As the saying goes, "nine out of ten people suffer from stomach problems," and stomach discomfort, acid reflux, and bloating have become common ailments in modern society. However, many people still feel that stomach cancer is something far removed from their own lives. Xiao Wen, a university student in Jinhua, Zhejiang, would go out for a meal almost every evening after self-study, sometimes even making barbecue his main dish. Recently, Xiao Wen was diagnosed with late-stage stomach cancer, and the culprit was indeed barbecue.
Dietary habits and environmental pollution contribute to the high incidence of stomach cancer.
The annual report released by the National Cancer Registry Center shows that the incidence of gastric cancer is mainly concentrated in western my country and southeastern coastal provinces, such as Shanghai, Jiangsu, Qinghai, and Gansu. The incidence of gastric cancer in men is much higher than in women, especially in middle-aged men who often suffer from gastric polyps, gastric ulcers, chronic atrophic gastritis, and other diseases. If these conditions are not treated for a long time, they are very likely to develop into gastric cancer.
Data shows that in the past five years, my country has seen 400,000 new cases of stomach cancer each year, accounting for about 42% of the world's incidence rate; it is estimated that by 2015, the incidence rate of stomach cancer in my country will continue to rise by 1.6% per year.
Experts believe that the high incidence of stomach cancer among Chinese people is related to their unique dietary habits. For example, Chinese people love to eat roasted lamb skewers, hot pot, spicy food, and pickled foods. Foods with strong flavors can irritate the digestive tract and cause organ damage. Drinking a lot of alcohol is also a reason. Excessive drinking of baijiu (Chinese liquor) not only damages the liver but also has adverse effects on the entire digestive tract.
Furthermore, the incidence of stomach cancer in Taiwan has surged in recent years, which is also closely related to environmental pollution. Polluted water and food can irritate the digestive tract and damage the stomach. In addition, pesticide residues and drug abuse can also lead to an increase in digestive system cancers.
What to do if you have a sensitive stomach? Here are six foods that are best for your stomach.
Foods that are good for the stomach: 1. Cabbage
If you want to take good care of your stomach, cabbage is an essential ingredient. It has the effects of strengthening the spleen and stomach, relieving pain, detoxifying and reducing swelling, and clearing heat and promoting diuresis. Moreover, cabbage contains a large amount of vitamin C, which has the effect of relieving pain and promoting ulcer healing. Stewing cabbage with barley, dried tangerine peel, and honey can also treat stomach pain, upper abdominal distension, and gastric and duodenal ulcers.
Foods that nourish the stomach, part two: Pumpkin
According to the "Diannan Materia Medica" and the "Compendium of Materia Medica," pumpkin is warm in nature, sweet in taste, and enters the spleen and stomach meridians. This means that pumpkin is very beneficial for nourishing the spleen and stomach. From a modern nutritional perspective, pumpkin is rich in carotene, B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, and other nutrients. It is excellent for strengthening the stomach and aiding digestion. Its pectin content can protect the gastrointestinal mucosa from irritation by rough foods, making it suitable for people with stomach ailments.
Three foods that are good for the stomach: cabbage
Cabbage is known as a natural "stomach-friendly" food. It quenches thirst, aids digestion, promotes gastric juice secretion, and protects the gastric mucosa. People with stomach problems, especially those suffering from gastric ulcers or duodenal ulcers, can juice cabbage and drink one cup daily. Adding a small amount of honey can also be very helpful in promoting ulcer healing.
Foods that nourish the stomach: 4. Poria cocos
It has a sweet and bland taste, and is neutral in nature. It has the effects of strengthening the spleen and stomach, removing dampness and promoting diuresis, and also has anti-aging effects. In addition to the most common Poria cocos cake, it can also be ground into powder and added to porridge, or mixed with honey and spread on pastries before steaming.
Foods that nourish the stomach: 5. Lotus seeds
It has a mild medicinal property and a slightly sweet taste. Traditional Chinese medicine believes it can replenish the qi of the spleen and stomach, stop diarrhea, and also nourish the heart and calm the mind. It should be noted that the lotus seed core needs to be removed before consumption.
Sixth, Gorgon fruit (芡实) is good for the stomach.
Also known as fox nut, it is neutral in nature and has a sweet and astringent taste. It is one of the best foods for nourishing the spleen and stomach, and it also has the effect of consolidating body fluids. Its effects are similar to those of lotus seeds, but its astringent effect is stronger. If you have diarrhea due to a weak spleen and stomach, fox nut can also help stop diarrhea. Because fox nut is quite hard, it should be cooked for a long time, or it can be ground into powder and added to porridge.
A bad stomach can negatively impact your quality of life! In today's urban lifestyle, many people overeat or have irregular eating habits, which over time affects their gastrointestinal health. Therefore, people with stomach problems should eat more of the six stomach-nourishing foods mentioned above, maintain regular mealtimes, relax, and consistently adhere to the principle of "three parts treatment and seven parts maintenance"-your stomach will gradually return to normal.
