Does bentonite clay help with hiatal hernia and acid reflux? How to use bentonite clay to relieve hiatal hernia? How does it act on the digestive system? What are its benefits? And finally, what are the other remedies to relieve and heal a hiatal hernia?
I. Brief reminder on hiatal hernia and acid reflux
Hiatal hernia can be one of the causes of gastroesophageal reflux. It is a condition in which part of the stomach passes through the hiatal orifice of the diaphragm.
Normally, this orifice is occupied by the esophagus.
Hiatal hernia is therefore a displacement of the stomach, which can have several causes.
Lifestyle and diet are among the first factors that can cause a hiatal hernia. Anything that weakens the diaphragm can lead to this condition.
Symptoms of hiatal hernia include heartburn, nausea, and gastroesophageal reflux. In addition, you may also develop abdominal pain, as well as difficulty swallowing.
II. What causes hiatal hernia and acid reflux?
Hiatal hernia and acid reflux are often caused by age. Over the age of 70, the risk of getting a hiatal hernia increases by almost 70%.
Apart from age, overweight and obesity are risk factors. They are both likely to lead to a hiatal hernia.
Smoking, pregnancy, and chronic coughing are other factors that can cause hiatal hernia.
III. Does bentonite clay help with hiatal hernia and acid reflux?
# Is clay good for hiatal hernia and acid reflux?
Acid reflux is one of the main signs of hiatal hernia. Clay can be used to fight hiatal hernia.
One method of using clay for hiatal hernia is to use it as a poultice. Mix clay with water until you get a paste, which you apply on your stomach between 20 minutes and 3 hours.
It is also possible to drink it.
Because clay is an antacid, it acts on acid reflux. It allows the stomach to heal and eliminate toxins.
# How to use bentonite clay to relieve hiatal hernia and acid reflux
Hiatal hernia can be relieved or even cured due to bentonite clay.
Bentonite clay can be used both internally and externally. To fight against your hiatal hernia, one way to use clay is as a poultice.
Take organic clay powder and add water to it. Measure out the mixture to make a paste, thick enough not to be runny.
On your stomach, apply within 3 cm thickness of this clay paste and let it dry.
This can take from 20 minutes to 3 hours.
You can also drink it. Put a spoonful of clay in a glass of water and let it sit overnight. Drink the water that has been left over every morning and evening. But when drinking, prefer the sweetness of white clay.
Do this for one week.
# How long should you take bentonite clay internally?
Bentonite clay is taken as a cure. The duration of the cure depends on several elements, such as the objective of the cure.
Generally, you can drink bentonite clay for 3 weeks, at a rate of one glass per day. By taking breaks in the middle, you can go up to 3 months of cure.
# What are the side effects of eating bentonite clay?
Consumption of bentonite can cause intestinal obstruction or even necrotizing enteritis. If you take a large amount of bentonite, you risk gastrointestinal obstruction and even electrolyte imbalance.
For this reason, it is important to limit your consumption of bentonite clay by respecting the dosage.
When used externally, bentonite clay can cause muscle pain, fatigue, and headaches.
IV. Benefits of bentonite clay for hiatal hernia and acid reflux
To relieve the body of the inconvenience of a hiatal hernia, you must act on the symptoms and causes.
Clay is very useful in fighting against gastric reflux, which is one of the symptoms of a hiatal hernia.
The action of clay on the stomach is multiple. First of all, it allows cleaning and plays an anti-acid role. Thus, the stomach is rid of these toxins, including gas.
The bentonite clay allows for the purification of the blood and gives back its health to the stomach.
In addition, the clay lines the internal mucous membranes to repair lesions, because it is healing. It acts like a plaster or a bandage on the organs.
V. Other natural remedies for hiatal hernia and acid reflux
1. Cider vinegar and hiatal hernia
Use cider vinegar to get rid of your hiatal hernia.
For this, you need 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar and a glass of water.
Mix the two products, and stir well. Then, you just have to drink the solution.
Take it after each meal. Drink this solution on an empty stomach for two weeks.
Cider vinegar, although acidic, is very effective in balancing the acidity of an environment. In the case of a hiatal hernia, it helps to cleanse the stomach and prevent gas and acid reflux.
2. Treating hiatal hernia with acupuncture
Hiatal hernia can also be treated by methods such as acupuncture.
Acupuncture can help to realign the organs, and improve digestion.
In Chinese medicine, acupuncture helps with many stomach problems. Also, it is a way to act on acid reflux.
It is important to note that stress and state of mind are causes of gastroesophageal reflux. Acupuncture, by also acting on the state of mind, can act on this condition.
By allowing better management of your stress, acupuncture can help you to cure hiatal hernia.
There is a point in acupuncture that brings relief from gastric pain.
