Lifestyle and Gastric Function

Abstract

The stomach has a range of functions, including chemical digestion and mechanical breakdown of food, temporary storage of bulk intake, and regulation of the passage of nutrients into the duodenum. Further gastric functions are the nonspecific defense against microbes entering the gastrointestinal tract, preparation of ions as well as liberation of protein-bound cobalamin and production of intrinsic factor for uptake further along the tract, and finally limited absorption of water, alcohol, and some fat-soluble food components including some drugs. These functions are influenced by various lifestyle factors, such as smoking and alcohol intake with interference by Helicobacter pylori colonization. This paper focuses on the interaction between lifestyle and gastric function.

Safety and anti-ulcerogenic activity of a novel polyphenol-rich extract of clove buds (Syzygium aromaticum L)

“…1,2 Aging, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), chronic consumption of alcohol, smoking, and consumption of highly acidic and fat rich food/beverages and malnutrition were identified as the basic reasons for the development of gastric ulcers. 3,4 The pathogenesis of gastric ulcers includes chronic inflammation and subsequent generation of oxygen derived free radicals and lipid peroxidation leading to the elevation of oxidative stress, in turn causing even cancer. 5,6 Though many synthetic drugs are available for the treatment of gastric ulcers, the development of sustainable natural agents exhibiting significant efficacy in preventing and/or relieving the asymptotic complications associated with various ulcerative conditions is of great importance.…”