The mucosa, submucosa, muscularis mucosae, and serosa make up the four layers of the stomach wall. Gastric juice, primarily composed of pepsin and hydrochloric acid, damages the stomach wall while digesting food. However, the stomach has a strong regenerative capacity, so this damage is only temporary, and the stomach can quickly recover to its original state. The gastric mucosa has a special protective function that prevents or only slightly erodes from the acidic fluid.
There is a glycocalyx layer and lipid-like substances on the stomach wall, which can further enhance the stomach's protection and have a strong blocking effect on the hydrogen and chloride ions in hydrochloric acid. This is another ability of the stomach.
Even with its excellent self-protection, the gastric mucosa is still very fragile. Various factors, such as the environment, diet, medications, smoking, excessive drinking, bacterial infections, and emotional changes, can damage it. The damage and self-repair of the gastric mucosa are in a dynamic balance, allowing the stomach to function normally. Once the external burden on the stomach is too heavy or the stimulation is too strong, this dynamic balance is broken, the gastric mucosa is damaged, and it becomes difficult to recover as before. This is followed by a series of stomach discomfort symptoms, commonly including upper abdominal discomfort or pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
Since the gastric mucosa is so delicate and its function is so important, how should we protect it?
First, change bad eating habits. Pay attention to regular meals, eat at fixed times and in appropriate amounts, keep the food at a suitable temperature, eat small meals more frequently, chew slowly, and avoid overeating. Dietary conditioning should be warm, soft, light, and vegetarian. Eat less fried and preserved food, and less raw, cold, and irritating food. Eat more vegetables and high-fiber foods, and pay attention to supplementing with vitamin C.
Second, develop good living habits. Do not smoke or drink; live a regular life, do not stay up late, maintain a pleasant mood and emotional stability, pay attention to a balance between work and rest; do not eat 2-3 hours before bedtime; overweight people should lose weight; engage in moderate exercise to improve the body's disease resistance.
Again, pay attention to warmth and care after the weather turns cool. When there is a large temperature difference between day and night, pay special attention to keeping the stomach warm. Eat some warm and nourishing foods, such as lamb and dog meat. Garlic has a disinfectant and bactericidal effect and can help eliminate inflammation, so it is recommended to eat more.
It must be reminded that the occurrence and development of stomach diseases are closely related to a person's emotions and mentality. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to psychological hygiene and avoid stimulation from negative emotions such as tension, anxiety, and anger.
Everyone loves delicious food. However, while enjoying the taste and delicacy of food, remember not to add too much burden to the stomach, so that it can work easily and normally. Finally, here are four sentences for a healthy diet for everyone: a mix of coarse and fine grains, not too sweet or salty, three to five meals a day, and七八分饱 (seven or eight tenths full).