Showing posts with label Wellness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wellness. Show all posts

Saturday, April 26, 2025

For the Health of Our Stomach



OVERVIEW

The stomach is a vital part of the digestive system. It is J-shaped, located in the upper abdomen, on the left side, beneath the diaphragm.

Food is swallowed from the mouth, passes through the esophagus, and then enters the stomach through the cardiac orifice. (The cardiac orifice, also called the gastroesophageal junction or cardiac sphincter, is the opening where the esophagus connects to the stomach. It's named "cardiac" not because of any relation to the heart, but because of its location near the heart. This sphincter helps prevent stomach acid and food from flowing back up into the esophagus.)

The stomach temporarily stores food and uses muscular contractions to churn and mix it with gastric juices (containing hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes), breaking the food down into a semi-liquid mixture called chyme. 

This chyme then passes through the pyloric sphincter into the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. 

In the small intestine, most nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream to nourish the body. 

The remaining undigested food moves into the large intestine for further processing and eventual elimination.

STRUCTURE

The stomach is an organ with a complex and sturdy connective system.

From the inside out, our stomach has 4 main layers:

1. The mucosa layer: This innermost layer contains gastric glands that secrete digestive substances, such as gastric acid and enzymes, protective mucus, and some hormones. It also plays a minor role in absorption.

2. The submucosa layer: Made up of connective tissue, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves, this layer supports the mucosa and provides it with nutrients and a means of communication with other organs.

3. The muscularis externa layer:

This muscle layer is responsible for the stomach's mechanical digestion and movement. It has three parts, each running in different directions:

  • Inner oblique layer: This layer is unique to the stomach and helps churn food, mixing it with digestive juices to break it down more efficiently.
  • Middle circular layer: The muscles in this layer form rings around the stomach. Near the exit of the stomach (the pylorus), these muscles thicken to form the pyloric sphincter, which controls the passage of food from the stomach into the small intestine.
  • Outer longitudinal layer: These muscles run lengthwise along the stomach. When contracted, they help push food toward the exit of the stomach.

All three muscle layers work together to mix food with digestive juices and gradually move it through the stomach, aiding in digestion and the preparation of food for further digestion in the small intestine.

4. The serosa layer: This outermost layer is a serous membrane that covers the stomach. It provides a smooth surface and helps reduce friction with surrounding organs, allowing for the stomach's movement within the abdominal cavity.

FUNCTIONS

The stomach has three main functions:
1. Temporarily store food.
2. Contract, churn and mix food with gastric juices.
3. Digest food into a semi-liquid substance called chyme, preparing it for subsequent nutrient absorption in the small intestine.

COMMON STOMACH DISEASES & SYMPTOMS

Stomach ulcers

Stomach ulcers are open sores in the stomach lining, most commonly caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria or long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen. H. pylori bacteria weaken the stomach's protective mucus lining, making it more vulnerable to damage from stomach acid, while NSAIDs can irritate or damage the lining. Symptoms include burning abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and potentially vomit or bloody stools. In some cases, ulcers may be asymptomatic.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD):

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and potential damage to the esophageal lining. This can lead to significant discomfort and, if left untreated, may cause esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) and esophageal ulcers.

GERD can also contribute to other complications, such as esophageal stricture, dental problems from acid exposure, and respiratory issues like chronic cough.

Stomach bleeding (gastric hemorrhage)
Stomach bleeding can range from slow, chronic blood loss to rapid, acute hemorrhage. Depending on the severity, symptoms may include vomiting blood, black stools, or bright red blood in the stools. Other signs include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, and abdominal pain. Common causes include peptic ulcers (the most frequent cause), gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), esophageal varices (dilated veins of the esophagus), tumors, and medication side effects, particularly from NSAIDs, which can irritate the stomach lining. If left untreated, stomach bleeding can lead to complications such as anemia, shock, or even death, making prompt medical attention critical.

Stomach cancer: This is the most severe stomach disease. Abnormal cells growing out of control typically develops over many years, often beginning with precancerous changes in the stomach lining and eventually spreading throughout the stomach and potentially to other organs. This gradual progression is one reason why stomach cancer is often diagnosed at later stages. Symptoms include persistent stomach pain, bloating, loss of appetite, vomiting blood, black stools, and rapid weight loss. Early stomach cancer, however, often produces no symptoms or only vague discomfort. 

