How to Prevent a Hernia Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch Hernia How to Prevent a Hernia Not all hernias can be prevented, but there are steps you can take to make them less likely. By Quinn PhillipsMedically Reviewed by Justin Laube, MD Reviewed: April 23, 2018 Medically Reviewed Eating a diet high fiber, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking can all help prevent hernias.Shutterstock A hernia develops when a section of your intestine, or other tissue in your abdomen, pushes through a layer of muscle that has become weakened.Most often, this happens when part of your intestine pushes through your abdominal wall toward the outside of your body. This is called an Preventing an Inguinal Hernia 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. When you’re overweight or obese, your abdominal wall is constantly under pressure from your extra body fat whenever you stand or move around. Losing weight is easier to recommend than to actually do, but talk to your doctor about developing an Related Justin Verlander’s Top Tips for Allergy Relief Sneezing due to allergies can also increase abdominal pressure, so it’s important to control this symptom as well. (1,3)Get treated if you have an enlarged prostate. Having an Preventing an Incisional Hernia An NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Digestive Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking ReferencesHernia. Show Less The Latest in Hernia What Is Hernia? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and PreventionBy Quinn PhillipsAugust 14, 2020 Is Robotic Surgery for Hernia Repair Right for You? If you need to go under the knife for a hernia repair, you may have a choice about whose hands the knife is in: a surgeon, or a robot controlled by the...By Denise SchipaniApril 30, 2018 The Differences Between Hernias in Men Versus Women Find out about the most common hernias in men and women and treatment options that work best for each sex.By Stacey ColinoApril 30, 2018 Sexual Dysfunction and Hernias: Separating the Facts From the Bull Sexual difficulties after hernia repair surgery may occur in some men, but these issues tend to go away after recovery.By Erica TricaricoApril 27, 2018 What You Need to Know About Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Babies born with a defect called congenital diaphragmatic hernia have trouble breathing, and need surgery. Here are the facts.By Denise SchipaniApril 25, 2018 Hernia Treatment Options Many hernias can only be repaired through surgery, but some initially warrant only watching and waiting.By Quinn PhillipsApril 23, 2018 Hernia Complications and How to Deal With Them Both an untreated hernia and surgery to repair it can result in different complications.By Quinn PhillipsApril 20, 2018 What to Do if You Get a Hernia During Pregnancy If you get a hernia during pregnancy, different factors can determine if you should wait until you give birth to repair a hernia.By Quinn PhillipsApril 20, 2018 What Are the Symptoms of a Hernia, and How Is It Diagnosed? Symptoms of a hernia can range from slightly uncomfortable to extremely painful.By Quinn PhillipsApril 20, 2018 Study Shows Depression Affects IBD Patients and Their Siblings New research is the first to show a bidirectional link between inflammatory bowel disease and depression.By Ashley WelchOctober 6, 2022 MORE IN How to Exercise Safely With Neuropathy 11 Tips to Help Reduce Your Risk of an Aneurysm Diverticulitis Causes and Risk Factors Wellness inspired Wellness enabled FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestYoutubeTikTok About Us Careers Editorial Policy Newsletters Meet Our Health Expert Network Privacy Policy Health News Accessibility Statement Terms of Use Contact Us Feedback Do Not Sell My Personal Information Popular Topics AdChoices NEWSLETTERS Get the best in health and wellness SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. A PROPERTY OF EHGLogo More From Everyday Health: Castle Connolly Top Doctors DailyOM Diabetes Daily Everyday Health Care Migraine Again 1996-2022 Everyday Health, Inc. Everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Badges Badges Badges