"When it's cold, old stomach problems will occur." Recently, the temperature difference between morning and evening has increased, and many people have begun to suffer from stomach pain, acid reflux, stomach bloating and other discomforts. Why does cooling induce stomach discomfort? How to distinguish between cold stomach pain and stomach ulcers? As the weather turns colder, how to scientifically nourish the stomach and stay away from the recurrence of stomach problems? Below, let's take a look at the professional answer of Li Jingnan, chief physician of the Department of Gastroenterology at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.

Q: Why does cooling become the "fuse" of old stomach disease?

Li Jingnan: Many people wonder that the stomach is fine in summer, but in autumn and winter, stomach discomfort frequently comes to the door. In fact, the gastrointestinal tract can be called the "second brain" of the human body, and its function is not only affected by diet, but also extremely sensitive to temperature changes. On the one hand, a sudden drop in temperature can cause stomach cramps. Just like eating ice cream in summer can cause stomach pain in people with weak gastrointestinal function, if you don't pay attention to keeping warm in the morning and evening after the temperature drops, or still cover yourself with a thin blanket in summer when you sleep, the smooth muscles of the stomach will contract due to the cold, causing cramping pain. This pain is mostly temporary, but repeated colds can increase the burden on the stomach and make discomfort symptoms appear frequently.

On the other hand, low temperatures will reduce the protective function of the gastric mucosa. When the abdomen is cold, the blood supply to the gastrointestinal tract will be relatively reduced, and the repair ability of the gastric mucosa will decrease, and the tolerance to gastric acid will also decrease. Even if there are no obvious cramps at this time, people are prone to acid reflux, nausea and other symptoms. Therefore, patients with old stomach disease should pay special attention to keeping their stomachs warm, not only to add clothes in time, but also to avoid eating raw and cold foods to reduce irritation to the gastric mucosa.

Q: Why does "sad spring and autumn" also involve the stomach?

Li Jingnan: "Sadness in spring and autumn" is a common emotional state in autumn and winter, and the stomach is a "barometer" of emotions, and mood swings often make the stomach uncomfortable. This is the embodiment of the characteristics of the "second brain" of the gastrointestinal tract - the peristalsis and digestive functions of the gastrointestinal tract are regulated by the central nervous system.

When people are in a state of anxiety, irritability, and stress, the body secretes a variety of neurotransmitters and active substances, which can interfere with the normal peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract and even cause stomach cramps. Many people have had similar experiences: obviously they have no stomach problems, but suddenly have stomach pain after being angry, and no ulcers or inflammation are found after gastroscopy, which is a typical manifestation of emotions affecting gastrointestinal function.

In addition, bad emotions can also weaken digestive function. When you are in a good mood, you can digest smoothly even if you eat a little more, but when you are stressed and depressed, if you still consume high-protein, indigestible foods, it is easy to experience stomach bloating, belching and other discomforts. Therefore, in addition to paying attention to diet and keeping warm, it is also important to maintain a good attitude to protect the stomach in autumn and winter

Q: How to distinguish between cold stomach pain and recurrence of old stomach disease?

Li Jingnan: Occasional stomach pain after cooling down, many people can't tell whether it's simply a cold or a recurrence of old problems such as stomach ulcers and chronic gastritis. Here are a few simple ways to distinguish to help you make a quick judgment.

From the perspective of triggers and duration, stomach pain caused by cold or emotions can usually find a clear cause, such as not covering the quilt at night, recent stress, and the symptoms are mostly transient, and the symptoms will disappear in 1~2 days after drinking a glass of warm water, keeping warm or relieving emotions. Stomach pain caused by diseases such as stomach ulcers and chronic gastritis often has no obvious trigger, and the symptoms will persist and will not be relieved by simple warmth or dietary adjustments, and may take several days or even longer to improve.

