Does What You Eat Affect Your Stomach Cancer Risk?
Have you ever considered how your favorite meals might be impacting your stomach health? It turns out that the foods you eat every day can actually make a real difference when it comes to stomach cancer risk. Stomach cancer happens when abnormal cells start growing out of control in your stomach lining. While some factors, such as your family history, are beyond your control, what you choose to eat is something you can change. Think of your diet as one of the easiest ways to take charge of your health.
Foods That Might Increase Your Risk
Some foods can be tough on your stomach over time. If you consume a lot of salty foods or processed meats, such as hot dogs, bacon, and deli meats, you may want to consider reducing your intake. These contain preservatives that can turn into harmful substances in your stomach. Pickled foods, while tasty, also contain a high amount of salt that can irritate your stomach lining. And if you're someone who loves drinking piping hot coffee or tea, letting it cool down a bit before sipping can help protect your stomach from repeated irritation.
Foods That Help Protect You
The foods that are good for your stomach are probably ones you already know are healthy. Fresh fruits like oranges, strawberries, and apples give your body vitamin C, which helps fight off damage to your cells. Colorful vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, and peppers are packed with antioxidants that protect your stomach. Whole-grain bread, brown rice, and oatmeal provide fiber that keeps your digestive system running smoothly. Even simple ingredients like garlic and onions have been shown to help reduce the risk of stomach cancer.
Other Ways to Lower Your Risk
It's not just about what you eat, but also your overall lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy weight helps your entire digestive system function more effectively. If you drink alcohol, try to keep it moderate. And if you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your stomach and overall health.
Small Steps You Can Take Today
You don't have to change everything at once. Start small. Add an extra serving of vegetables to dinner tonight. Swap out that deli sandwich for grilled chicken. Season your food with herbs and spices instead of reaching for the salt shaker. Make it a goal to drink more water throughout your day to start seeing little changes add up over time.
If you're worried about your stomach cancer risk or just want to talk about how to eat better for your health, Arizona Blood and Cancer Specialists is here to help. Our team can answer your questions and work with you to create a plan that fits your life.