Stomach protection from ulcer and other diseases:
Esophagus and stomach plays very important role in the breakdown,digestion and absorption of food. Here i discuss both anatomy and physiology of esophagus and stomach in a very simple and comprehensive way.
Esophagus:
Thé esophagus is a hollow muscular tube which allow the passage of food particles from mouth to the stomach.There are some series of coordinated muscle contractions in this process called as peristalsis.Swallowing is the phenomenon known when the food is travelled down thé esophagus and then into the stomach.There is a mucus production in this process which prevents lubrication and protect the the inner lining of thé esophagus without causing irritation and damage from the passage of Food.
Stomach:
Stomach is the J shaped muscular organ located below diaphragm on the left side of the abdomen which produces several enzymes and further breaks food particles through mechanical and chemical processes.
•Mechanical digestion involves
the contraction of stomach muscles which mix the food with digestive juices to form thick liquid called “Chyme”.
•Acid secretion is associated with the secretion of enzymes like hydrochloric acid and pepsin which breakdown proteins and kill harmful bacteria present in the food.
•Mucus and bicarbonate secretion protect the walls from corrosive effects of stomach acid.
•Stomach “absorb water and alcohol” into bloodstream and then moves into the small intestine.
The Stomach is a distensible organ which can expand to hold about one litre of food and it can accommodate large metals.The maximum stomach volume in adults is between 2 and 4 liters.
You can keep our stomach and esophagus healthy by sticking to following tips and tricks:
1. Eat small frequent meals,the gap between two meals should not be more than 4 hours.
2. Chew slowly, counting to 32 with each bite.
3. Follow “Cardinal rule” that says adult should drink 6 to 8 ounces glass of water per day.
4. Inhibit alcohol consumption as it affect stomach lining.
5. Avoid excessive intake of fatty and fried foods, which lead to indigestion.
6. Limit the intake of spicy foods that can trigger heartburn or acid flux.
7. Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight.
8. Avoid taking large meals and late night snacking so that your stomach have sufficient time to digest.
9. Avoid eating too quickly or while laying down.
10. Overweighting can cause pressure on the stomach, so maintain a balanced weight.
11. Smoking weakens the esophageal muscles and increase the risk of acid reflux,so try to quit it.
12. Consume a high-fiber diet to promote regular bowel movements.
13. Do not stress too much,go through the phenomenon of deep breathing and meditation.
14. Your stomach needs specific time to digest so avoid eating before sleeping.
15. Maintain good posture while eating for proper digestion.
16. Carbonated beverages are harmful as they cause bloating and gas so avoid the use of them.
17. Large meals should be avoided before bed.
18. Probiotic rich foods gives a healthy gut one should increase the use of yogurt.
19. Do not wear tight-fitting clothes around your waist because it can cause pressure on the stomach.
20. Avoid excessive consumption of fluids during meals as it can cause pressure on the stomach and acid reflux.
