Foods that are essential for stomach health.

Introduction: Everyone has different eating habits, but some habits can harm the body and even increase the risk of stomach cancer.

Four types of food that can cause stomach cancer

1. "Leftover" rice

Many people, to avoid waste, reheat leftover rice before eating. However, research has found that reheated leftover rice is difficult to digest and may cause stomach problems over time. This is because the main component of rice is starch, and when starch is heated above 60°C, it gradually expands and eventually becomes a paste-like substance, a process called "gelatinization." The body's digestive enzymes can more easily break down this gelatinized starch. However, when the gelatinized starch cools, it undergoes a "retrogradation" phenomenon, and the body's ability to hydrolyze and digest this retrograded starch is greatly reduced. Therefore, long-term consumption of such reheated leftover rice can easily lead to indigestion and even stomach diseases.

2. Processed meat

Swedish scientists have stated that excessive consumption of processed meat products, such as bacon, sausages, and smoked meat, increases the risk of stomach cancer. After evaluating 15 research studies, they found that for every 30 gram increase in daily intake of processed meat, the odds of developing stomach cancer increase by 15% to 38%. This is because processed meat products are typically cured, smoked, or have nitrates added to extend their shelf life, and this is precisely what leads to an increase in the incidence of stomach cancer.

3. Fast food

The fried foods in fast food are relatively crispy and hard. If hard fried food is swallowed without being chewed thoroughly, when the stomach contracts and the food comes into contact with the gastric mucosa, the hard food can directly damage the gastric mucosa. If the gastric mucosa cannot repair itself in time, it can lead to inflammation, ulcers, and other conditions. For patients with existing stomach problems, it can worsen their condition.

4. Green tea for sobering up

Many people think drinking green tea after alcohol can help sober them up. In fact, drinking green tea and alcohol together is harmful to the body. Developing gastritis is considered a mild consequence; in severe cases, one might even develop a stomach ulcer! This is because green tea has a relatively high caffeine content. When combined with alcohol, the two interact and irritate the gastric mucosa. Not only does it fail to achieve the goal of sobering up, but it can also trigger various stomach diseases. There have been patients who developed chronic conditions like stomach ulcers from consistently drinking green tea to "sober up" after drinking.

These 6 foods are best for the stomach

Cabbage

It has the effects of strengthening the spleen and nourishing the stomach, relieving pain and spasms, detoxifying and reducing swelling, and clearing heat and promoting urination. It can be used for symptoms caused by internal heat, such as chest tightness, thirst, sore throat, urinary obstruction, poor hearing and vision, poor sleep, joint stiffness, and dull abdominal pain. Its components, such as vitamin C, have analgesic and ulcer-healing effects. Cabbage stewed with Job's tears, dried tangerine peel, and honey can be used to treat epigastric bloating and pain, upper abdominal fullness, and gastric and duodenal ulcers. Stewed with red beans, winter melon, and rock sugar, it can reduce swelling and promote urination. Those with loose stools and a weak spleen and stomach should not eat too much.

Cabbage Sandwich

Spinach

It is sweet and cool in nature, able to moisten dryness and nourish the liver, benefit the stomach and intestines, and relieve constipation. The "Shilao Bencao" (Materia Medica for Dietotherapy) describes it as "benefiting the five organs, unblocking the stomach and intestines, and resolving alcohol toxicity." Spinach can promote secretion from the stomach and pancreas, increase appetite, and aid digestion; its rich fiber also helps intestinal motility and is beneficial for bowel movements. However, spinach is high in oxalic acid, which hinders calcium absorption. It should be avoided with high-calcium foods like tofu and seaweed, or blanched briefly before cooking to remove the oxalic acid.

Sweet potato

It is neutral in nature and sweet in flavor, tonifying the spleen and replenishing qi. The "Gangmu Shiyi" (Supplement to Compendium of Materia Medica) records that it "tonifies the middle burner, warms the stomach, and nourishes the five organs." Eating it in cold weather can strengthen the stomach, aid digestion, resolve food stagnation, and also has the effect of clearing the intestines and promoting weight loss.

Longan

Li Shizhen once said: "Among fruits, lychee is the finest, but for nourishment, longan is superior." Unlike lychee, which is considered damp and heat, longan can be used as medicine, with effects such as strengthening yang, replenishing qi, warming the stomach, and tonifying the spleen.

Hawthorn, Red Date, and Longan Soup

Chinese Yam

As the weather turns colder, people with a weak and cold spleen and stomach often experience symptoms such as poor appetite, abdominal bloating, loose stools, and limb fatigue. Regularly drinking Chinese yam congee can effectively relieve stomach discomfort.

Pumpkin

The "Compendium of Materia Medica" records: "Pumpkin is warm in nature and sweet in flavor, entering the spleen and stomach meridians." It can tonify the middle burner and replenish qi, reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, and relieve pain. Its rich pectin can "adsorb" bacteria and toxic substances, including heavy metals like lead, acting as a detoxifying agent. At the same time, pectin can protect the stomach from irritation and reduce ulcers. It can be used to make congee or soup to nourish the stomach and intestines.

Soft and Cozy Q-bouncy Pumpkin Pancakes