The Stages in Which Binge Eating and Overwork Damage Our Nerves

The concepts of internal impairment and damage to the spleen and stomach in the Donguibogam align closely with modern neurology, endocrinology, and gastroenterology. Beyond general fatigue, binge eating and overwork can disrupt the close communication between the brain and the gut. Overwork leads to chronic stress. Stress continuously activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, increasing the secretion of stress hormones like cortisol. While cortisol provides short-term energy, sustained elevation suppresses immunity, promotes inflammation, and can damage the hippocampus, which governs memory and learning. This is a primary driver of brain fog and chronic fatigue. In addition, overactivating the sympathetic nerve suppresses the parasympathetic nerve responsible for digestion, slowing gastrointestinal motility and reducing digestive enzyme secretion. Binge eating and irregular meals place direct strain on the gastrointestinal tract. Diets high in refined carbohydrates and sugar cause a blood sugar spike, where blood glucose rises and falls rapidly. This fluctuations trigger inflammatory responses, promote insulin resistance, and disrupt overall energy metabolism. As the brain's steady supply of glucose becomes irregular, impaired concentration and lethargy set in. Disruption of the gut-brain axis is equally critical. The gastrointestinal tract houses a vast community of microorganisms, and this gut microbiota produces neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, along with short-chain fatty acids, profoundly influencing brain function and mood regulation. Binge eating and processed foods decrease beneficial bacteria while promoting the proliferation of harmful bacteria, damaging the intestinal mucosa and contributing to leaky gut syndrome. When the intestinal barrier weakens, toxins and inflammatory compounds enter the bloodstream and reach the brain, accelerating neuroinflammation and cognitive decline. This cycle impairs energy production, reduces cognitive clarity, and entrenches dyspepsia and chronic fatigue. In modern terms, damage to the spleen and stomach reflects a breakdown of the gut-brain axis.