Factors that negatively affect the stomach

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If the stomach lining is damaged, it will cause serious diseases such as stomach ulcers, gastric reflux, even stomach cancer. Therefore, eating something harmful to the stomach is a matter of concern for you to protect your overall health.

1. Overview of the stomach

The stomach stores and digests food. Structurally, the stomach has 4 layers from the outside to the inside, which is the serosa (also known as the peritoneum), the muscular layer, the submucosa and finally the gastric mucosa (including the glands of the stomach). , perform the task of gastric secretion).
When food enters the stomach, the stomach will secrete gastric juice and perform two tasks, that is, contract to let the food absorb gastric juice and then metabolize the food. Stomach acid present in gastric juice is highly acidic, with a pH of 1-2, which not only has the effect of digesting food but also at an optimal level for the digestive system to function normally and protect the body.
When the stomach lining is damaged, the pH of the stomach also changes, whether high or low, it is not good for health because it causes a number of stomach diseases such as stomach ulcers, gastric reflux, stomach cancer , ...

2. Factors that negatively affect the stomach lining

Eating habits are the main factor that directly affects the health of the stomach. When unwell, the stomach will have symptoms such as a dull ache, the pain usually appears 2-3 hours after eating and may become worse at night. In addition, the patient will also find that they have no appetite, or have bloating, indigestion, bloating, heartburn, heartburn, nausea or vomiting, etc. So what harms the stomach? Up to 10 factors can have a negative impact on the stomach, including:
Eating the wrong meal, at the wrong time: This is considered the cause of stomach pain. The stomach has a working mechanism, secreting gastric juice according to a schedule in a day to digest food. When the time comes, the stomach does not have food to metabolize, while the gastric juice has been excreted, the amount of enzymes and stomach acid will digest itself, damaging the stomach lining itself. Eating too quickly and too much: When you eat too quickly, the food has not been thoroughly crushed in the mouth and down to the stomach, causing the muscles and stomach lining to work harder and longer to metabolize food in its raw form. . Besides, eating too much, especially at dinner, also causes the stomach to be overloaded, the gastric juice has to be excreted more to digest food. Both of these conditions, if prolonged, will cause stomach ulcers. Unhygienic eating conditions: In unsanitary conditions, the consumption of food will simultaneously introduce bacteria into the stomach and cause intestinal problems such as stomach pain, infection. Intestinal infections, gastritis, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, ... In particular, Helicobacter pylori bacteria are common causes of serious stomach diseases, directly affecting the stomach lining. thick . Eating spicy, hot, hard, acidic foods: The spicy taste of chili peppers can damage the stomach lining and cause dangerous stomach ulcers, especially for people with irritable colon syndrome. In addition, foods that are hard or contain a lot of acid when entering the stomach will come into contact with the stomach lining, causing the stomach to contract and work more easily, leading to overload and injury. Regular use of alcoholic beverages: In addition to enzymes and gastric juices to digest food, the gastric mucosa also secretes mucus to protect the stomach. However, alcoholic beverages have the ability to inhibit this secretion, and at the same time secrete a lot of acid that damages the stomach lining. Habit of drinking water when eating or eating and doing other things: Drinking water at the same time as eating is not good for health because it affects the digestive system, slows down the digestive process by putting food and liquid in at the same time. stomach. Besides, eating and working at the same time, especially the habit of eating while using the phone of young people today, will reduce the ability to focus on eating, thereby affecting the secretion of stomach acid. enjoy. As mentioned above, excess or lack of stomach acid will directly affect the stomach lining and cause serious stomach diseases such as ulcers, chronic stomach pain if the two habits continue. familiar with this. Cold body: Cold body will directly affect the stomach. Being cold in winter or eating too cold food in summer can also harm stomach function, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, indigestion. The body is overworked and tired: Working too hard makes physical and mental health tired, which will reduce the body's resistance in general, weaken the function of the stomach lining. private. At that time, the secretion of gastric juice is out of balance, the excess or lack of stomach acid to metabolize food can cause damage to the stomach lining and lead to stomach diseases. Mental stress: Studies have shown that there is a strong relationship between mental illness and stomach ailments. Regular anxiety, stress, depression will affect the secretion of gastric juice, thereby directly affecting the digestion of food. This condition can lead to stomach ulcers in the long run. Smoking habits: The nicotine in cigarettes can constrict the blood vessels of the stomach lining, thereby reducing the blood supply to this lining. Besides, nicotine also inhibits the synthesis of substances that protect and restore the gastric mucosa, the emptying function after the stomach digests food, and also promotes the secretion of gastric juice. erosion of the gastric mucosa. Therefore, smoking is a dangerous habit for the stomach. Long-term drug overdose: There are many drugs used to treat a number of conditions that can harm the stomach lining, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen, phenylbutazone,... ) because it inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins to protect the gastric mucosa, endocrine drugs containing corticosteroids can cause gastric ulcers, gastric perforation. Therefore, avoid arbitrarily buying drugs without a doctor's prescription or abusing the drug, using an overdose for a long time. To protect the stomach, the patient needs to take more medicine to protect the stomach lining or take it after eating.

To protect the stomach, you need to pay attention to your eating habits and avoid some habits that affect the stomach such as drinking alcohol, smoking,... As soon as you notice that your stomach is not healthy, you need to see a doctor. early for timely advice and treatment.

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