Best ulcers & gastritis books according to redditors

This is a biological explanation for what sociologists and psychologists observe.

This is a book on the subject that is really accessible: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Zebras-Dont-Get-Ulcers/dp/0716732106

It is not a self help book, it actually totally changed my concept of poverty.

Stress is one part of it. When you experience stress, fat cells produce enzymes to break down nutrients in the blood stream for storage. This is due to glucocorticoid secretion to the bloodstream, which happens both during and after a stressor, and this particular mechanism happens after the stress and only happens in the presence of high insulin. High levels of both these hormones indicate a stress recovery period.

But not all fat cells are stimulated equally, and fat cells in the abdomen (visceral fat, giving you an apple shape) have more receptors for glucocorticoids than those around your rear end (gluteal fat, making you pear-shaped). This probably happens because visceral fat is closer to the liver and can be more easily converted to glucose in the liver given a new stressor.

It makes sense because after you've experienced a stressor, which at least evolutionarily leads to a lot of energy being used, you want to store this energy, but not so much sense in a modern world of constant intermittent stress. Waist-to-hip ratio is a good predictor of cardiovascular disease, for instance. So-called "comfort food" also act as a stress reducer in many ways, which is one of the reasons why stress can lead to overweight and obesity. They not only taste good, but make you feel good too, when lowering stress hormones.

TL;DR Stress makes you store fat preferentially around the abdomen, getting an apple shape, pear-shaped people are less stressed (and less fat).

Edit: Spelling and such.

Sources: The writings of Dr. Robert Sapolsky (Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers, p. 76; 434), amongst others, plus papers such as Stress and Body Shape[...] and Steroid Hormones and Distribution of Adipose Tissue.

Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers: An Updated Guide to Stress, Stress Related Diseases, and Coping

As humans, we do a lot of worrying about the past and the present and aren't really focused on the present as often as we should (one good book on this is Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers). Meditation can be a great way to change that.

I've found a few different things to be helpful: focusing on my breathing; focusing on my senses; little mantras; etc etc.

I really think that anything that helps you focus on the present can be very helpful for you. Take your time, practice some, and see what works for you. And enjoy it!

A great introduction to the psychology of health and illness! Very very readable!

http://www.amazon.com/Why-Zebras-Dont-Get-Ulcers/dp/0716732106