From the perspective of the association between pain and diet, the pain patterns of different stomach diseases are also different. The typical manifestation of gastric ulcer is "postprandial pain", which is obvious within half an hour to 1 hour after eating, because food stimulates gastric acid secretion, aggravating the irritation of the gastric mucosa damage; duodenal ulcer is "fasting pain", stomach pain attacks when it is almost time to eat, and the pain will be relieved after eating some biscuits, bread and other foods; while stomach pain caused by cold is not highly related to diet, and may occur on an empty stomach or after meals.

In addition, if stomach pain is accompanied by blackening of the stool (excluding factors such as eating animal blood and iron), it may be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding and need to seek medical attention in time.

Q: How should I nourish and protect my stomach on a daily basis?

01 Keep warm both inside and outside, and focus on protecting the abdomen

External warmth: wear a thin jacket when going out in the morning and evening to avoid exposing the abdomen to cold air; change to a slightly thicker quilt when sleeping, especially pay attention to the abdomen not leaking air, and use the abdominal circumference if necessary.

Internal warmth: reduce the intake of raw and cold foods, such as ice drinks, cold dishes, fruits just taken out of the refrigerator, etc.; Eat leftover food after heating to avoid cold food directly irritating the gastric mucosa.

02 Eat a regular and light diet and grasp the principle of moderation

Eat regularly: Eat regularly and quantitatively to avoid being hungry and full, especially not to sleep in cold weather without breakfast. Too long a fasting period can lead to excess stomach acid and damage to the gastric mucosa.

In addition, eat less spicy, greasy, and hot foods, such as hot pot, barbecue, fried foods, etc., and eat some warm and easily digestible foods, such as porridge, noodles, steamed eggs, yams, etc., to help nourish the stomach.

Many people have questions about whether it is completely impossible to eat spicy food and drink coffee, tea, etc. In fact, nourishing the stomach is not to completely avoid such foods and drinks, the key is moderation. People who are used to eating spicy food can appropriately reduce the spiciness, choose light drinks when drinking coffee and tea, and avoid drinking on an empty stomach, all of which can reduce stomach irritation.

03 Choose the right time for exercise and avoid strenuous exercise

Proper exercise after the weather turns cooler can promote gastrointestinal peristalsis and improve digestive function, but you need to pay attention to time and intensity, and avoid strenuous exercise before and after meals. Strenuous exercise before meals may lead to a decrease in blood supply to the gastrointestinal tract and affect digestion; Exercising immediately after meals (such as running, skipping rope) can easily cause stomach bloating and stomach pain, so it is recommended to exercise 1 hour after meals.

It is recommended that you choose gentle exercise, such as walking, jogging, tai chi, etc., and each exercise can be 20~30 minutes, which can not only move the body, but also not burden the stomach.

04 Regulate emotions and reduce anxiety

Reduced light in autumn and winter can easily make people feel depressed, and there are some simple and easy-to-do ways to regulate this depressed mood. For example, spend 15~20 minutes standing by the window, balcony, or taking a walk in the community every morning or afternoon. Sunlight can help the body secrete more serotonin, which can help relieve depression.

In addition, you can also try to find some small things you like to do and cultivate hobbies. Such as reading, listening to music, growing flowers, etc., to divert attention and relieve the pressure of work and life. If you continue to feel down, you can communicate with family and friends, and seek psychological counseling if necessary.

05 Take medication according to the doctor's advice

When the stomach is uncomfortable, the medication must first be clarified. If it is clear that it is a cold or mild inflammation, mucosal protectors (such as magnesium aluminum carbonate, sucralfate) can be used for a short period of time; if acid reflux is obvious, acid suppressants (such as omeprazole) can be used under the guidance of a doctor, but it should be noted that acid suppressants need to be taken before meals, and mucosal protectors are suitable for taking between meals.

Everyone should pay attention to not blindly use medication. Some people think that they have been "sick for a long time" and take medicine for a long time, or believe in the "special drugs" recommended by others, which is not advisable. Everyone's type of stomach disease is different, and the medication regimen is also different, and blind medication may cover up the real condition and delay the treatment time.