There is an old saying, "The abdomen is as soft as cotton, and all diseases will not be entangled", which is not only a common saying, but also a piece of medical wisdom.
So, how is the relationship between a hard and soft stomach and health, and what are the signs that there may be something wrong with our abdomen? Let's explore the medical rationale behind this.
1. The relationship between abdominal hardness and health
As the saying goes, the belly is as soft as kneading dough, and when you pinch it, health is wrapped in this softness. This is not an exaggeration at all, because the softness and hardness of the abdomen can really reflect a person's health state.
Normally, a healthy abdomen should be soft and elastic, indicating that the subcutaneous fat and organs are in their proper condition.
But if your abdomen starts to harden, you have to be careful. It may be that you have eaten too well, accumulated too many calories, and the subcutaneous fat is layered on top of each other, and your belly is almost hard into a deck.
But this is not the worst case, if there is a problem in the organs, such as sclerosis or hyperplasia or something that should not grow, the abdomen will also harden due to the compression of these diseased tissues. Plus, you know, more belly fat means less gray matter in the brain.
This is not alarmist, it is backed up by research. Moreover, an increase in waist circumference is also associated with an increased risk of various cancers. For example, for every 11 cm increase in waist circumference, the risk of 13 types of cancer associated with overweight increases by 13%, and the risk of bowel cancer even increases by 15%.
Not only that, for every 9.5 cm increase in waist circumference, the risk of coronary heart disease increases by 16%, 21%, and 26%, respectively. All these data tell us that belly fat is not a joke, it is a matter of life.
2. Abnormal signals and symptoms of the abdomen
When it comes to abnormal signals in the abdomen, some people may think that my stomach is usually not soft, and there is nothing wrong with it. This is to say that the change in the hardness of the abdomen is a gradual process, not overnight.
It may just feel a little swollen at first, like a balloon blowing up, but this may be a problem with the organs.
Sometimes, you may notice that there is an extra lump on your stomach, which is not a good sign and may be a small movement of an organ, such as the liver, pancreas or intestines. Moreover, have you ever felt that sometimes your stomach is not only hard, but also painful?
Especially the right upper abdomen, which is the territory of the liver and gallbladder, when it hurts, you have to go to the hospital immediately. Sometimes, my belly suddenly gets bigger, it's not a simple matter of eating too much, it may be that the liver or heart is signaling that I can't do it, and I have to take care of it quickly.
3. Abdominal obesity and health risks
In medicine, abdominal obesity is seen as a potential health killer. This obesity is not simply overweight, but fat is mainly accumulated in the abdomen, especially around the internal organs.
Excess visceral fat is like lighting a fire deep inside the body, burning with the smoke of chronic inflammation, which can lead to insulin resistance, diabetes, high blood pressure, and even cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.
Medical studies have confirmed that an increase in waist circumference is strongly associated with an increased risk of multiple health problems. For example, an 11-centimeter increase in waist circumference may increase the risk of 13 types of cancer, including breast, stomach and pancreatic cancer, which are associated with overweight, by 13%, and the risk of bowel cancer in particular by up to 15%.
The threat to heart health cannot be ignored, and every increase in waist circumference may gradually increase the risk of coronary heart disease. Abdominal obesity is not just a matter of appearance, it is about the quality of life and longevity of each person.
According to China's statistics, the total number of obese people ranks first in the world, with an average obesity rate of 12%, and abdominal obesity accounts for a large share of this proportion.
Not only do these people with abdominal obesity face the threat of cardiovascular disease, but their brain health may also be silently compromised, as studies have found that the more belly fat, the less gray matter in the brain.
Gray matter is a key part of the brain responsible for processing information, and its reduction may be associated with a decline in cognitive function.
4. Lifestyle suggestions for improving abdominal obesity
In the face of abdominal obesity, we cannot sit still. Lifestyle modification is the key to improving abdominal obesity. First and foremost, there is a change in eating habits.
Reduce your intake of high-sugar, high-fat foods and increase dietary fiber, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. This not only reduces the accumulation of fat, but also improves satiety and avoids overeating.
Second, regular aerobic exercise is essential for burning belly fat. Whether it's brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling, it can help boost metabolism and burn visceral fat.
In addition, small habits in life are also very important. For example, limit the amount of alcohol you drink, as alcohol can be converted directly into fat and can easily accumulate in the abdomen.
At the same time, reduce the intake of processed foods and fast foods, which often contain high amounts of trans fatty acids and additives, which not only increase the risk of heart disease but also promote the accumulation of belly fat.
And, getting enough sleep and managing stress well are also effective ways to reduce belly fat. Studies have shown that when you are stressed, your body secretes more cortisol, a hormone that encourages fat to accumulate in your abdomen.
5. The link between abdominal fat and chronic inflammation
Belly fat is not just a matter of body shape, but also a symbol of hidden health risks. Medical studies have shown that abdominal fat cells not only store energy, but also secrete a variety of inflammation-related signaling molecules, such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).
These signaling molecules activate the body's response to chronic inflammation, which is the underlying driver of a variety of diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer.
Deeper research has revealed a direct correlation between increased belly fat and the development of insulin resistance, a prodromal state of type 2 diabetes.
Therefore, belly fat control is not only for the sake of appearance, but also for internal health. In the face of such medical evidence, we must recognize that reducing belly fat is no less urgent than controlling blood pressure or lowering cholesterol.
It needs to be achieved through a reasonable diet, regular exercise and healthy lifestyle habits, so as to effectively cut off the source of chronic inflammation and reduce the risk of disease.
summary
A healthy abdomen should be soft as cotton, not hard as iron. In the face of changes in the abdomen, we should not turn a blind eye, but take active measures to adjust in time. In modern society, health has become our most valuable asset, and protecting it is the greatest responsibility for ourselves.
From today onwards, let us use scientific attitudes and actions to protect our health, so that "the abdomen is as soft as cotton, and all diseases do not come to entangle" become a reality for everyone.