Hiatal Hernia

5 Myths of Hiatal Hernia   Dr. Vikki Petersen challenges common myths about hiatal hernia, explaining that surgery, PPIs, and even diagnostic tests are often misunderstood or incomplete solutions. She emphasizes that root causes like pressure, visceral fat, and gut dysfunction play a bigger role in symptoms than commonly believed.

Breathing Mistake Causing Reflux   Dr. Vikki Petersen explains how mouth breathing can weaken the diaphragm and disrupt posture, increasing intra-abdominal pressure that contributes to acid reflux and hiatal hernia symptoms. She highlights nasal breathing and diaphragmatic breathing as key ways to restore proper breathing mechanics and reduce reflux risk.

Hiatal Hernia: 4 Hidden Symptoms   Dr. Vikki Petersen explains the 4 key symptoms of hiatal hernia syndrome, including acid reflux, bloating, palpitations, and shortness of breath. She highlights how these symptoms are connected through gut health, diaphragm function, and underlying inflammation.

3 Reasons Hiatal Hernia Persists   Dr. Vikki Petersen explains how symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and anxiety may be linked to hiatal hernia and gut dysfunction—not heart disease. She highlights the key role of diet, gut motility, and stress in managing reflux and improving overall digestive health.

The Reflux Medication Trap   Dr. Vikki Petersen explains why antacids like PPIs may worsen acid reflux over time by disrupting gut health and not addressing the root causes. She highlights the risks of long-term use and emphasizes lifestyle and digestive improvements for lasting relief.

Hiatal Hernia Surgery: The Hidden Risks Dr. Vikki Petersen explains the pros and cons of fundoplication surgery for acid reflux and hiatal hernia, including its benefits, risks, and long-term effectiveness. She emphasizes that surgery may relieve symptoms but doesn’t address root causes like pressure, digestion issues, and gut health.

Why Reflux Keeps Coming Back   Dr. Vikki Petersen explains that recurring acid reflux is often caused by pressure and digestive dysfunction, not excess stomach acid. She highlights why long-term use of acid blockers may not fix the root cause and focuses on restoring proper digestion and gut function for lasting relief.

Why Your Hiatal Hernia Didn’t Show Up on Tests Dr. Vikki Petersen explains how hiatal hernia can be missed in standard tests like endoscopy and still cause symptoms like acid reflux, bloating, and anxiety. She highlights the root causes behind these issues and shares simple lifestyle tips to improve digestion and reduce reflux.

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 […]