Introduction: According to recent statistics released by the World Health Organization, it is shocking that the number of gastrointestinal patients in China has reached a staggering 120 million. This number not only highlights the prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases but also reflects that “feeling uncomfortable in the stomach” has become a common ailment among modern people.
From mild stomach bloating, stomach pain to more severe gastrointestinal disorders, almost everyone has experienced these discomforts to varying degrees. In the fast-paced modern life, people are often surrounded by busy work, frequent socializing, and lively gatherings.
In such a lifestyle, many people are prone to neglect the regularity of daily diet and adequate rest. Irregular eating habits, such as overeating, unbalanced diet, and chaotic daily schedules like staying up late or having irregular sleep patterns, unknowingly burden the stomach.
The stomach, this seemingly powerful organ, is actually much more fragile than we imagine. It has to receive hundreds of tons of water and food in our lifetime, regardless of the volume, temperature, taste, it needs to absorb and digest them.
Such workload is undoubtedly huge for the stomach. However, when we ignore the needs of the stomach and let it operate in an overloaded state for a long time, it will exhibit various discomfort symptoms, warning us.
01
Why is the number of gastrointestinal patients increasing?
Irregular lifestyle
The accelerated pace of modern life has increased work pressure for people, irregular lifestyle, frequent staying up late, overtime work, resulting in decreased immune system, and damaged gastric function. In addition, unhealthy dietary habits are also an important factor leading to the increase in the number of gastrointestinal patients.
Dietary factors
On our dining tables, more and more fast food, processed food, high-sugar, high-salt foods are dominating. These foods often contain a large number of additives and preservatives, which greatly stimulate the stomach, long-term consumption will inevitably cause damage to the gastric mucosa. Additionally, people often skip breakfast due to busy work or have overly sumptuous dinners, these dietary habits can put a heavy burden on the stomach.
Excessive stress
The competitive pressure in modern society has increased people’s mental stress, negative emotions such as anxiety, depression will also have adverse effects on stomach health. When the body is in a tense state, the blood flow to the stomach decreases, affecting the stomach’s digestion function.
Excessive treatment
Moreover, with the continuous advancement of medical technology, people’s understanding of gastrointestinal diseases has deepened. However, this also leads to the overinterpretation of minor stomach discomforts, resulting in excessive treatment. Prolonged use of gastric medications can also cause damage to the stomach, gradually worsening minor gastrointestinal disorders.
02
How many years does it take from gastritis to stomach cancer?
The progression from gastritis to stomach cancer is often a long and complex pathological change. Many people, upon learning that they have gastritis, will naturally worry about whether the next step is stomach cancer. However, in reality, the development from gastritis to stomach cancer usually goes through a gradual process, which can be roughly divided into four stages.
1. The early stage of gastritis is usually chronic superficial gastritis. In this stage, the inflammation of the surface layer of the gastric mucosa is relatively mild, possibly only manifesting as mild stomach pain, bloating, etc. However, if not taken seriously and treated promptly, the inflammation may gradually intensify.
2. Next, as the inflammation progresses, the gastric mucosa may exhibit atrophy, known as chronic atrophic gastritis. At this stage, the function of the gastric mucosa will be damaged to a certain extent, and patients may experience more pronounced discomfort in the stomach. It is worth noting that although chronic atrophic gastritis is closely related to stomach cancer, not all cases develop into stomach cancer. As long as proper treatment and care are conducted, most cases of chronic atrophic gastritis can have a good prognosis, effectively preventing their transformation into cancer.
3. However, if chronic atrophic gastritis does not receive timely and effective treatment, the gastric mucosa may be further irritated and damaged. In such cases, the mucosa may develop atypical hyperplasia or intestinal metaplasia. These lesions are important precancerous changes for stomach cancer, significantly increasing the risk of cancer.
4. Research shows that the time from intestinal metaplasia to stomach cancer varies from person to person, ranging from as short as 1 year to possibly several decades. Therefore, in clinical practice, when patients are found to have incomplete type metaplasia and moderate or more severe dysplasia, doctors often consider the possibility of precancerous changes.
At this point, patients must pay enough attention, actively cooperate with the doctor’s treatment advice, and actively engage in treatment and care. Through scientific treatment and care, precancerous changes can effectively be prevented from progressing to stomach cancer, thereby ensuring the patient’s health and safety.
