Autumn is a season when stomach problems are more common. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the stomach prefers warmth and dislikes cold, so when the weather turns colder, many people may experience stomach pain, bloating, belching, and other discomforts, significantly affecting daily life. In late autumn, it is essential to pay extra attention to maintaining stomach health to better endure the colder winter.
When the stomach is not in good condition, it can have serious implications for health. Due to negligence or lack of awareness, many people often fail to recognize the initial signs of stomach problems, missing the optimal opportunity for early detection and treatment.
1. What symptoms will appear in the early stage of a stomach problem?
The early symptoms of stomach problems are quite noticeable, similar to general stomach discomfort. There will be distinct discomfort in the upper abdomen, especially sharp pain after eating and a lack of appetite even when hungry. Some patients with stomach issues may experience fatigue, weakness, along with nausea, vomiting, or belching.
2. As stomach problems worsen, there are three nighttime symptoms indicating a more severe condition:
1. Intense stomach pain at night
Patients with stomach problems experience similar symptoms during the day and night, but the pain worsens when trying to sleep, causing discomfort. Particularly in cases of stomach cancer, nerve compression can lead to insomnia, anxiety, and depression due to severe pain.
2. Shoulder and back pain
Deterioration of stomach conditions can cause pain spreading to the back and shoulders, making it challenging to alleviate.
3. Coughing and shortness of breath
Stomach issues can result in coughing, breathing difficulties, and shortness of breath for some patients, impacting their sleep quality at night.
3. Avoid three things upon waking to prevent further deterioration of stomach issues:
1. Drinking cold water upon waking
After a night of digestion, the stomach is mostly empty. Drinking cold water immediately upon waking can greatly impact the mucous system, potentially leading to stomach spasms and pain.
2. Smoking upon waking
Many people smoke when using the restroom in the morning, unknowingly subjecting themselves to strong stimulants. Nicotine from cigarettes can stimulate gastric acid secretion through various respiratory systems, causing damage to gastrointestinal function. It is advisable not to smoke immediately upon waking.
3. Sleeping in the morning
With the prevalence of smartphones and computers, many people stay up late, leading to difficulty waking up immediately, resulting in skipping breakfast. Skipping breakfast disrupts the biological clock, causing stomach pain and ulcers due to a lack of support for the stomach from food. Stomach problems do not develop overnight, so it is essential to change these bad habits and have a certain understanding of stomach health.
4. **The “champion” for stomach health has been found, persistent consumption can address chronic stomach issues and promote stomach comfort.**
Autumn is the “golden age” for stomach health, which is much more beneficial than medication. While medicines treat stomach ailments, they can also affect kidney function. Therefore, traditional Chinese medicine often emphasizes dietary approaches for stomach health. The medical work “Qianjin Yifang” describes a dietary therapy for stomach health – Black Glutinous Rice Tea.
Clove leaves: Can promptly inhibit harmful bacteria growth, eliminate H. pylori, and improve digestion.
Black glutinous rice: Nourishes Qi, invigorates the spleen and stomach, repairs damaged gastric mucosa, and enhances resistance.
Osmanthus: Calms the stomach, invigorates the spleen and stomach, nourishes the body, and boosts immunity.
Combining these ingredients in specific proportions to create tea bags, boiling them daily for 15 minutes, then straining and consuming the liquid. Concerns about improper blending can be mitigated by directly brewing ready-made Black Glutinous Rice Tea, ensuring a more balanced ratio for immediate consumption.
Drinking tea after meals can help repair damaged gastric mucosa and inhibit H. pylori. Consistent consumption can bring considerable relief to the intestines and stomach. For those accustomed to drinking alcohol, replacing alcoholic beverages with tea can minimize gastric harm.
5. **To promote stomach health, you should also adhere to four principles:**
1. Quit smoking and drinking, reduce salt and spice intake in your diet.
2. Maintain a balanced diet of meat and vegetables, avoid picky eating, and ensure an adequate intake of vegetables and fruits.
3. Opt for smaller, more frequent meals, eating until 80% full to give the digestive system a break.
4. Refrain from eating too late, and avoid midnight snacks.
