Hello everyone, I am an internist who has been practicing for many years. In my day-to-day work, I have met countless patients who come to the doctor with stomach upset. Through my interactions with patients, I have found that many people have some misconceptions about how to nourish their stomach, and these misconceptions are often an inevitable part of their daily eating habits. For example, Mr. Zhang, a programmer who often works overtime late into the night, has a long history of stomach pain. After working overtime one night, he came to our hospital's emergency room with unbearable stomach pain. Mr. Zhang told me that he often drinks porridge and noodles in order to "nourish his stomach", and he also keeps some soda biscuits with him to prevent excessive stomach acid. However, his stomach pain did not relieve, but became more frequent. After a detailed examination, we found that Mr. Zhang's gastric mucosa was severely irritated and required more professional treatment and dietary adjustment.
Common stomach misconceptions
1. Drink porridge
Many people believe that drinking porridge is the best option for nourishing their stomach, especially if they feel sick to their stomach or have indigestion. Porridge is prized for its ease of digestion and absorption. However, for some people with excess stomach acid, drinking porridge is not always a good thing. Porridge stays in the stomach for a shorter period of time and may stimulate the stomach to empty faster, which in turn stimulates the secretion of more stomach acid. In addition, if you rely too much on porridge, it can lead to insufficient nutrient intake in the body, especially protein and fat intake.
2. Eat noodles
Pasta such as noodles and bread occupy an important place in many people's diets and are often seen as mild and easy to digest. However, pasta is mainly made up of carbohydrates, which are quickly converted into sugar in the stomach and may lead to an increase in gastric acid secretion. For people with gastritis or excessive stomach acid, frequent consumption of pasta may burden the stomach, leading to indigestion or stomach upset.
3. Soda crackers
Soda crackers are often considered an ideal food for people with digestive disorders because of their simplicity and tastelessness. However, such cookies contain sodium bicarbonate (i.e., soda), which is an alkaline substance. Although it can neutralize stomach acid, long-term consumption of soda crackers may interfere with the normal production of stomach acid, affecting digestion. In addition, soda crackers have a low nutritional value, and long-term dependence may lead to malnutrition.
A truly effective way to nourish the stomach
1. Moderate fiber intake
Fiber is key to maintaining digestive health. Moderate fiber intake can help the stomach process food better, reduce the problem of excessive stomach acidity, and promote gut health. Recommended foods: Whole grains, oats, legumes, fruits, and vegetables are all good sources of fiber. How to eat: For example, you can choose oatmeal for breakfast with some nuts and fresh fruit, and add more vegetables such as steamed vegetables or raw salad for lunch and dinner.
2. Choose low-fat foods
Foods that are high in fat take longer to digest, which increases the burden on the stomach and may cause stomach upset. Choosing low-fat foods can reduce this burden. Low-fat food options: such as lean meat, chicken breast, fish and low-fat dairy products. Cooking: Try to avoid frying and prepare food by cooking, stewing, steaming or grilling.
3. Appropriate enzyme supplementation
Digestive enzymes can help break down food better, reducing the workload on the stomach. In some cases, such as indigestion or after stomach surgery, supplementing with digestive enzymes can be very beneficial. With these practical and effective methods, you can significantly improve and protect your stomach health. Combined with proper eating habits and lifestyle modifications, these strategies will help you maintain an optimal digestive system. Always remember that individual differences exist, so it's best to tailor your stomach strategy to your specific situation. If you have specific stomach problems, it is advisable to consult a medical professional for more specific guidance.
Stomach tips in daily life
1. Adjust the frequency and amount of meals
Too much or too little food intake can put a burden on the stomach. It is recommended not to overeat at each meal, eat until seven minutes full, and at the same time, increase the frequency of meals, such as dividing three meals into five small meals, which can reduce the work intensity of the stomach and allow the stomach to have enough time to digest and absorb food.
2. Prioritize the role of breakfast
Skipping breakfast can lead to excessive stomach acid, which can easily form gastritis or aggravate stomach problems over time. Therefore, breakfast should not be neglected even in a busy morning. Choosing foods that are easy to digest and nutritionally balanced, such as oatmeal porridge and whole-grain bread with low-fat milk, can provide the stomach with the first "bottom" of the day and reduce stomach acid damage.
3. Avoid overdoing dinner
Excessive dinner is one of the common causes of stomach problems. At night, the body's metabolism slows down, and the burden on the stomach increases. Therefore, you should choose foods that are easy to digest for dinner, and try to finish the meal three to four hours before going to bed, so as to give the stomach enough time to digest food and reduce stomach acid secretion and stomach discomfort at night.
4. Drink plenty of water and avoid drinking a lot of water during meals
Drinking water in moderation helps in the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients, while promoting metabolism and reducing stomach upset. It is recommended to drink water properly between meals and after meals, and avoid drinking a lot of water during meals, which can prevent dilution of gastric juice and reduce digestion efficiency. With these simple but effective lifestyle adjustments, you can not only reduce the burden on your stomach, but also improve your overall digestive health. Remember, developing good eating habits is the key to nourishing your stomach.