How Nutrition can Support Inguinal Hernias

Inguinal hernias occur in the inguinal canals which are located on each side of the groin.  The canals provide passageways for the spermatic cord in men, and a ligament that supports the uterus in women.  They are a ‘weak spot’ in the abdominal wall meaning that part of the intestines or other tissue may push through them resulting in an inguinal hernia.  Inguinal hernias are more common in men than women and, although they form on the right side more often than the left side, they often develop on both sides of the body once one has developed.

When an inguinal hernia occurs, doctors may be able to move it back inside the abdominal wall using a massage technique.  However, surgery is often needed.

There are many possible causes of, and contributors to, inguinal hernias, including:

• increased abdominal pressure (for example from coughing or strenuous activity) and relative weakness in the posterior inguinal wall
• family predisposition
• normal body mass index (BMI)*
• having undergone a prostatectomy
• connective tissue disease and some metabolic disorders
• constipation

While older adults are more likely to develop an inguinal hernia than other adults, young children may also develop them including premature babies.  It is possible that young children who are born with openings in the abdominal wall will not develop an inguinal hernia for many years (openings in the abdominal wall typically close before birth).

* Unlike many other health conditions there appears to be a lower risk of developing an inguinal hernia in obese people, but given the risks associated with obesity I would not recommend this as a prevention tactic!

Typical symptoms of an inguinal hernia include:

• A bulge in the groin
• A bulge in the scrotum
• Feelings of discomfort or pain in the groin.

In some cases severe complications may arise from the hernia with symptoms including:

• Larger bulging from the hernia
• Hernia no longer pushing back in
• Fever
• Redness around the hernia
• Sudden pain or tenderness around the hernia
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Nausea and vomiting

If you develop these symptoms it is important to seek medical advice quickly.

While good nutrition cannot cure a hernia, it can help to reduce constipation which may contribute to or aggravate the condition.  When a person is constipated they are more likely to strain to pass stools putting pressure on the area of the hernia.  To reduce your risk of constipation:

• Eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day
• Choose higher fibre grains such as brown rice, and wholemeal bread and pasta instead of white
• Ensure you get sufficient fluids and avoid dehydration (don’t forget you can check this by the colour of your urine!)
• Keep yourself physically active, even short walks through the day can help (if you suffer with hernias choose activities that do not aggravate your symptoms).

In addition, supporting your body’s collagen production may be helpful in protecting your soft tissues and reducing the risk of hernias developing.  To support your body’s own collagen production:

• Eat foods containing good quality proteins (if you are vegetarian or vegan ensure you eat a variety of plant protein sources daily)
• Consume collagen rich food such as bone broth (while we break down proteins in the body to be used where needed, collagen in food contains the right combination of amino acids for the body to use in its own collagen production)
• Eat foods rich in vitamin C – mainly fruit and vegetables
• Eat foods rich in zinc – shellfish, fish, meat, eggs, dairy, beans and pulses, nuts and seeds and wholegrains
• Eat foods rich in copper – shellfish, organ meat, beans, potatoes, wholegrains, dark leafy vegetables, dried fruit and nuts
• Aim to get 7-9 hours sleep each night
• Stop smoking
• Manage your levels of stress, and your response to stress

Vegan collagen supplements are now available using specific amino acids extracted from plant sources for those who would benefit from extra support.  However, please ensure you consult a suitable qualified professional before taking supplements to ensure they are appropriate for you.

• The British Hernia Centre: https://www.hernia.org/types/inguinal/
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/inguinal-hernia
• A Comprehensive Review of Inguinal Hernia Occurrence in Obese Individuals (Rosca, et al), 2023: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10859212/#:~:text=Multiple%20studies%20have%20shown%20that,to%20develop%20such%20a%20condition