The
National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival are celebrated together, and on this day
of family reunion, there is no shortage of lively gatherings. Sumptuous dishes,
persuasive toasts from relatives and friends, and casual eating and drinking
often make us "indulge" our stomachs without realizing it. However,
after the holiday, gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal distension, acid
reflux, and stomach pain also follow.
Tu Ruisha, director of the Minimally Invasive Surgery Diagnosis and Treatment Center at Hainan Chengmei Hospital, said that gastrointestinal discomfort during holidays is often related to "excessive eating and improper habits". Mastering scientific methods for stomach care can help people enjoy family reunions while reducing the burden on their stomachs.
"Pre-meal preparation": providing a layer of "protective clothing" for the gastric mucosa
Many people tend to dive straight into the main course when dining together, especially when they see their favorite dishes. However, when eating on an empty stomach, alcohol and spicy foods can directly contact the gastric mucosa, which can easily lead to mucosal congestion, edema, and even stomach pain.
Director Tu Ruisha said that "preparing the ground" before meals can effectively reduce the direct stimulation of food on the gastric mucosa. "Many people think that eating on an empty stomach can taste the flavor better, but they ignore the fragility of the gastric mucosa, especially for those who have chronic stomach diseases. After exposure to irritants on an empty stomach, the discomfort symptoms will be more obvious.
Stomach care tips: Drink a glass of warm water before meals
At the same time, Director Tu Ruisha specifically reminded people to avoid drinking ice drinks or strong tea before meals. "Ice drinks can cause blood vessels in the gastric mucosa to contract, affecting the secretion of digestive juices, leading to slower digestion of subsequent foods. The theophylline in strong tea can stimulate the secretion of gastric acid, which may actually worsen stomach discomfort. It is recommended to avoid these two types of drinks within one hour before a meal with others."
"Slow food" during meals: allow sufficient "working time" for the digestive system
When chatting happily during a dinner party, it is easy to unknowingly speed up the eating speed and even "gobble down". However, human digestion is a gradual process: when teeth chew food, saliva secretes amylase to initially decompose starch; after food enters the stomach, the stomach needs to grind the food into chyme through peristalsis, and then mix it with gastric acid and pepsin for digestion. If you eat too fast, large pieces of food enter the stomach without being fully chewed, which can cause the intestines and stomach to "work overload", leading to abdominal distension and belching.
"Many people experience gastrointestinal discomfort after dining together, and the root cause is actually eating too fast and eating too much variety," Director Tu Ruisha reminded. "Slow eating" and scientific combination during meals can greatly reduce the burden on the gastrointestinal tract.
Stomach care tips: "chew slowly and swallow carefully + mix meat and vegetables"
In addition, alcohol can directly damage the gastric mucosa. Director Tu Ruisha suggested that when drinking alcohol, it is best to pair it with staple food or dishes, avoid drinking on an empty stomach, and control the amount of alcohol consumed each time to less than one-third of ones own alcohol tolerance to avoid excessive alcohol stimulating the gastric mucosa. At the same time, eating ice fruits and ice drinks immediately after eating hot dishes can cause cold and heat stimulation to the gastrointestinal tract, which can easily lead to gastrointestinal spasm, resulting in abdominal pain and diarrhea. In severe cases, it may even induce acute irritable bowel syndrome.
"Dont lie down" after meals: help the intestines and stomach "reduce burden" and promote digestion
After the meal, many people are used to sitting on the sofa, playing mobile phones, watching TV, or even lying down to rest. However, sitting or lying down for a long time immediately after a meal can lead to food retention in the stomach, increased secretion of gastric acid, and symptoms such as acid reflux and heartburn. If this continues for a long time, it may also increase the risk of gastroesophageal reflux.
Tu Ruisha, the director, reminded that the half an hour after a meal is the "critical period" for digestion, and scientifically arranging post-meal activities can help the intestines and stomach "reduce burden".
Stomach care tips: do "light activities" 30 minutes after meals, avoid strenuous exercise and drinking too much water
Important reminder: If you experience these symptoms, do not hold back!
Director Tu Ruisha emphasized that one should not hold back from seeking medical attention when experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort, especially when dangerous symptoms emerge. Delays in treatment for conditions like acute gastroenteritis and gastrointestinal bleeding can be avoided by seeking medical help promptly
Conditions requiring prompt medical attention:
Persistent stomach pain lasting for more than 2 hours with no signs of relief, especially if the pain is concentrated in the upper-middle abdomen or accompanied by nausea;
Frequent vomiting and diarrhea, accompanied by dizziness, fatigue, and dry mouth (possibly symptoms of dehydration caused by acute gastroenteritis);
Vomiting blood and passing black stool (indicating potential gastric mucosal damage or gastrointestinal bleeding, requiring immediate medical attention for investigation).
Director Tu Ruisha reminds us that the significance of the National Day holiday lies in sharing reunion moments with family, and a healthy digestive system is the foundation for enjoying these moments to the fullest.
Expert Introduction
Tu Ruisha, Chief Physician
Director of Minimally Invasive Surgery Diagnosis and Treatment Center
Secretary General of Hainan Provincial Cancer Prevention and Control Association
Other high-level talents in Hainan Province
Medical expertise
She is skilled in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy, laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer, single-port laparoscopic radical resection of colon cancer, endoscopic thyroidectomy and other surgeries.