Turn on the TV or open a newspaper, and we're constantly bombarded by ads for stomach medicine—stomach ailments are indeed all too common. With technological advancement and the continuous prosperity of the economy, people's material standards have steadily risen, leading to significant changes in lifestyle and dietary habits. The stomach, revered by ancient sages as the "storehouse of the body," now faces new challenges. Poor eating habits and unhealthy lifestyles subject it to unprecedented strain.In response, various gastric disorders have emerged, with gastritis being particularly prevalent. Gastritis is a common and frequently occurring condition, primarily manifesting as upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, belching, and loss of appetite, with symptoms varying in severity.Reports indicate nearly everyone has experienced gastritis at some point, yet over half of patients neglect routine diagnosis and treatment of this seemingly "minor ailment," failing to take it seriously. Some cases may even progress to malignant tumors unnoticed. Therefore, enhancing awareness of gastritis is crucial.
Watch Out for These Gastritis Symptoms
When most people mention gastritis, they typically refer to chronic gastritis. However, gastritis can be acute or chronic. While chronic gastritis is more persistent and common, acute gastritis is closely related to chronic gastritis. Therefore, let's first understand acute gastritis.
Acute gastritis is a common gastrointestinal disorder caused by bacterial infection. Symptoms typically appear 2–4 hours after eating and may include upper abdominal discomfort, pain, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. It often occurs alongside enteritis, leading to diarrhea. Severe cases may present with fever, dehydration, acidosis, hematemesis, and melena.Primary symptoms include:
1. Upper abdominal pain presenting as intermittent exacerbations or persistent dull ache; severe pain occurs in a minority of patients. The location is typically mid-left epigastrium or around the umbilicus, possibly accompanied by abdominal bloating and discomfort.
2. Nausea and vomiting of undigested food, often followed by relief. Some patients may vomit yellow bile or gastric acid.
3. Diarrhea with enteritis, presenting as loose or watery stools that are yellow in color. Symptoms typically resolve as gastric discomfort improves.
4. Dehydration: Caused by excessive fluid loss from repeated vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms include poor skin turgor, sunken eyes, thirst, and reduced urine output. Severe cases may present with low blood pressure, cold extremities, and a rapid pulse.This indicates bleeding in the gastric mucosa.
Protect Your Stomach from Disease: Beware These Four Deadly Enemies
Cold is the greatest enemy. Extremely cold or hot foods act like ice balls or fireballs, triggering a stress response in the stomach and causing normally gentle digestive activity to become abnormally hyperactive.The stomach thrives in warmth, so meals and beverages should ideally be around 37°C (98.6°F). "Cold" also refers to food properties, so those with sensitive stomachs should minimize consumption of cold-natured foods.Pickled foods contain high levels of nitrites and secondary amines. Under the stomach's acidic environment or bacterial action, these can form nitrosamine compounds with carcinogenic effects. Avoid smoked and deep-fried foods. Smoked fish and meats contain significant carcinogens like benzopyrene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.Similarly, fried, baked, charred foods, and reused high-temperature cooking oils contain these carcinogens and should be consumed sparingly. Avoid alcohol. While gastric acid secretion requires appropriate stimulation, excessive stimulation damages the stomach. Therefore, diets should minimize greasy, fatty foods while emphasizing fresh vegetables, fruits, and foods rich in vitamins A, E, and B complex. Moderately increasing protein intake helps protect the gastric mucosa.Simultaneously, limit consumption of irritants like strong tea, coffee, and alcohol.
In essence, most healthy dietary practices are ideal for those with sensitive stomachs: avoid raw, cold, greasy, spicy, overly sweet, or salty foods, and practice moderation. While specific precautions exist, cultivating sound eating habits remains the ultimate approach to prevention and wellness.