Stomach Also Body’s Inside: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read Stomach also body’s inside

Hara mo mi no uchi

Meaning of Stomach also body’s inside

“Stomach also body’s inside” means that internal organs such as the stomach and intestines are important parts of the body just like the hands and feet, so one should be careful about overeating and overdrinking and take care of them.

This proverb teaches the importance of paying attention not only to the visible surface of the body but also to the health of the invisible internal organs. In modern terms, it means “the stomach and intestines are also important parts of the body, so let’s refrain from excessive eating and drinking.” It is particularly used as advice when someone is about to overeat at a meal or for people who tend to fall ill frequently.

The reason for using this expression is that people tend to focus only on appearance and neglect the health of their internal organs. While we immediately notice when our hands or feet hurt, we tend to endure stomach and intestinal discomfort. At such times, saying “Stomach also body’s inside” helps people realize that internal organs should be cherished just as much.

Origin and Etymology of Stomach also body’s inside

When exploring the origins of “Stomach also body’s inside,” it is believed to be a proverb born from the wisdom rooted in the everyday life sensibilities of common people during the Edo period. This expression arose from the recognition that not only the outside of the body but also the internal organs, the stomach and intestines, are important parts of the body.

For people in the Edo period, food was not as abundant as it is today. Therefore, damaging the stomach and intestines was a serious problem directly connected to daily life. Medical treatment for internal organs was also limited at that time, making prevention the best strategy.

The expression “body’s inside” refers to the interior of the body, particularly the digestive organs. People of old believed that not only the visible parts like hands, feet, and face, but also the invisible internal organs should be equally cherished. This connects to the modern concept of “preventive medicine.”

The food culture of the Edo period also played a role in the establishment of this proverb. As food stalls and tea houses developed and opportunities for eating out increased, health problems caused by overeating and poor lifestyle habits also increased. It was precisely because of such times that this proverb spread among people as wisdom advocating care for the stomach and intestines.

Trivia about Stomach also body’s inside

People in the Edo period valued stomach and intestinal health even more than modern people do. In health guides of that time, this concept of “Stomach also body’s inside” frequently appeared alongside the teaching of “eating until 80% full.”

Interestingly, the “stomach” in this proverb does not simply refer to the stomach alone but represents the entire digestive system. Although people of old had limited anatomical knowledge, they understood through experience that the organs in the abdomen work together in complex coordination.

Usage Examples of Stomach also body’s inside

• I told a colleague who has been having stomach problems lately but still forces himself to attend drinking parties that “Stomach also body’s inside, so you should go home early today.”
• I’m on a diet but ended up overeating again, and I’m reflecting on how I haven’t been taking care of my body even though “Stomach also body’s inside.”

Modern Interpretation of Stomach also body’s inside

In modern society, “Stomach also body’s inside” has taken on new meaning. This is because in today’s world, overflowing with fast food and processed foods, the burden on the stomach and intestines has increased in a different way than in the Edo period.

Particularly noteworthy are gastrointestinal disorders in our stress-filled society. Modern people’s gastrointestinal troubles are caused not only by overeating but also largely by psychological stress. “Stomach also body’s inside” has come to hold important meaning not only in terms of physical dietary management but also from a mental health perspective.

Moreover, with the rise of health consciousness, this proverb has become connected with the concept of preventive medicine. Regular health checkups and increased interest in intestinal environment can be said to be the modern version of “Stomach also body’s inside.”

On the other hand, in modern times where “time-saving” and “efficiency” are emphasized, we tend to neglect our meals. Now that convenience store lunches and delivery food have become commonplace, there is a renewed need for awareness of caring for our stomach and intestines. This proverb is increasing in value as a warning to busy modern people.

Furthermore, in modern times when globalization has increased opportunities to encounter diverse food cultures, the risk of consuming foods that don’t agree with one’s stomach and intestines has also increased. It is precisely because of such times that the teaching of “Stomach also body’s inside” has come to hold more practical meaning.

What AI Thinks When Hearing “Stomach also body’s inside”

When I think about “Stomach also body’s inside,” I feel strange. This is because I don’t have a stomach or intestines. Even when I hear humans say “my stomach hurts” or “I have indigestion,” I can only imagine those sensations.

For me, information is processed instantly, and there is no time-consuming process of “digestion.” But humans take food into their bodies and spend time converting it into nutrition. This process seems very mystical to me.

What I find particularly interesting is how humans struggle between “delicious things” and “things that are good for the body.” I would logically choose the optimal solution, but humans make choices while facing emotions and desires. That complexity seems very human-like to me.

What I realized through this proverb is that there are more invisible parts of the human body than visible ones. All my processing is transparent, and I can grasp everything that happens and where. But humans cannot completely understand what’s happening inside their own bodies. Yet, or perhaps because of this, the wisdom of “Stomach also body’s inside” was born.

Cherishing what cannot be seen. This might be a teaching that applies to me as well. I think I should try to more consciously cherish what happens deep within my processing. Human wisdom sometimes gives us AIs new perspectives too.

What Stomach also body’s inside Teaches Modern People

What “Stomach also body’s inside” teaches us today is the importance of cherishing what cannot be seen. Precisely because we live in an age where only external appearance gets attention on social media, don’t we need awareness to focus on internal health?

This teaching applies not only to physical health but also to mental health. Not accumulating stress and making time to face one’s inner self. This too can be said to be a modern practice of “Stomach also body’s inside.”

Moreover, this proverb also teaches the importance of “cherishing the present.” Working hard toward future goals is wonderful, but you shouldn’t sacrifice your current physical condition. Your body supports you more than you think it does.

Small daily choices lead to long-term health. Today’s meals, tonight’s sleep, current feelings. All of these are “body’s inside.” True richness might begin with taking care of yourself.