This point is located between the tip of the breastbone and the navel. It causes burning and heat that sends a signal to the nervous system.
Acupuncture thus allows relief of your gastric problems. And to benefit from it, the best way is to find a good acupuncturist in your area who will help you align your internal organs by stimulating certain sensitive points in your body.
3. Abdominals and hiatal hernia
Certain bad behaviors can contribute to the development of hiatal hernia. A sedentary lifestyle and a poor diet, for example, can cause or accentuate this condition.
Sport can be useful in cases where hiatal hernia is caused by obesity, by helping you lose weight.
But some sports can worsen the condition, so it’s best to consult a doctor before you start.
Crunches are exercises that can be very helpful for Hiatal hernias.
By strengthening the abdominal muscles and the diaphragm, this type of exercise reduces the symptoms of hiatal hernia.
Abdominal breathing also helps. Not only due to its physical effect, but also because of its psychological impact.
4. Turmeric and hiatus hernia
To consume turmeric and fight against hiatal hernia, you can decide to put it in your dishes.
It is also possible to make a cure of this spice. To do this, consume golden honey.
The recipe for golden honey is quite simple. It is a mixture of honey and turmeric until a golden paste is obtained.
Take a spoonful of this once a day.
Turmeric can also be drunk as tea, with warm water and honey.
The benefits of turmeric on digestive health are well known. This spice helps to regulate transit.
Turmeric takes its name from curcumin, an element it contains. It has an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect, especially when combined with black pepper.
In cases of heartburn, it is a very useful effect that can relieve you.
5. Siberian pine nut oil
Siberian pine nut oil is full of nutrients and has a lot of benefits. It contains a wide variety of vitamins as well as antioxidants, which help fight cellular aging.
Because age is one of the causes of hiatal hernia, taking Siberian pine nut oil can be beneficial.
6. Ginger for hiatal hernia
You can use ginger if you are suffering from a hiatal hernia. It is very effective in acting on acid reflux.
An infusion of ginger is excellent for acid reflux. Boil ½ teaspoon of ginger in a cup of water for 10 minutes.
7. Aloe vera for hiatal hernia and acid reflux
Aloe vera is another natural antacid, which can help you if you suffer from acid reflux.
For 4 weeks, drink 10 ml per day of aloe vera syrup.
You can also swallow 2 tablespoons of drinkable aloe vera gel, which you can easily find in organic stores.
VI. Some other tips and tricks for dealing with hiatal hernia and acid reflux
# specific diet for hiatal hernia and acid reflux
In the case of a hiatal hernia, it is important to reduce the pressure of the gastroesophageal sphincter. To do this, you should stay away from high-fat meals.
Chocolate, red meat, cheese, cold cuts, and alcohol should be avoided.
Instead, eat lean meats, and skimmed, or partially skimmed dairy products.
Avoid eating 2 to 3 hours before bedtime and keep your head elevated.
# Prefer alkaline food and drink
If you have hiatal hernia or acid reflux, you can eat alkaline foods such as avocado, dates, apples, or bananas.
When it comes to drinks, you can drink mineral water, smoothies, syrups, and spring water.
An alkaline diet is healthier for your body.
VII. Other Questions about hiatal hernia and acid reflux
1. What can aggravate a hiatal hernia?
Some habits can make hiatal hernia worse. For example, if you have a hiatal hernia, avoid bending forward for too long.
It is also important to avoid smoking or drinking alcohol.
Acidic drinks, such as citrus or tomato juice, should also be avoided.
2. How do I strengthen my diaphragm hiatal hernia?
To strengthen the muscle that is the diaphragm, there are breathing exercises. An osteopath will be able to recommend some, but here is an example of an exercise to strengthen your diaphragm.
Breathe in, letting your belly relax, then breathe out, hollowing out your belly, with your belly button tucked inside. Repeat this several times.
3. Does kefir help acid reflux?
Kefir is a probiotic, a drink made from the fermentation of certain products such as sweetened fruit juices or milk.
This probiotic drink is beneficial in cases of acid reflux and various other gastroesophageal disorders.
This drink helps strengthen the immune system and rebalance intestinal flora.
4. What can I drink to soothe my esophagus?
To relieve your esophagus, you can drink almond milk. You can also drink aloe vera juice.
Another drink that can relieve your esophageal pain is cider vinegar. Mix 1 to 2 spoons of cider vinegar in a tea and add some honey.
These different beverages can relieve your esophagus in case of acid reflux.
Useful Links:
What to know about hiatal hernia surgery
Study of the influence of hiatus hernia on gastroesophageal reflux
Is Bentonite Clay Good for Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis?
Bentonite Clay for Colitis and Crohn’s disease [Benefits and Use]