How can hernia be prevented

Avoid any kind of jumping exercises or squats, and refrain from over-exerting yourself during workouts. Consult with Surgical Consultants of Northern Virginia about the right kind of exercise program and a diet plan that is right for you and your lifestyle.

Introducing more high fiber into your diet helps to keep your bowel movements regulated and prevent constipation. Straining while constipated can trigger a hernia.

Also try to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and beans and peas. Stay hydrated to help regulate your bowel movements and try high fiber supplements to avoid constipation.

Know your limits and never lift anything that is too much for you. Best practice is to bend your knees and lift with your legs, not your waist. Maintain a healthy body weight and eat a healthy diet. Carrying extra body weight puts pressure on the abdominal wall, causing it to weaken. As a person stands or moves around, the abdominal walls are constantly under pressure from the excess weight. When you move or exercise, the extra fat can also put stress on other surrounding muscle groups.

Eating a diet full of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, legumes and whole grains, combined with exercising, can help you reach and maintain a healthy weight.

By maintaining optimal body weight, you reduce your chances of developing a hernia. Prevent constipation. Eating high-fiber foods can help prevent constipation by making your bowel movements more regular. Straining while going to the bathroom increases your likelihood of developing a hernia. When necessary, take a fiber supplement or laxative to help keep you regular. Use proper lifting techniques. Lifting heavy objects increases your risk of developing a hernia, so it is important to avoid lifting heavy objects, when possible, and use the correct form when lifting weights.

Using correct techniques can minimize your risk of developing a hernia. Further, staying well hydrated is essential to preventing constipation. Check if you have an enlarged prostate: When you have an enlarged prostate, you will feel the need to urinate frequently and urgently. All of this can increase pressure on the abdomen by causing strain during urination. Most men tend to develop an enlarged prostate as they age. Try not to strain during bowel movements or while urinating to decrease your chances of a hernia.

Immediately treat persistent coughing or sneezing: Needless to say, coughing and sneezing can both put pressure on the abdomen. It is thus advisable to immediately see a doctor if you are coughing or sneezing consistently due to allergies or any other infection.

It is recommended that you avoid smoking as it can lead to coughing. Medanta Medical Team. Explore plan. Most hernias are inguinal hernias, in which a section of intestine pushes through muscle in your groin area at a location known as the inguinal canal.

Like all hernias, inguinal hernias develop due to a combination of muscle weakness and pressure inside the abdomen. Maintain a healthy body weight. Losing weight is easier to recommend than to actually do, but talk to your doctor about developing an exercise and diet plan that works for you.

Get enough of the right exercise. Being physically active in certain ways has been shown to help prevent hernias, but other types of exercise can put too much pressure on your abdomen. Activities to avoid include jumping exercises and squats, both of which can increase pressure on your abdominal wall.

Fast movements can also lead to muscle tearing. Any type of exercise than involves very high levels of exertion can also increase your hernia risk.

Incorporate high-fiber foods into your diet. Fiber-rich foods can support regular bowel movements and help prevent constipation , which can lead to straining that increases your hernia risk. If needed, take other steps to avoid constipation. Taking a fiber supplement or bulk-forming laxative, like a preparation containing psyllium , can help keep you regular and prevent straining during bowel movements.

Staying well-hydrated is also essential to avoiding constipation.