Hiatal Hernia

The Hidden Type of Hiatal Hernia Doctors Often Miss Dr. Vikki Petersen says you might have a “subclinical hiatal hernia” even if your doctor says you don’t. Symptoms like acid reflux, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or anxiety could be signs. Conventional tests might not detect it, but dynamic testing can reveal subtle abnormalities. If […]

SIBO and Hiatal Hernia: Understanding the Gut Link Dr. Vikki Petersen explains how SIBO can lead to Hiatal Hernia and acid reflux through 5 mechanisms: excess gas, impaired motility, diaphragm compression, chronic inflammation, and gut-brain axis dysfunction. To address this, consider a low FODMAP diet, antimicrobial support, ginger for motility, and stress management. Consult a […]

Natural Relief for Hiatal Hernia: At-Home Solutions Dr. Vikki Petersen suggests avoiding trigger foods like onions, tomatoes, and fatty foods to manage hiatal hernia. Eat smaller meals, walk after eating, and wait 3 hours before lying down. Box breathing can also help calm your nervous system. Consider intermittent fasting (up to 12-14 hours) and support […]

The Pain of Hiatal Hernia: Real Experiences Hiatal hernia attacks can cause varied symptoms like acid reflux, bloating, chest pain, and anxiety. According to Dr. Vikki Petersen, these symptoms can be connected to a hiatal hernia. The gut imbalance can worsen symptoms when lying down or bending over. Consult a medical team to identify the […]

The Vagus Nerve’s Role in Hiatal Hernia: A Closer Look According to Dr. Vikki Petersen, a dysfunctional vagus nerve can contribute to Hiatal Hernia Syndrome by increasing intra-abdominal pressure. This happens when the vagus nerve’s low tone affects digestion, causing inefficient movement of food and gas, and also impacts the lower esophageal sphincter and diaphragm […]

Esophageal Healing: Solutions and Remedies According to Dr. Vikki Petersen, a shortened esophagus can worsen or put you at risk for hiatal hernia. This can happen due to chronic reflux and acid damage, leading to scar tissue and loss of elasticity. However, there’s another reversible contributor: vagus nerve dysfunction. Dr. Petersen explains that vagus nerve […]

Frequent Burping? It Might Be a Hiatal Hernia According to Dr. Vikki Petersen, burping is a common symptom of Hiatal Hernia Syndrome. It can become frequent and disruptive, often due to a weakened lower esophageal sphincter, swallowing air, impaired gastric emptying, or refluxing acid. “If you’re experiencing chronic burping, it’s essential to address the root […]

The Hidden Link: Hiatal Hernia and Back Pain I’m often asked if back pain is common with Hiatal Hernia Syndrome. According to Dr. Vikki Petersen, the answer is yes. There are 5 key reasons for this connection: irritation of the diaphragm and surrounding nerves, muscle tension and postural strain, visceral-somatic reflex, bloating and pressure, and […]

The Truth About Hiatal Hernia Diagnosis: Why Tests May Be Wrong Dr. Vikki Petersen explains that hiatal hernia diagnosis can be inconsistent due to the small size and sliding nature of most hernias, with endoscopies missing them 40-50% of the time. Instead of focusing on the diagnosis, it’s more important to address the underlying symptoms […]

Hiatal Hernias: A Significant Miss Rate in Endoscopy Procedures Dr. Vikki Petersen notes that endoscopies often miss small hiatal hernias, detecting only about 50-60% of cases. Barium studies have a higher detection rate (70-90%) but can’t identify mucosal changes like esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus. Dr. Petersen recommends focusing on addressing the underlying causes of symptoms […]