Rewritten Title: Expert Warns: Everyday Habit Disrupts Digestive Health and National Well-being
Article:
A leading health expert has issued a compelling warning about a common daily practice that could be undermining the digestive health of citizens, linking personal well-being directly to national productivity.
In an analysis of stomach health and the impact of daily habits on the digestive system, Dr. Hassan Akbari, a specialist in Iranian traditional medicine and a faculty member at Shahid Beheshti University, identified a key, often overlooked, culprit.
The Icy Blow to Digestion
Dr. Akbari pinpointed the consumption of ice-cold water immediately after a meal as a primary disruptor. He explained that the digestive system relies on three core functions: digestion, absorption, and excretion. Drinking ice water, however, drastically lowers the stomach’s temperature and dilutes its essential acids.
“This not only slows down the digestion process but also causes food to remain in the stomach for a longer period, leading to discomfort and inefficiency,” Dr. Akbari stated. He emphasized that the optimal temperature for enzymatic activity and food digestion is around 37 degrees Celsius, a balance that is shattered by the introduction of cold water. Furthermore, cold water can impair the function of beneficial gut microbes, leading to gas production instead of aiding digestion.
Natural Remedies and Dietary Balance
Turning to solutions rooted in traditional knowledge, the expert highlighted the role of medicinal herbs. He noted that mint warms the stomach and aids digestion, though its astringent properties may cause constipation in some individuals. For those affected, he recommended combining mint tea with wild mint and pennyroyal to mitigate negative effects.
Regarding other natural remedies, Dr. Akbari explained that a tisane from ‘Khakshir’ (Plantago seeds) is useful for relieving constipation and balancing temperament, while a chilled syrup of the same seed can be effective in treating diarrhea. For individuals with a cold nature, he advised consuming warm vegetables like carrots, celery, pumpkin, and fresh herbs, and suggested camel’s milk and buttermilk as preferable alternatives to regular cow’s milk, especially for children.
A Broader Look at a Common Ailment
Defining a widespread issue, Dr. Akbari described constipation as a condition where waste matter hardens in the large intestine, making elimination difficult and painful. He cited poor diet, hormonal disorders, certain medications, and anatomical features as common causes.
This expert insight serves as a crucial reminder that the foundation of a robust and productive society is built upon the health of its individuals, with even the simplest habits holding significant power.