China's gastric cancer incidence remains persistently high, with 400,000 new cases diagnosed annually. In recent years, digestive tract tumors have remained prevalent, linked to unhealthy lifestyles such as a preference for smoked, grilled, high-salt, and pickled foods, along with tobacco and alcohol abuse. These habits disrupt normal gastrointestinal function, severely damage the gastric mucosa, and lead to conditions like gastritis and gastric ulcers, increasing the risk of gastric cancer.
Frequent consumption of pickled vegetables and fish sauce may induce gastric cancer
Despite improved living standards, many unhealthy dietary habits persist, such as a preference for strong flavors and pickled foods. Residents of Changle City in Fujian Province, southern China, have a tradition of pickling seafood and particularly favor seasonings like fish sauce and shrimp paste. This region is nationally "notorious" as a high-incidence area for gastric cancer.Additionally, residents in places like Zhuanghe City in Liaoning Province, Linqu County in Shandong Province, and Zanhuang County in Hebei Province share a common dietary habit: long-term consumption of salted pork.
The high salt content in pickled foods directly damages the gastric mucosa. Moreover, the nitrites they contain can transform into nitrosamines under the influence of stomach acid and bacteria, further increasing the risk of stomach cancer.
How can we maintain digestive health and prevent cancer?
1. Incorporate whole grains
For several days after the holiday, prioritize whole grain staples like corn and oats in your diet. Increase your intake of dark-colored or green vegetables.
Simultaneously, consume more porridges and soups—such as fresh leafy greens, millet porridge, noodle broth, or dumpling soup—paired with pickled vegetables. These liquids effectively "clear heat" and allow your overburdened digestive system to rest and recover.
2.Drink plenty of plain water
Over two to three days, reduce intake of refined rice, flour, candies, and sweet pastries. Force yourself to drink more water, especially plain water. This accelerates gastrointestinal metabolism and mitigates the harm caused by excessive meat and alcohol to the liver.
If plain water seems bland, tea can also clear greasiness from the digestive tract, helping it return to normal function faster.
3. Eat some fruit
Fruit is highly effective for restoring digestive balance after holiday overindulgence. Orange juice and papaya excel at regulating digestive function, both possessing heat-clearing and stagnation-relieving properties. Over the next couple of days, consider drinking several glasses of orange juice or eating papaya. However, wait 1-2 hours after meals before consuming them, as drinking immediately after eating will only burden the stomach further.
Increasing intake of apples and guavas can alleviate symptoms like chest tightness, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and cold hands/feet caused by excessive sweets. Eating moderate amounts of guava or drinking half a cup of guava juice can effectively control diarrhea, while eating apples with the skin on also has anti-diarrheal effects.
4. Enjoy a Bowl of Stomach-Soothing Porridge
During Spring Festival family gatherings, toasting and merrymaking are inevitable. Alcohol irritates the digestive system, particularly harming the liver and gastrointestinal tract.
Recommendation: Consume porridge for several days after drinking. A bowl of warm porridge nourishes the stomach and replenishes nutrients. Options like pumpkin porridge or Chinese yam porridge are excellent choices.
5. Adjust Meal Timing
Visiting relatives, traveling, and socializing often disrupt regular eating schedules, leading to overeating. After seven days, some people's routines are completely thrown off—sleeping in and skipping breakfast, or eating dinner late into the night.After the holidays, gradually realign meal times with your daily rhythm. Eat each meal at consistent hours, with portion ratios of 3:4:3 for breakfast, lunch, and dinner respectively. If hunger strikes between meals, flexibly add snacks around 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM. Opt for nuts, fruits, or yogurt to curb hunger without overeating.