accounts for up to 15% of cases and occurs when the upper stomach becomes trapped in the chest cavity above the diaphragm - it may need to be treated by a medical specialist.