03
Can gastrointestinal patients not eat “steamed buns”?
Can gastrointestinal patients not eat “steamed buns”? This view is widely circulated among the people, but is it scientific and accurate? To answer this question, we have specially invited a professional doctor to explain it in detail for everyone.
What needs to be clear is that gastrointestinal disease is a general term covering a variety of diseases, such as gastritis, gastric ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux, etc. Due to the different symptoms and pathological characteristics of these diseases, there are corresponding dietary precautions. However, this does not mean that one type of food is forbidden for all gastrointestinal patients.
Regarding the claim “gastrointestinal patients cannot eat steamed buns,” doctors state that this view is not entirely accurate.
Steamed buns, as one of the common staple foods in our daily life, mainly composed of starch, after fermentation, not only have a soft texture but also have certain nutritional value and digestibility. For most gastrointestinal patients, moderate consumption of steamed buns is acceptable, without causing excessive burden on the stomach.
However, doctors also point out that each person’s condition and physique are different, so dietary adjustments should be individualized. For some specific gastrointestinal patients, such as those with excessive gastric acid secretion or severe damage to the gastric mucosa, excessive consumption of steamed buns may stimulate gastric acid secretion and aggravate stomach discomfort.
Furthermore, if the steamed buns are too greasy or contain a lot of additives, it may also have adverse effects on the stomach. Therefore, doctors recommend that gastrointestinal patients should make appropriate adjustments to their diet based on their own condition and individual differences.
If there are no symptoms of stomach discomfort, you can consume steamed buns in moderation. Still, attention should be paid to controlling the intake quantity to avoid increasing the burden on the stomach. Also, when consuming steamed buns, you can pair them with some light vegetables or soups to reduce stimulation to the stomach.
For patients with obvious inflammation or ulcers in the stomach, it is advisable to make dietary adjustments under the guidance of a doctor.
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Doctors remind: To keep the stomach healthy, it is advisable to avoid these “items” as much as possible
Spicy foods
Spicy foods, such as chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, are loved by many for their unique aroma and spiciness. They not only add a vibrant color to dishes but also stimulate the taste buds, providing a memorable culinary experience. However, although spicy foods have such charm, excess consumption may cause significant damage to the gastric mucosa.
The gastric mucosa is an important tissue layer of the gastric wall, responsible for secreting gastric acid and digestive enzymes to aid food digestion. However, when the gastric mucosa is stimulated by spicy foods, it may react excessively, resulting in symptoms of stomach pain, heartburn, and other discomfort. Although these symptoms may seem common, they are actually signals of gastric mucosa damage.
Long-term excessive consumption of spicy foods will keep the gastric mucosa in a state of prolonged stimulation. This continuous stimulation not only reduces the repair capability of the gastric mucosa but also may lead to more severe gastric diseases, such as chronic gastritis. Chronic gastritis is a common gastric disease, with symptoms including stomach pain, bloating, acid reflux, bringing many inconveniences to the patients’ lives.
Fried foods
Fried foods, such as tempting fried chicken, crispy french fries, are undoubtedly popular choices for many people. However, the truth behind these delicacies is worth pondering. After high-temperature frying, these foods not only lose their original nutritional components but also generate a large amount of fat and harmful substances. These changes make the food, which might have been nutritious, harmful to health.
During high-temperature frying, many nutritional components in the food, such as vitamins and minerals, will be significantly lost due to the heat. This reduces the nutritional value of the originally nutrient-rich food. More significantly, during the frying process, some harmful substances are produced, such as acrylamide, benzo[a]pyrene, these substances are recognized by the World Health Organization as carcinogens, posing a serious threat to human health.
When these fried foods enter our stomach, they bring a range of issues. Firstly, the large amount of fat increases the burden on the stomach, affecting the digestive function of the stomach. This not only can lead to indigestion, stomach bloating, and other discomfort but may also provoke more severe gastric diseases. Secondly, the harmful substances in fried foods can damage the gastric mucosa, long-term ingestion may cause gastric mucosal damage, inflammation, among other issues.
