As the largest digestive organ in the human body, the stomach connects to the esophagus on top and to the duodenum at the bottom. It bears the significant responsibility of transporting food, facilitating the absorption of nutrients, satisfying individual physiological needs, and maintaining overall health.
After food enters the body, it needs to pass through the gastrointestinal tract with its peristaltic activity to fulfill the digestive functions of the stomach and intestines. Eventually, through self-decomposition, food residues accumulate in the duodenum and rectum, and are metabolized out of the body.
According to statistics from the World Health Organization on disease data: in the past 5 years, there has been a high incidence of gastrointestinal diseases globally, with 130 million gastrointestinal patients in China. The majority of people have experienced symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, heartburn, acid reflux, and more.
Traditional Chinese medicine concepts have indicated that nourishing the spleen and stomach is equivalent to nourishing vitality, and nurturing vitality is nurturing life.
The onset of gastrointestinal diseases is closely related to individuals’ diet habits, influenced by factors such as diversified modern diets. People are gradually inclining towards oily, greasy foods, spicy stimuli, and high-sugar foods.
While these foods may satisfy immediate cravings, the accumulation of excessive fats, dampness, and stimulating components can impact the health of the stomach mucosal layer and potentially lead to gastric issues.
For adults aged 35 to 55, the incidence rate of stomach diseases is as high as 69.3%. In the 19 to 29 age group, the overall incidence rate of gastric cancer has increased 2.5 times compared to the previous decade.
Gastrointestinal health is crucial for overall well-being. Long-term digestive issues can affect the absorption of essential nutrients, weaken immune defenses, and diminish the body’s ability to combat external pathogens.
These three groups are most prone to gastric issues:
1. People who exercise immediately after meals
In today’s fast-paced era, where everyone desires a perfect figure and appearance, especially women often engage in post-meal exercise to enhance their digestive capacity and accelerate the burning of fats and calories.
Post-meal, blood gathers in the capillary tissues of the stomach, making it a prime time for digestion. Immediate exercise can disrupt personal gastrointestinal digestion, lead to imbalances in stomach acid secretion, and trigger acute or chronic gastritis.
2. Working professionals
The improved quality of life has brought significant stress to those working in sales or education. They tend to opt for junk food or fast food to address breakfast and lunch, which, while providing necessary nutrients, also burdens the digestive system. This can lead to digestive ulcers.
3. People who stay up late regularly
The peak period of stomach acid secretion is around 1:00 to 2:00 am. Consistent, quality sleep is essential for stomach repair and improving the self-repair capability of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Insomnia or frequent late nights can lead to disruptions in stomach acid secretion, indirectly causing gastritis.
Yam: A Stomach Nourishment?
Yam contains abundant mucoproteins, dietary fiber, and vitamins, making it a versatile food in traditional Chinese medicine, valued for nourishment and health benefits, particularly popular among middle-aged and elderly populations.
With a sweet taste, yam enters the Spleen, Lung, and Kidney meridians, aiding in blood tonification, kidney nourishment, and balancing overly erratic stomach acid secretion. Consuming yam congee can promote well-being and relieve abdominal discomfort such as pain and bloating.
Yam is widely recognized in the health community as a stomach-nourishing product. However, solely relying on yam for stomach nourishment is not practical; the following foods show more pronounced stomach-nourishing effects than yam:
The Top Stomach Nourishment Food, not Yam: After-Meal Choice to Strengthen the Stomach
[Spinach]
Spinach has the effect of moistening dryness, nourishing the liver, and tonifying the stomach. It is suitable for those troubled by long-term stomach issues. Consuming spinach soup helps replenish missing qi-blood elements, iron, and reduces the risk of anemia.
It is advisable to blanch spinach before cooking to eliminate oxalic acid and alkaline compounds on the surface to prevent food poisoning after ingestion.
[Cabbage]
Cabbage is considered a natural stomach-nourishing vegetable by experts in food and nutrition. It contains dietary fiber and vitamins that can enhance gastrointestinal peristalsis and repair damaged stomach mucosal surfaces.
For individuals with symptoms of peptic ulcers and chronic abdominal pain, moderate consumption of cabbage or drinking a glass of cabbage juice can enhance self-repair capability of the mucosal surface, reducing the risk of inflammation.
[Sweet Potato]
Sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fiber, belonging to common coarse grains, aiding in promoting gastrointestinal function and indirectly stabilizing intestinal flora balance. Suitable for individuals struggling with chronic constipation, sweet potatoes are easily digested and absorbed, providing essential nutrients to maintain organ functions. For those with stomach issues, consuming boiled sweet potatoes can meet nutritional needs.
[Ginger]
Ginger, a common seasoning, has a warming effect and is beneficial for women suffering from menstrual pain. Drinking ginger tea can help eliminate retained cold dampness from the body.
The anti-inflammatory compounds in ginger activate immune molecules, remove toxins and inflammation molecules adhering to the stomach mucosa, contributing to stomach protection and nourishment.
Reading Extension: What Preparations Are Needed for Gastroscopy?
Although the onset of stomach diseases is gradual, most patients find relief under medical guidance using medications for symptom management. However, individuals with peptic ulcers or chronic atrophic gastritis should undergo gastroscopy to screen for the presence of cancer cells.
1. Before gastroscopy, fasting for 8 hours is essential to ensure a clearer examination on an empty stomach.
2. For older patients, an electrocardiogram should be conducted before gastroscopy to assess heart rate balance. # Enjoying a Healthy Life #
