In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the incidence of stomach diseases among young people, and symptoms of discomfort such as stomach pain, stomach swelling and anti-acid acids are no longer “patents” for the middle-aged. Behind this phenomenon are the profound changes in modern lifestyles and the long-term accumulation of bad habits. The prevention of the rejuvenation of stomach disease has become an urgent concern for the health and quality of life of the younger generation.
I. Eating habits: returning to the health base
Poor eating habits are the primary factors in rejuvenation of stomach disease. Young people often ignore the principles of dietary health in order to save time or to pursue taste. First, there should be regular meals, time-quantification and the prevention of heavy consumption. Breakfast must not be overlooked as a key meal to begin a day of metabolism. A breakfast with carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, such as wheat bread, eggs, milk and fruit, can provide sufficient power to the stomach. Meals and dinners should also be properly matched to ensure a balanced intake of vegetables, meat and staples.
Reduce consumption of irritant foods such as spicy, greasy, cold food. Excessive consumption of peppers, fried foods, ice cream, etc. stimulates stomach mucous membranes, leading to gastric acidic disorders and chronic diseases such as stomach inflammation and stomach ulcer. In addition, it is essential to stop drinking. Both nicotine and alcohol in tobacco directly damage the stomach mucous membranes and increase the risk of stomach inflammation and ulcer. According to statistics, the incidence of stomach diseases among young people who smoke and drink for long periods is several times higher than among non-smokers.
II. Living well: following the natural rhythm
A fast-paced life, which has left many young people in the habit of staying up late and running irregularly, has caused enormous damage to stomach health. The biological clock of the human body plays a key role in regulating gastrointestinal functions. The night is the time for gastrointestinal rest and restoration, and long-term stay breaks the normal creeping of the gastrointestinal and digestive fluids. Young people should therefore ensure adequate sleep at 7 – 8 hours per night, as long as possible before 11 p.m.
Appropriate exercise is also essential for the prevention of stomach disease. Sport promotes gastrointestinal creeping, enhances digestive function and improves body immunity. Aerobics with a medium strength of at least 150 minutes per week, such as walking, jogging, swimming, etc., contribute to maintaining a healthy stomach. Care should be taken, however, to avoid intense movement immediately after meals in order not to affect digestion.
Mental stress: reduction of the heart and untiement of the stomach
The competitive pressures of modern society perpetuate stress, anxiety and depression among young people, which affect gastrointestinal functions through neuroendocrine systems. When a person is under stress, the mucous membrane of the stomach is impregnated and the stomach acid is increased and can cause stomach discomfort. It is therefore essential to learn to manage stress effectively.
Pressure can be mitigated in a variety of ways, such as meditation, deep breath, yoga, etc. It takes 15 to 20 minutes a day to meditate, to concentrate on breathing, to remove hysteria, to be effective in reducing anxiety, and to ease stomach stress. In addition, the development of interests, such as painting, music, reading, etc., can help to divert attention from the stress of work and life.
IV. Periodic examinations: early detection, early treatment
Many young people do not pay enough attention to stomach disease, often waiting for medical treatment to occur when the symptoms are severe, and miss the best time for treatment. A regular stomach examination, such as a gastroscope examination, a cholesterol test, etc., allows for the timely detection of potential stomach problems and the appropriate treatment. For young people with family history of stomach disease, chronic eating disorders or frequent stomach disorders, greater vigilance is needed to reduce the interval between examinations.
Rejuvenation of stomach disease is a health problem that cannot be ignored. Young people can only be effective in preventing the occurrence of stomach disease, keeping their stomachs healthy and dynamic, meeting the challenges of life and enjoying a good youth if they actively change their lifestyle from a variety of sources, such as eating habits, living habits, stress management and regular examinations.