In traditional Chinese medicine, the stomach is referred to as the “sea of the spleen and stomach.” Its functions include receiving and storing food, decomposing and transporting food essence, as well as transferring to the small intestine and emptying food residue.
The health of the stomach is closely related to overall health. If the stomach function is disrupted or diseases occur, it may lead to symptoms such as loss of appetite, indigestion, epigastric fullness, and vomiting.
1. The Importance of Stomach Health
Firstly, the stomach is one of the key organs for food digestion and absorption.
The stomach secretes gastric juice to break down food, converting it into nutrients and absorbing these nutrients into the bloodstream through the stomach wall. If the stomach’s function is impaired, incomplete food digestion and absorption may lead to malnutrition, decreased physical strength, and weakened immunity.
Secondly, the stomach is closely connected to emotions and the nervous system.
In traditional Chinese medicine, emotional factors directly affect stomach function; excessive stress, anxiety, and emotional fluctuations may cause stomach discomfort or diseases. Conversely, stomach discomfort may trigger emotional issues such as anxiety and depression. Therefore, maintaining a good emotional state is crucial for stomach health.
Furthermore, the stomach is closely related to the immune system.
The gastric mucosa is part of the immune function, capable of identifying and combating pathogen invasions. If the gastric mucosa is damaged or gastric acid secretion is abnormal, it may lead to decreased immune function, increasing the risk of infections and inflammation.
In conclusion, maintaining stomach health is crucial for overall health. Proper diet, good digestion habits, emotional regulation, moderate exercise, and avoiding excessive fatigue are essential measures for maintaining stomach health. Seeking timely medical attention and following doctors’ treatment advice are also important if experiencing stomach discomfort or diseases.
2. Common Stomach Diseases
1. Gastric Ulcer: A gastric ulcer refers to ulcers formed by gastric mucosa damage. The most common symptoms include stomach pain, possibly accompanied by indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. Common causes include bacterial infection (Helicobacter pylori), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, stress, and unhealthy lifestyle habits.
2. Gastritis: Gastritis refers to inflammation of the gastric mucosa. Common symptoms include upper abdominal pain, indigestion, belching, and nausea. Common causes include Helicobacter pylori infection, prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alcohol abuse, smoking, and unhealthy dietary habits.
3. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD refers to the backflow of gastric acid and contents into the esophagus, causing inflammation. Common symptoms include chest pain, heartburn, acid reflux, and belching. Common causes include relaxation of the esophageal sphincter, excessive gastric acid secretion, obesity, pregnancy, and smoking.
4. Stomach Cancer: Stomach cancer is a type of malignant tumor with a relatively high incidence. Early-stage stomach cancer may have no obvious symptoms, while advanced stages may present with upper abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, among others. Common risk factors include Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking, unhealthy diet (rich in salted, smoked, pickled foods), family history, etc.
5. Gastric Polyps: Gastric polyps are benign tumors on the gastric mucosa. Most gastric polyps are asymptomatic, but larger polyps may cause upper abdominal pain, indigestion, and dark stools. Common causes include chronic gastritis, Helicobacter pylori infection, and genetic factors.
3. Digestive Health Expert, 65, Urges: Top 5 Stomach-Boosting Foods, Consume More for a Healthier Stomach
At the age of 65, Academician Li is a renowned expert in gastroenterology in China, with over 30 years of experience in researching stomach diseases. When it comes to stomach health, Academician Li has his unique insights.
1. Whole Grains: Whole grains include brown rice, whole wheat bread, oats, etc., rich in dietary fiber and B vitamins, promoting gastrointestinal motility, preventing constipation, stabilizing blood sugar levels, and reducing the risk of gastric and colon cancers.
2. Vegetables and Fruits: Vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, enhancing immunity, reducing the risk of gastric cancer and gastric ulcers. Particularly, citrus fruits rich in vitamin C, tomatoes, spinach, etc., have the ability to inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori.
3. Seafood: Seafood is rich in high-quality proteins, Omega-3 fatty acids, and various minerals, such as fish, shrimp, kelp, etc., aiding in providing nutrition, regulating gastric acid secretion, and possessing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
4. Nuts: Nuts such as walnuts, almonds, cashews, etc., are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants, maintaining gastric mucosa health, reducing the risk of gastric cancer and gastric ulcers.
5. Fermented Foods: Fermented foods like yogurt, pickled vegetables, tofu, etc., are rich in probiotics and prebiotics, maintaining intestinal flora balance, promoting food digestion and absorption, and reducing gastrointestinal discomfort and constipation occurrences.
