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Hiatal Hernias are common, but certainly not normal and not innocuous.
They typically begin with acid reflux and when that continues, the ongoing pressure on your stomach causes the stomach to elevate and push upwards on your diaphragm until the opening where your esophagus passes through widens, thus allowing your stomach to move upwards - the definition of Hiatal Hernia.

Treatment for reflux is antacids of various types, perhaps starting out with over-the-counter and then moving towards stronger PPI medications which are prescribed.

While antacids can diminish the symptoms of acid reflux, their trickle down effects are severe. Let's review:

Antacids decrease the acid in your stomach, thereby preventing the transformation of inactive enzymes into their active form - it requires acid to perform this transformation and activation.  The result is that you are unable to digest proteins properly, which will cause you to experience gas and bloating.

Additionally, the reduction of acid allow bacteria to grow. This can cause SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) and other infections which put a strain on your immune system. This scenario also creates a leaky gut, basically a severe weakening of your gut immune system that is designed to protect you from dangerous organisms entering your bloodstream.

These are all very serious consequences for long-term health because inflammation and a leaky gut IS linked to the development of all the diseases you're trying to avoid: diabetes, obesity, heart disease, autoimmune disease, dementia and cancer.

What symptoms might indicate such changes. Along with reflux you can experience bloat, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and/or constipation.

What I want to convey is the importance of not ignoring early symptoms of acid reflux or being diagnosed with a small hiatal hernia.

Handling the root cause of these imbalances is critical to protect your long-term health.

If you'd like help restoring your health to its optimal status, consider calling us for a consultation: call 727-335-0400. We're here to help!