Sliding hiatal hernia irritated by bench press

[UTG2812]

What is your height and bodyweight?

5'10''
201lbs

[Mark Rippetoe]

You'll just have to manage it the best way you can.

[UTG2812]

Hi Rip,

just wanted to give an update here since I fixed the issue. Figured it might help someone.

If I take an antacid gel right before my first bench set, I am completely symptom-free. Acid leaking back into the esophagus can actually cause the esophagus to become tighter / shorter and pull the stomach up even more (this is also why acidic foods and beverages are a trigger for me). Probably cannot avoid some reflux during the bench but with the antacid it's fine.

Anyways, I will also have a digestive enzyme (with Betaine HCL) with the next meal then to combat the negative effects of the antacid. I would not suggest PPIs, that shit will fuck up the digestion.