China's gastric cancer incidence remains alarmingly high, with 400,000 new cases diagnosed annually. The persistent prevalence of digestive tract tumors in recent years correlates with unhealthy lifestyles—such as preferences for smoked/grilled foods, high-salt diets, pickled items, and excessive tobacco/alcohol consumption. These habits disrupt gastrointestinal function, severely damage gastric mucosa, and increase susceptibility to gastritis, gastric ulcers, and ultimately gastric cancer.
Frequent consumption of pickled vegetables and fish sauce may trigger 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" for its high incidence of gastric cancer.Additionally, residents in places like Zhuanghe City (Liaoning Province), Linqu County (Shandong Province), and Zanhuang County (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.
These 5 Foods Are Best for Stomach Health
Cabbage
It strengthens the spleen and nourishes the stomach, relieves acute pain, detoxifies and reduces swelling, and clears heat while promoting urination. It can be used for symptoms caused by internal heat, such as chest tightness, thirst, sore throat, difficulty urinating, impaired hearing and vision, poor sleep, stiff joints, and dull abdominal pain.Its vitamin C content provides pain relief and promotes ulcer healing. Simmered with coix seed, dried tangerine peel, and honey, it treats epigastric distension, upper abdominal fullness, and gastric/duodenal ulcers. When stewed with adzuki beans, winter melon, and rock sugar, it reduces swelling and promotes diuresis. Avoid excessive consumption if experiencing loose stools or spleen-stomach deficiency.
Spinach
Sweet and cool in nature, spinach moistens dryness, nourishes the liver, benefits the stomach and intestines, and relieves constipation. The Compendium of Materia Medica describes it as "beneficial to the five organs, promoting intestinal function, and alleviating alcohol toxicity." Spinach stimulates gastric and pancreatic secretion, enhances appetite, and aids digestion. Its abundant fiber also supports intestinal peristalsis and facilitates bowel movements.However, spinach contains high levels of oxalic acid, which impedes calcium absorption. Avoid pairing it with high-calcium foods like tofu or seaweed, or briefly blanch it before cooking to reduce oxalic acid content.
Sweet Potato
Neutral in nature, sweet in taste, it fortifies the spleen and boosts qi. The Compendium of Materia Medica records it as "tonifying the middle burner, warming the stomach, and nourishing the five viscera." Consumed during cold weather, it strengthens vital energy, nourishes the stomach, aids digestion, eliminates food stagnation, and simultaneously cleanses the intestines and aids weight loss.
Longan
Li Shizhen once stated: "Among foods, lychee is the most beautiful; among tonics, longan is the most beneficial."Unlike the damp-heat nature of lychees, longan is medicinal, offering multiple benefits including strengthening yang energy, boosting qi, warming the stomach, and tonifying the spleen.
Yam
As weather turns colder, those with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold often experience poor appetite, abdominal distension, loose stools, and bodily fatigue. Regularly consuming yam porridge can effectively alleviate gastric discomfort.