Understanding Modern Spleen and Stomach Diseases
In today's fast-paced world, many individuals experience high levels of stress and irregular work schedules, leading to digestive system dysfunction. Modern spleen and stomach diseases are complex and primarily display two characteristics: an abundance of cold symptoms and a prevalence of multifaceted illnesses.
The Impact of Lifestyle on Digestive Health
Due to increased comfort and convenience stemming from economic improvements, people are generally becoming more sedentary. This lifestyle shift, combined with rising work and life pressures, contributes to a rise in chronic complex diseases that often reflect a mix of cold and heat symptoms.
Types of Modern Spleen and Stomach Disorders
Clinically, the manifestations of modern gastric disorders can be categorized into three main types, each requiring specific treatment approaches.
1. Chronic Gastritis Symptoms
Patients suffering from chronic gastritis often report symptoms such as bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, and insomnia. These symptoms can indicate a heat pattern in the stomach (heat in the stomach) and a cold pattern in the spleen (cold spleen). In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this is referred to as "stomach heat and spleen cold." The recommended treatment may include a formula like Banxia Xiexin Decoction (containing Banxia, Huangqin, Ganjiang, Renshen, Huanglian, dates, and roasted licorice) tailored to individual patient needs.
To alleviate these symptoms, individuals are encouraged to consume bitter foods like spinach, buckwheat, and tea to clear heat from the stomach, while also incorporating spicy and sweet foods, as well as fiber-rich vegetables, like celery and leeks, to promote digestion.
2. Cold Sensitivity and Digestive Imbalance
Some individuals may experience irregular bowel movements, exhibiting symptoms of both constipation and diarrhea. These patients tend to be sensitive to cold, often having cold hands and feet, troubled sleep, night sweats, and lean physique. Menstrual issues are common, especially among women, often linked to "spleen deficiency" and "yin-yang deficiency."
Herbal remedies targeting spleen and stomach functions, such as Huangqi Jianzhong Decoction (featuring Huangqi, dates, Bai Shao, Gui Zhi, ginger, licorice, and sugar) are recommended for replenishing energy and balancing yin and yang. Foods rich in sweetness, such as honey, can also be helpful as an energy tonic.
3. Digestive Disorders in the Elderly
In older adults, digestive issues manifest as bloating, stomach pain, constipation, or irregular bowel habits, often accompanied by symptoms like a bitter taste in the mouth, poor sleep, and disrupted menstrual cycles in women. These conditions are frequently associated with both spleen deficiency and liver stagnation, known as "liver qi stagnation with spleen deficiency." The use of Chaihu Decoction (including Chaihu, Banxia, Renshen, licorice, Huangqin, ginger, and dates) can be beneficial in these cases.
Incorporating sour fruits and vinegar into the diet may help soothe liver function, while mildly bitter and sweet foods can support spleen and stomach health. Additionally, increased protein intake through meats and eggs can aid in energy and blood replenishment, improving symptoms of deficiency.
Preventing Spleen and Stomach Disorders
Experts advocate for maintaining a regular dietary routine, focusing on consistent food quality, quantity, and timing. Sudden changes in diet, such as a drastic increase in meat consumption, can overburden the spleen and stomach.
Consistent meal times are crucial for preventing digestive disorders as irregular eating habits can disrupt the normal secretion of digestive fluids, leading to spleen and stomach damage and heightening the risk of developing serious health issues.
By understanding these modern diseases of the spleen and stomach and implementing appropriate dietary and lifestyle adjustments, individuals can greatly enhance their digestive health and overall well-being.