Due to busy work schedules, many people have a perfunctory lunch and a lavish dinner. What's more, to "reward" their "wronged" digestive systems, some even have a late-night snack with drinks and barbecue, enjoying a satisfying meal. Little do they know, this eating habit of "making up for a poor lunch at dinner" lays the groundwork for gastrointestinal tumors.
Dr. Bu Zhaode, Deputy Chief Physician of the Surgery Department at Beijing Cancer Hospital, explains that the development of gastrointestinal tumors is closely linked to diet. Eating dinner too late or too excessively, or consuming fried, pan-fried, or grilled foods at night can overburden the digestive system, adversely affect the gastric mucosa, and consequently increase the risk of stomach cancer. This is because the lifespan of gastric mucosal epithelial cells is short, and they regenerate quickly. This repair and regeneration process mostly occurs when the gastrointestinal tract is at rest during the night. If dinner is unsuitable, the digestive system cannot get proper rest, and the mucosal repair process cannot proceed smoothly. Furthermore, eating a large amount of food before bed is inconsistent with the body's natural rhythms. This not only increases the burden on the stomach but also affects sleep and can easily lead to obesity. It may also cause congestion, erosion, and ulcers in the gastric mucosa. Once the body's resistance weakens, it can easily lead to stomach cancer.
In addition, during the processing of fried, grilled, pan-fried, and cured foods, some carcinogenic substances are produced. If consumed excessively in the evening, these carcinogens will remain in the stomach for extended periods, more easily causing adverse effects on the gastric mucosa and increasing the likelihood of developing stomach cancer.
So, what and how should one eat for a healthy and reasonable dinner? Dr. Bu Zhaode recommends: Dinner should not be too rich and greasy. Carbohydrates should be consumed in moderation, and one should eat more vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins and fiber. It is best to avoid fried, pan-fried, and grilled foods and not to drink white liquor. Pay attention to the amount of food consumed; eight-tenths full is sufficient. After dinner, engage in a little light exercise to speed up digestion and absorption.