Evita estas 4 trampas perjudiciales para el estómago en la cena de Año Nuevo

Published by: Popular Science China

Author: Liu Xuyou, Mai Bo

Producer: Guangdong Provincial Association for Science and Technology

During the long holidays of the Chinese New Year, family gatherings and delicious dishes go hand in hand. Dinners with relatives and friends, snacks during leisure time, and toasting among loved ones fill every day with joy and warmth. However, behind this bustling celebration, our stomachs are silently 'bearing the pressure'.

During the Spring Festival period, the number of people seeking consultations for digestive problems, such as acute gastroenteritis, indigestion, stomach pain, and abdominal bloating, has significantly increased. Many people, while enjoying family reunions, are affected by stomach discomfort. Today, Liu Xuyou, the director of the gastroenterology department at the Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, has shared a 'Guide to Taking Care of the Stomach' tailored to the dietary characteristics and schedules during the Spring Festival, aiming to teach everyone how to scientifically care for their stomachs and enjoy the festivities peacefully, easily winning this 'war' for stomach health during the Spring Festival.

Gastrointestinal discomfort is common during the Spring Festival, and the causes are found in these points.

During the Spring Festival period, it is common for gastrointestinal discomfort to occur, mainly due to drastic changes in diet and short-term lifestyle habits. Below are the primary factors that induce these discomforts:

Disorganized diet: During the festivities, dishes are high in oil, salt, and fats, combined with continuous snacking and overeating, which causes the digestive system to work on overload for an extended period.

Temperature alternation stimulation: Consuming cold drinks or refrigerated fruits immediately after hot dishes can damage the gastric mucosa due to the temperature difference, which may lead to stomach pain and acidity.

Excessive alcohol consumption: The invitation to drink, competing in alcohol consumption, and mixing different types of alcoholic beverages constantly stimulate the gastric mucosa. This can lead to mild discomfort or even gastric bleeding in more severe cases.

Disruption of life rhythm: Staying up late to ring in the New Year and sleeping in disrupts the normal motility of the gastrointestinal system and the rhythm of digestive juice secretion, which can result in dysfunction, food accumulation, and abdominal distension.

During the Spring Festival, taking care of the stomach is crucial, and dietary control is key.

Protecting the stomach does not require excessively avoiding certain foods; the important thing is 'moderation, regularity, and gentleness,' balancing flavor and health.

The cuisine should be light: When organizing a meal, it is preferable to choose steamed or stewed dishes, reduce fried and stir-fried foods, and pay attention to the combination of animal and plant-based foods. It is suggested that vegetables should not be less than half of the meal.

Eat at a steady pace: chew well and eat slowly, filling the stomach to about 70% at each meal, avoiding overeating for 'appearance' or 'fear of waste'.

It is important to separate cold and hot: cold drinks and fruits can be kept at room temperature before consumption to reduce sudden stimulation of the gastric mucosa.

Choose soft snacks: avoid fried and high-sugar snacks, and opt for healthy snacks like steamed sweet potatoes, unsweetened yogurt, and natural nuts. Also, ensure they do not interfere with main meals.

Drinking alcohol in moderation is essential. Here are some misconceptions that can harm the stomach.

During the Spring Festival, remember to 'have limits and methods' when consuming alcohol, and avoid common mistakes:

Do not drink alcohol on an empty stomach: Before drinking, you can eat some millet porridge, bread, or vegetables to form a protective layer in the stomach.

Strictly control the quantity and type of alcohol: alcohol consumption should not exceed 50 grams per day for spirits and not more than 500 ml for beer, avoiding the mixing of different types of alcoholic beverages as much as possible.

Correct relief for discomfort after drinking: mild stomach pain and acid reflux can be alleviated by drinking warm water, honey water, or millet porridge, and avoiding strong tea or coffee to prevent increased irritation.

Seek medical attention immediately if severe symptoms occur: such as intense stomach pain, vomiting with blood, etc., prompt medical attention is required and should not be delayed.

Maintaining a routine and exercising helps to care for the stomach more efficiently.

Good living habits are an important support for gastrointestinal health.

Maintain a regular schedule: Try to ensure 7 to 8 hours of sleep each day, avoiding staying up late and getting up too late to keep a normal rhythm in the gastrointestinal system.

Engage in moderate daily activities: Walking for 15 to 20 minutes after meals, or getting up and moving appropriately, helps promote intestinal motility and relieve the feeling of bloating.

Keep your emotions stable: anxiety, irritability, and other negative emotions can also affect gastrointestinal function, so it is important to learn self-regulation.

If you experience gastrointestinal discomfort, it is important to know when to seek medical attention. Here are some situations where you should see a doctor: 1. Severe or persistent abdominal pain. 2. Persistent vomiting or blood in vomit. 3. Intense diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours. 4. Blood in stool or black stools. 5. Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, dizziness, or reduced urine output. 6. High fever that does not subside with home treatments. 7. History of serious gastrointestinal problems. Remember that it is better to prevent and consult a professional if you have health concerns.

Mild abdominal distension and food accumulation can be relieved through a light diet, warm compresses on the abdomen, and moderate physical activity; however, if any of the following situations occur, you should consult a doctor immediately: - Intense and persistent abdominal pain that does not relieve or radiates to the back; - Frequent vomiting, diarrhea, accompanied by dry mouth, little urine, dizziness, and other dehydration symptoms; - Vomiting with blood, black tarry stools; - Fever above 38.5℃, accompanied by abdominal pain and vomiting, suggests the possibility of an infection; - If you have a fishbone, bone spines, or other foreign objects stuck in your throat, do not attempt to remove them indiscriminately, such as swallowing hard rice balls. It is suggested to go directly to the otolaryngology or gastroenterology department of the hospital.

Final recommendations.

The significance of the Spring Festival lies in unity and health, and a healthy stomach is the foundation for enjoying family reunions. Caring for the stomach does not mean 'not eating,' but rather 'knowing how to eat'; it is not 'not enjoying,' but 'doing it in moderation.' Maintaining a proper pace in eating, controlling alcohol consumption, and keeping a regular schedule are key to enjoying good food and family warmth while caring for digestive health.

May everyone enjoy peace of mind while eating, happiness while gathering, comfort in their stomachs, and health for the whole family, truly winning this 'Spring Festival Stomach Protection War'!

Content from: Guangdong Provincial Association for Science and Technology.

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