Cold beverages
During scorching summer days, with the sun baking the earth, a cool drink or an enticing ice cream seems to be everyone’s most desired relief from the heat. Their refreshing taste and cold temperature can indeed provide a moment of coolness and pleasure. However, behind this brief comfort, the potential stomach irritation from cold beverages is an issue that cannot be ignored.
When cold beverages reach our warm stomach, their icy temperature immediately contrasts with the warm environment inside the stomach. This abrupt change in temperature causes the sudden contraction of the stomach mucosa, similar to suddenly encountering a cold wind in a chilly winter. This sudden contraction can cause stomach spasms, generating a strong sense of contraction and may lead to stomach pain, bloating, and other discomfort.
More importantly, frequent consumptions of cold beverages in the long run, this stimulation to the stomach becomes a chronic burden. After repeated cold and hot stimulations to the gastric mucosa, it will gradually lose its original elasticity and protective capacity, affecting the digestion function of the stomach.
Soy products
Soy products, such as tofu, soy milk, dried tofu, although rich in plant protein and other nutrients, are healthy food choices for most people. However, for individuals with sensitive stomachs or certain gastric issues, soy products may not be suitable.
Soy products contain high levels of plant proteins and fibers, which require more gastric acid and digestive enzymes for breakdown during the digestion process. For individuals with weaker stomach functions, excessive intake of soy products may increase the burden on the stomach, leading to symptoms such as indigestion and bloating. Especially for those who already have issues like excessive gastric acid, gastritis, gastric ulcers; soy products’ consumption might further stimulate the gastric mucosa, aggravating symptoms.
Moreover, soy products also contain some anti-nutritional factors, such as trypsin inhibitors and phytic acid. These anti-nutritional factors can interfere with the absorption and utilization of nutrients in the body, reducing the nutritional value of soy products. At the same time, they may also stimulate the gastric mucosa to some extent, affecting stomach health.
05
Four unusual signs in the body, a reminder to go for a gastroscopy!
Stomach pain
Persistent stomach pain could be a signal of gastrointestinal disease. This pain may manifest as dull ache, stabbing pain, or burning sensation, often worsening after meals or when hungry. If you find that your stomach pain symptoms are not decreasing, or even becoming more severe, it is advisable to promptly undergo a gastroscopy examination.
Nausea and vomiting
These symptoms may be due to reasons such as excessive gastric acid, gastric ulcers, or stomach cancer. If you frequently experience nausea and vomiting, especially without improper eating or exposure to coldness, then a gastroscopy check becomes essential.
Dark stools or bloody stools
These symptoms could be caused by conditions like gastric ulcers, gastritis, or stomach cancer. If you notice that the color of your stool has turned black or has blood traces, then you should promptly visit the hospital for a gastroscopy examination to determine the cause and take necessary treatment measures.
Loss of appetite
Decreased appetite and rapid weight loss might indicate a severe issue your body is warning you about. These symptoms could mean that there are serious problems in your stomach, such as stomach cancer. If you notice a significant decrease in appetite and a rapid drop in weight within a short period, you should visit the hospital immediately for a gastroscopy check to early detect and treat the problem.
06
How to protect the stomach?
Maintain good dietary habits
In addition to eating on time and chewing food thoroughly, we should pay attention to food selection. Try to consume more fresh vegetables, fruits, and fiber-rich whole grains, as these foods help in stomach peristalsis and digestion. Avoid excessive intake of spicy, greasy, and cold foods to reduce stomach irritation.
Maintain a regular routine and engage in adequate exercise
Ensure sufficient sleep time to allow the body enough rest and recovery time, which aids in the normal functioning of the stomach. Adequate exercise promotes the body’s metabolism, enhances gastric peristalsis ability, and reduces food retention time in the stomach.
Pay attention to the impact of emotions on stomach health
Excessive stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions can cause muscle tension in the stomach, affecting stomach function. Therefore, we should learn to adjust our emotions, maintain a calm mindset, which is crucial for protecting stomach health.
Focus on the prevention and treatment of certain stomach diseases
Common gastric diseases like gastritis, gastric ulcers, when symptoms are detected, promptly seek medical attention and follow the doctor’s treatment plan. Additionally, through regular check-ups, understanding one’s stomach health status, timely identification, and management of potential problems can be achieved.
