Understanding Modern Spleen and Stomach Disorders
In today's fast-paced world, many individuals grapple with high stress, irregular work hours, and abnormal digestive functions. This has led to an increase in complex gastrointestinal disorders, often characterized by two significant features: the prevalence of cold symptoms and the existence of intricate diseases.
Cold Symptoms in Gastrointestinal Disorders
One prominent feature of modern digestive issues is the frequent occurrence of cold symptoms. For instance, individuals who spend extended periods in air-conditioned environments are particularly susceptible to the cold, as these conditions allow external cold evils to penetrate the body. Consequently, many patients exhibit symptoms associated with cold, which complicates their digestive health.
Complexity of Modern Digestive Disorders
The second aspect is the complexity of these disorders. Despite improved economic conditions leading to more comfortable lifestyles, many people are experiencing increased work and life pressures. This combination contributes to the prevalence of chronic complex diseases that manifest symptoms of both hot and cold. Understanding these symptoms is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment.
Classification of Modern Gastrointestinal Disorders
Modern gastrointestinal ailments can be broadly categorized into three types, each requiring specific treatment plans:
1. Chronic Gastritis
Patients with chronic gastritis often report symptoms such as gastric bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, and poor sleep. These manifestations can indicate a combination of stomach heat and spleen cold. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) classifies this condition as "stomach heat and spleen cold," or "upper heat with lower cold." The treatment mainly involves the use of Banxia Xiexin Decoction, which includes Banxia, Huangqin, dried ginger, ginseng, Huanglian, dates, and roasted licorice, with variations tailored to individual patient needs.
Diet Recommendations for Chronic Gastritis
Patients are generally advised to consume foods that can help clear heat, such as spinach, buckwheat, and bitter teas. Additionally, including spicy ingredients like onions and ginger, as well as fiber-rich vegetables such as celery and leeks, can assist in reducing bloating.
2. Alternating Constipation and Diarrhea
Individuals experiencing alternating constipation and diarrhea often feel cold; they may have cold hands and feet, suffer from insomnia with vivid dreams, and experience night sweats. These symptoms can suggest a deficiency in both Qi and Yin. In TCM, treatments focus on warming the Yang and nourishing Yin, utilizing core formulas like Huangqi Jianzhong Decoction, which consists of Huangqi, dates, Bai Shao, Guizhi, ginger, licorice, and sugar. Additionally, those with Qi deficiency tend to benefit from sweet foods, with honey being a particularly effective option for replenishing energy.
3. Disorders Common in the Elderly
In older populations, gastrointestinal disorders frequently present with symptoms such as bloating, stomach pain, and poor bowel movements. Patients may also experience severe constipation or loose stools over time, accompanied by an unpleasant bitter taste in the mouth and sleep disturbances. Women in this group may also face menstrual irregularities. These issues often indicate a combination of spleen deficiency and liver stagnation, categorized in TCM as "liver Qi stagnation and spleen deficiency." Treatment typically includes Xiao Chai Hu Decoction, comprising Chai Hu, Banxia, ginseng, licorice, Huangqin, ginger, and dates.
Dietary Guidelines for Elderly Patients
For older individuals, it is advisable to indulge in sour fruits and vinegar, complemented by sweet and bitter foods that support liver health, along with adequate protein sources such as meat and eggs to replenish energy and improve deficiencies.
Maintaining Digestive Health: The Importance of Routine
Experts emphasize that maintaining the health of the spleen and stomach relies heavily on establishing a regular dietary routine. This includes consistency in meal quantities, quality, and timing. Abrupt changes in diet, particularly in the consumption of excessive meat, can overload the spleen and stomach. Eating at consistent times is crucial for preventing digestive disorders, as irregular eating patterns can disrupt the normal secretion of digestive juices, leading to potential long-term health issues.
In summary, understanding the complexities of modern spleen and stomach diseases is essential for effective treatment and maintenance of digestive health. By recognizing symptoms and adhering to dietary guidelines, it is possible to improve overall well-being and address gastrointestinal disorders successfully.