Poor nutrition is one of the most common causes of chronic diseases. It becomes especially dangerous when it comes to stomach cancer. Doctors warn: some common foods can significantly increase the risk of digestive system cancer.
Here are five categories of foods that you should limit or completely eliminate from your diet to reduce your risks:
1. Foods high in salt
Excessive salt consumption not only provokes hypertension, but also damages the gastric mucosa, creating a favorable environment for the development of malignant neoplasms. Canned food, salty snacks, bouillon cubes, and fast food are especially dangerous.
2. Processed meat
Sausage, ham, hot dogs, bacon — all of these are processed red meats that are smoked, salted, or pickled. These foods contain nitrates and nitrites, which, when consumed regularly, have been linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer. The WHO classified processed meats as carcinogenic back in 2015.
3. Alcohol
Drinking three or more alcoholic drinks a day significantly increases the risk of stomach cancer. Alcohol damages the cells of the mucous membrane and promotes inflammatory processes that can develop into cancer.
4. Pickled foods
Cucumbers, sauerkraut, and mushrooms are favorite foods of many Ukrainians, especially in the winter season. However, regular consumption of pickled and fermented foods with a high salt and vinegar content increases the likelihood of developing malignant tumors in the stomach.
5. Dried fish
Salted or dried fish, a popular beer snack, also belongs to the group of potentially carcinogenic foods. Regular consumption of roach, roach, or other similar products is associated with a risk of stomach cancer due to the high concentration of salt and preservatives.
A healthy stomach starts with a healthy diet. Even small daily changes in habits can reduce the risk of cancer. The diet should be balanced, rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, grains, proteins - and with a minimum of processed foods.