POSSIBLE CAUSES OF STOMACH DISORDERS

  1. Frequent stress

    When people are stressed for a long time, especially from working too much, they often have stomach problems. Stress doesn't directly cause stomach ulcers (those usually come from a bacteria called H. pylori or from taking certain pain medicines for a long time), but it can make ulcers feel worse. 

    Being stressed a lot can also make you feel tired, not want to eat, and weak. Stress can cause stomach pain, make you feel bloated, or make you feel sick to your stomach. It can also change how fast your digestion works, sometimes causing constipation or diarrhea.  

    If you don't deal with stress, it can lead to more serious digestive problems like acid reflux or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 

    Stress might also make you do unhealthy things like drink more alcohol or smoke, which can hurt your stomach too. 

  2. Excessive alcohol consumption

    Drinking too much alcohol can hurt your stomach's inside lining. This can make it red, sore, and swollen. While alcohol doesn't directly cause ulcers, it can make existing ones feel worse and heal slower. 

    Chronic heavy drinking can lead to a number of complications, including internal bleeding and weakened stomach defenses, and it can increase stomach acid production, worsening irritation and inflammation.

  3. Excessive use of medication

    Using too many medications, especially pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen (NSAIDs), can harm your stomach. These drugs reduce the amount of prostaglandins, which are fatty acids that help protect the stomach lining by lowering acid and increasing mucus. Without enough prostaglandins, the stomach walls can become inflamed or develop ulcers without symptoms.

    Over time, NSAIDs can lead to stomach bleeding which can be life-threatening, especially for older people or those who already have stomach issues.
  4. Unhealthy eating habits

    Habits such as irregular eating times, consuming improperly cooked or unclean food, prolonged hunger, overeating, and excessive intake of sour, spicy, or hot foods can irritate the stomach lining and cause stomach pain. Stress or anxiety during meals, rushed eating, and multitasking while eating can also lead to digestive discomfort. Chronic continuation of these habits increases the risk of gastritis.

THE STOMACH MERIDIAN ACCORDING TO TRADITIONAL EASTERN MEDICINE

In the Five Element Theory of Traditional Eastern Medicine, the Stomach (Yang) is associated with the Earth element, and its Yin counterpart is the Spleen.

As part of the Twelve Primary Meridians, the Stomach Meridian follows the Leg Yang Ming (Yang Brightness) pathway.

This meridian extends from acupoints on the head, passes through the torso, and runs down the outer leg, concluding at the second toe (also known as the index toe).

To support stomach health, in addition to routine full-body exercises, special attention should be given to the abdomen, legs, and feet.

HEALTHY HABITS FOR A STRONG STOMACH

To protect and maintain a healthy stomach, adopting certain habits can be helpful:

  1. Eat a balanced, varied diet that includes adequate servings of fruits and vegetables. 
  2. When eating, avoid worrying or overthinking. Focus on your meal and try not to multitask.
  3. Eat properly cooked food, drink clean water, and practice good food hygiene.
  4. Limit or avoid fried foods, oily dishes, and foods that are overly spicy, hot, or sour (acidic).
  5. Maintain regular meal times, eat slowly, chew your food well, and avoid swallowing too quickly.
  6. Avoid letting yourself get too hungry, and try not to overeat.
  7. Try not to do any heavy work right after eating.
  8. Do not eat a large meal right before going to bed; it's best to leave at least three hours between eating and sleeping.
  9. Maintain a healthy weight, avoid being too underweight or obese.
  10. Avoid using medications at random, especially NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and other painkillers. Follow the guidance of a doctor or qualified healthcare professional.
  11. It's best to refrain from drinking alcohol.
  12. Avoid smoking.
  13. Try to avoid overworking, excessive physical labor, and high stress levels.
  14. Avoid staying up too late. If work requires staying up late, make sure to get enough rest and sleep.
  15. Exercise regularly and practice chi kung (qigong) properly, consistently, and sufficiently.
  16. Practice letting go—less anger and resentment, more understanding and love.
  17. Avoid unnecessary troubles, lighten your stress, and choose to live joyfully and positively.

 - Ly Binh Son, USA (Traditional Eastern Medicine Practitioner & Aesthetic Chi Kung Founder)