You've probably heard about the diaphragm with regards to pregnancy, but it has far more to offer than just helping push out a baby. Obviously in men, it has nothing to do with childbirth.

What is it?
Pronounced die-er-fram, your diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle situated just below your heart, and is probably your body's hardest working muscle. Attached to your spine and lower ends of your ribs, it forms a barrier between your chest cavity and abdomen and has a few openings where imp

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ortant nerves, arteries and tubes pass through. The largest one however is the oesophageal hiatus, which connects the oesophagus (or food pipe) to your stomach.

The main job of your diaphragm, however, is to control your breathing and to keep it rhythmic. It constantly relaxes and compresses your lungs, allowing air to flow in and out.

Just eaten? Don't bounce.
Keeping your diaphragm healthy is as easy as one, two, three. If you happen to eat a big meal and do some exercise shortly afterwards, you are more than likely going to get cramps in your diaphragm, better known as a stitch in your side. This is because many of your organs are attached to your diaphragm, and movement of your organs during exercise, especially your stomach, can strain your diaphragm.

Probably the most serious condition is hiatus hernias. This is when the oesophageal hiatus enlarges and digestive acids escape up through your oesophagus, causing heartburn. Medication can help, but in many cases, surgery is necessary. Fortunately, a drastic change in your diet can often also have the desired effect.

Interesting facts

• When you breathe, your diaphragm is constantly expanding and contracting into your abdomen. That's why your stomach looks like it is breathing as well
• Your diaphragm also helps you relax and push when you urinate or take a dump
• Hiccups are the result of a spasm in your diaphragm. When this happens, your lungs suddenly expand, opening themselves up for air, but then suddenly close causing a hiccup as the air hits a dead end

(Matthew Louw, Health24)

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