Stomach, as a key organ in the human digestive system, holds a significant position, comparable to a tireless worker silently shouldering the important task of food digestion and nutrient absorption.
It is like a nimble flexible bag, cleverly blending food with gastric acid and digestive enzymes through continuous contraction and relaxation movements, thus initiating the initial digestion process of food.
In this process, gastric acid plays a crucial role, not only breaking down proteins in food into more easily absorbable forms but also effectively enhancing the activity of digestive enzymes.
At the same time, the various digestive enzymes secreted by the stomach act like skilled craftsmen, delicately breaking down food into the tiniest nutrient molecules, providing essential energy and nourishment for the body.
However, even such a resilient stomach is not immune to harm, as it requires careful care and attention from us. Irregular eating habits, excessive mental stress, and the stimulation of tobacco and alcohol are all potential risks to stomach health. Therefore, cultivating healthy eating habits and lifestyle is crucial for maintaining stomach health.
It is worth mentioning that the stomach is also filled with a rich neural network, with intricate connections between these nerves and the brain. Therefore, emotional state can also affect the stomach. When we feel anxious, tense, or depressed, the digestive function of the stomach may be affected, leading to discomfort such as stomach pain and excessive gastric acid.
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Unveil Stomach Diseases: Common Types and Their Symptomatic Characteristics at a Glance
I. Gastritis
Gastritis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the gastric mucosa and can be classified into acute gastritis and chronic gastritis.
1. Acute Gastritis
Acute gastritis is an acute inflammation of the gastric mucosa caused by factors such as bacterial or viral infections and drug irritation. Symptoms include:
– Stomach pain: pain mostly in the upper abdomen, either persistent or intermittent;
– Nausea and vomiting: accompanied by stomach discomfort, nausea, and vomiting may occur;
– Diarrhea: some patients may experience diarrhea symptoms;
– Fever: elevated body temperature, reaching above 38°C.
2. Chronic Gastritis
Chronic gastritis refers to long-term irritation of the gastric mucosa leading to chronic inflammation. Symptoms include:
– Stomach pain: the location, nature, and intensity of pain vary from person to person, presenting as dull, aching, or severe pain;
– Stomach bloating: stomach discomfort with a feeling of fullness;
– Indigestion: symptoms like loss of appetite, acid reflux, heartburn, etc.;
– Vomiting: severe cases may lead to vomiting.
II. Gastric Ulcer
Gastric ulcer is a condition where ulcers form in the gastric mucosa and can be categorized as acute gastric ulcers and chronic gastric ulcers.
1. Acute Gastric Ulcer
Acute gastric ulcers occur due to irritation of the gastric mucosa leading to local ulcers. Symptoms include:
– Stomach pain: pain in the upper abdomen, either persistent or intermittent;
– Hematemesis: ulcer erosion of blood vessels may cause vomiting blood;
– Melena: ulcer bleeding leads to black stools;
– Emaciation: long-term gastric ulcers may cause weight loss.
2. Chronic Gastric Ulcer
Chronic gastric ulcers refer to long-term irritation of the gastric mucosa leading to local ulcers. Symptoms include:
– Stomach pain: location, nature, and intensity of pain vary from person to person, presenting as dull, aching, or severe pain;
– Hematemesis: ulcer erosion of blood vessels may cause vomiting blood;
– Melena: ulcer bleeding leads to black stools;
– Emaciation: long-term gastric ulcers may cause weight loss.
III. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease refers to the reflux of gastric acid and stomach contents into the esophagus, leading to damage to the esophageal mucosa. Symptoms include:
– Chest pain: a burning sensation in the chest;
– Heartburn: reflux of gastric acid into the esophagus causing heartburn;
– Cough: gastric acid irritation of the esophagus may lead to coughing;
– Throat discomfort: dryness, soreness, or sensation of a foreign body in the throat.
IV. Functional Dyspepsia
Functional dyspepsia refers to gastric function disorders without organic lesions. Symptoms include:
– Stomach pain: pain in the upper abdomen, dull, aching, or severe;
– Stomach bloating: stomach discomfort with a feeling of fullness;
– Indigestion: symptoms like loss of appetite, acid reflux, heartburn, etc.;
– Anxiety, depression: some patients may experience psychological symptoms.
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Revealing the Culprit behind Damaged Gastric Mucosa: What Factors are Closely Related?
