As the saying goes, "Nine out of ten people have stomach issues." Gastric disorders have become a major health threat in modern times. Their prevalence stems not only from poor dietary habits but also from unforeseen circumstances—some sufferers unknowingly contract infections that gradually develop into full-blown gastric conditions.
Beware! Gastric Disorders Can Be Contagious
Traditionally, gastric disorders were attributed to consuming irritating foods, excessive gastric acid secretion, localized vascular abnormalities, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and similar factors.Recent scientific research has discovered and confirmed that Helicobacter pylori infection is a major cause of various gastric diseases, such as chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, and duodenal ulcers. Moreover, this bacterium spreads through oral transmission. Therefore, preventing H. pylori infection and interrupting its transmission routes are crucial steps in preventing gastric diseases.
It is important to note that not all gastric disorders are contagious. Conditions like functional dyspepsia, bile reflux gastritis, drug/alcohol-induced gastritis, and stress-induced gastritis are non-infectious. However, gastric diseases caused by Helicobacter pylori carry a potential for transmission.
Preventing Gastric Disorders with Spleen- and Stomach-Nourishing Foods
Jujube (Red Date)
The Compendium of Materia Medica states: "Jujubes are sweet in flavor and aroma, prolonging life, calming the middle burner, nourishing spleen qi, harmonizing stomach qi, unblocking the nine orifices, assisting the twelve meridians, replenishing deficient qi and fluids, alleviating bodily insufficiencies and severe fright, harmonizing all medicines. Long-term consumption lightens the body and extends longevity."
Honey
The Divine Farmer's Classic of Materia Medica notes that honey "calms the five viscera, replenishes deficiencies, strengthens qi and the middle burner, alleviates pain and neutralizes toxins, cures chronic ailments, harmonizes all medicines, and when taken long-term, fortifies the will, builds vitality, and extends longevity."
Lotus Seeds
The Qing Dynasty's Compendium of Materia Medica states that lotus seeds "left in fields for a hundred years remain undecayed; when consumed, they darken hair and prevent aging."The Song Dynasty's "Taiping Shenghui Fang" records a lotus seed powder porridge recipe: take 15–20 grams of lotus seed powder and 100 grams of japonica or glutinous rice to cook porridge. Consumed morning and evening, it treats frailty in the elderly, chronic diarrhea, frequent dreams and insomnia, and nocturnal polyuria, promoting robust health.
Coix Seed
The Ming Dynasty's Compendium of Materia Medica states: "Coix seed is a Yangming herb that fortifies the spleen and benefits the stomach. For deficiency, it supplements the mother organ, hence its use in lung atrophy and lung abscess. Diseases of the tendons and bones fundamentally require treating the Yangming channel, thus it is used for stiff and contracted tendons, and wind-induced paralysis.Earth overcomes water to dispel dampness, hence its use for diarrhea and edema."
Carrot
Traditional Chinese medicine holds that carrots fortify the stomach, promote qi circulation, and aid digestion. They serve as an adjunct dietary therapy for spleen deficiency with food stagnation, qi stagnation, symptoms like chest fullness and epigastric oppression, poor appetite, and persistent diarrhea.