Gastrointestinal disease is a common illness that often occurs among young people, especially among white-collar workers. How can we find time to take care of our stomachs in busy work? Spinach and yam are essential foods for nourishing the stomach.
The main causes of gastrointestinal disease
1. Work stress leads to stomach disease
Long-term mental tension, low mood, and being influenced by negative emotions such as worry, sorrow, anxiety, and anger, combined with weak psychological resilience, can easily cause disorders in the autonomic nervous system;
Leading to ischemia, abnormal movement, and secretion of the gastrointestinal mucosa, resulting in various gastrointestinal diseases.
2. Smoking increases the incidence of stomach disease
Smoking increases the incidence of stomach disease. According to research, smokers have a 2-4 times higher incidence of ulcer disease compared to non-smokers. About 40% of people who smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day develop gastric mucosal inflammation.
3. Taking painkillers when experiencing stomach pain can worsen the condition
Many people tend to buy painkillers when they have stomach pain, which is a wrong approach. Painkillers are generally antipyretic and analgesic drugs, and they contain acetylsalicylic acid, caffeine, etc.;
They have a direct stimulating effect on the gastric mucosa and can promote gastric acid secretion, causing strong stimulation to the mucosa and ulcers, worsening gastritis, and even causing ulcer bleeding, like adding fuel to the fire, making the condition worse.
4. Irregular diet triggers stomach disease
Busy work leads to irregular meal times, a fondness for late-night snacks, and other habits that seriously damage the health of the intestines and stomach. These high-intensity operations disrupt the normal digestion and absorption function of the stomach, leading to excessive gastric acid secretion, making stomach diseases very serious.
5. Drinking alcohol aggravates the onset of stomach disease
Alcohol also has a significant impact on the pancreas.
After drinking a large amount of alcohol, pancreatic secretion increases, the sphincter of the pancreatic and bile ducts spasms, and pancreatic fluid cannot be discharged smoothly, often causing acute pancreatitis. Therefore, to maintain good health, avoid drinking high-concentration alcohol.
Strengthening the stomach with nourishing foods
1. Spinach
Spinach has a sweet taste and a cooling nature. It can nourish the liver, benefit the intestines and stomach, and relieve constipation. "Dietary Therapy Compendium" describes it as "beneficial to the five viscera, promoting digestion and resolving alcohol toxicity." Spinach can promote the secretion of the stomach and pancreas, increase appetite, aid digestion, and the abundant fiber can also help with bowel movements.
Spinach can supplement abundant iron, which has certain benefits for iron supplementation and blood nourishment. However, it should be noted that spinach contains a lot of oxalic acid, which can prevent the absorption of calcium. Therefore, it must be blanched before consumption and should not be eaten with tofu.
2. Yam
As the weather gets colder, people with weak spleen and stomach often experience symptoms such as eating very little and feeling bloated, infrequent bowel movements, and weakness in the limbs.
You can choose to cook yam porridge, which can relieve bloating and indigestion, and also alleviate dry stools and gastrointestinal discomfort.
3. Pumpkin
"The Compendium of Materia Medica" states: "Pumpkin has a warm nature and a sweet taste, and enters the spleen and stomach meridians." It can invigorate the middle burner, invigorate qi, relieve inflammation, sterilize, and relieve pain.
The rich pectin it contains can "adsorb" bacteria and toxic substances, including heavy metals such as lead, playing a detoxifying role.
Eating pumpkin can supplement abundant pectin, protect the intestines and stomach, reduce irritation, and it can also be prepared in various ways, such as making porridge or steaming it.