I. Definition and Harm of Damaged Gastric Mucosa
The gastric mucosa is a thin film lining the inner wall of the stomach, responsible for secreting gastric juice and participating in food digestion. Damaged gastric mucosa refers to inflammatory or ulcerative changes in the gastric mucosa, leading to disrupted digestive functions, which can cause complications like gastric bleeding, perforation, and even gastric cancer.
II. Common Factors for Damaged Gastric Mucosa
1. Helicobacter pylori Infection
Helicobacter pylori is a common bacterium that parasitizes on the gastric mucosa, disrupting the protective layer and causing gastritis, gastric ulcers, and other diseases. It is estimated that around 60% of the Chinese population is infected with Helicobacter pylori, making it a crucial factor in gastric mucosa damage.
2. Unhealthy Dietary Habits
Unhealthy dietary habits are another significant factor leading to damaged gastric mucosa. The following dietary habits should be noted:
(1) Irregular eating: long-term irregular eating patterns, such as skipping breakfast or overeating at dinner, can lead to excessive gastric acid secretion, damaging the gastric mucosa.
(2) High-fat diet: a high-fat diet can increase gastric acid secretion, and the prolonged stay of fats in the stomach can easily cause gastric mucosal damage.
(3) Irritating foods: spicy, greasy, raw, and cold foods can irritate the gastric mucosa, causing damage.
3. Alcohol and Medications
Alcohol can irritate the gastric mucosa, leading to damage. Individuals who drink alcohol regularly or excessively are at a higher risk of gastric mucosal injury.
Additionally, certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, etc., can also harm the gastric mucosa. People taking these medications long-term should pay close attention to stomach health.
4. Psychological Stress
Prolonged excessive psychological stress can increase gastric acid secretion and damage the gastric mucosa. Studies have found a close relationship between anxiety, depression, and the occurrence of gastric ulcers.
5. Immune Deficiency
Individuals with weakened immune functions, such as those with AIDS, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc., are at a higher risk of gastric mucosal damage.
6. Excessive Gastric Acid Secretion
Excessive gastric acid secretion can damage the gastric mucosa. This situation may be related to genetic factors and abnormal regulation of gastric acid secretion.
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Doctor’s Reminder: A Must-Read for Those with Stomach Problems! Eating These 4 Types of Fruits Regularly Can Help Repair Gastric Mucosa and Stay Away from Stomach Pain Troubles
I. Apples
Apples are a nutrient-rich fruit suitable for all ages. They contain abundant dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that protect the gastric mucosa.
1. Repairing Gastric Mucosa: Pectin in apples adsorbs harmful substances on the gastric mucosa, reduces the stimulation of gastric acid on the mucosa, and helps repair damaged gastric mucosa.
2. Alleviating Stomach Pain: Organic acids in apples stimulate saliva secretion, alleviating stomach pain.
3. Improving Digestion: Dietary fiber in apples promotes intestinal peristalsis, aiding in digestion.
II. Bananas
Bananas are a delicious fruit rich in sugars, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, protecting the gastric mucosa.
1. Gastric Mucosa Protection: Sugars and mucilage in bananas form a protective film on the gastric mucosa, reducing the irritation from gastric acid.
2. Alleviating Stomach Pain: Magnesium in bananas relieves smooth muscle spasms in the stomach, reducing stomach pain.
3. Improving Digestion: Dietary fiber in bananas promotes intestinal peristalsis, aiding digestion.
III. Papayas
Papayas are a highly nutritious tropical fruit rich in papain enzymes, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, protecting the gastric mucosa.
1. Repairing Gastric Mucosa: Papain enzymes in papayas break down proteins, reducing gastric mucosa damage.
2. Alleviating Stomach Pain: Dietary fiber in papayas promotes intestinal peristalsis, reducing stomach pressure and relieving stomach pain.
3. Improving Digestion: Papain enzymes in papayas break down proteins in food, aiding digestion.
IV. Grapes
Grapes are a juicy and delicious fruit rich in vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, providing excellent protection for the gastric mucosa.
1. Repairing Gastric Mucosa: Anthocyanins in grapes have antioxidant effects, protecting the gastric mucosa from free radical damage.
2. Alleviating Stomach Pain: Potassium in grapes alleviates smooth muscle spasms in the stomach, reducing stomach pain.
3. Improving Digestion: Dietary fiber in grapes promotes intestinal peristalsis, aiding digestion.
Precautions:
1. While fruits are beneficial, they should be consumed in moderation to avoid overconsumption.
2. Individuals with severe stomach conditions should seek treatment under medical guidance.
3. The fruits mentioned in the text are not suitable for all patients with stomach problems; please choose fruits suitable for you under the advice of a doctor.
