Preventing Abdominal Hernias: Lifestyle Changes and Tips

Having abdominal hernias in The Woodlands & Cypress, TX can be quite a frightening experience. Anytime you find a bulging lump on your body, thoughts of serious things like cancer come to mind. An abdominal hernia is not usually a fatal condition, but many will need surgery eventually. It is something that you can prevent by a few lifestyle changes once you know what to do. Dr. Nsikak Umoh of Texas Colon and Pilonidal Clinic offers the information and, if you already have the condition, can help you to manage it.

What Is an Abdominal Hernia?

 An abdominal hernia is when one of your internal organs pushes through a weakness or opening in the wall of the abdomen and protrudes on the exterior of the body. It may only happen when you are performing certain tasks, or it may be visible all the time. They can occur at diverse locations on the abdominal wall depending on where the weakness is. 

How To Prevent Abdominal Hernias

Lifestyle changes

 Eating a healthy diet is important for general health and also for helping to prevent abdominal hernias in The Woodlands & Cypress, TX. You need to include fruits and veg to make sure that you are getting enough fiber. This can help you to avoid constipation, which is something that can cause a hernia to form.

Exercises that help to strengthen your core will help your abdominal muscles do the job they are supposed to do and keep your internal organs within your abdominal cavity. It is also good for your back. Obesity is something that raises the risk of abdominal hernias. If you have a BMI of more than 30, lowering it to a normal range will lower your risk considerably.

If you smoke, stop. Not only can it lead to a cough, but nicotine narrows the blood vessels which decreases the oxygen getting to your muscles, which weakens them. 

Tips

 Learning how to lift things correctly is important when it comes to preventing abdominal hernias. Bend your knees and stand with your legs a shoulders width apart. Using the strength in your legs is the way to go, your organs and your back will thank you.

If you have a persistent cough you should treat it. When you cough a lot you raise the risk that you will develop a hernia. Avoid strenuous exercise for at least two hours after eating a large meal. See your doctor if you notice any unusual bulges.

For help with or information about preventing abdominal hernias in The Woodlands & Cypress, TX, contact Dr. Umoh of Texas Colon and Pilonidal Clinic. Give the office a call today for an appointment at (832) 663-0037.