The incidence of gastric cancer in China remains persistently high, with 400,000 new cases diagnosed annually. In recent years, digestive tract tumors have shown no signs of decline, largely linked to unhealthy lifestyles. Habits such as a preference for smoked and grilled foods, high-salt diets, pickled foods, and excessive tobacco and alcohol consumption can disrupt normal gastrointestinal function. These practices severely damage the gastric mucosa, leading to conditions like gastritis and gastric ulcers, thereby 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 (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 gastric cancer.
Four Recommended Stomach-Nourishing Soups
Many people struggle with poor stomach health. Beyond reducing consumption of smoked, grilled, high-salt, and pickled foods, we can also nourish the stomach through dietary therapy! For those with sensitive stomachs, drinking stomach-nourishing soups can be highly effective.
Longan and Jujube Yam Soup
12 jujubes, approximately 300g yam, 2 tablespoons longan meat, 1/2 cup sugar. Soak jujubes until soft. Peel and dice yam. Place both in water, bring to a boil, and simmer until tender. Add longan meat and sugar to taste. Once longan meat has softened and separated, remove from heat and serve.Yam nourishes the spleen and harmonizes the stomach; longan and red dates benefit qi and blood while strengthening the spleen and stomach.
Radish and Lamb Soup
750g lamb belly, 500g white radish, cilantro, salt, chicken bouillon, cooking wine, scallions, ginger, pepper to taste. Rinse lamb and cut into thick strips; wash radish and shred.Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add ginger slices and stir-fry until fragrant. Pour in boiling water, then season with salt, chicken bouillon, cooking wine, and pepper powder. Bring to a boil. Add lamb and cook until tender. Add white radish and simmer over low heat until radish is tender-crisp. Garnish with scallion strips and cilantro leaves before serving.
This soup fortifies the middle energizer, boosts qi, warms the stomach, and dispels cold.
Perilla, Ginger, and Red Date Soup
10g fresh perilla leaves, 3 pieces ginger, 15g red dates. First, wash the red dates in water, remove the pits, and slice the ginger.Shred the fresh perilla leaves and add them to a clay pot with warm water along with the ginger slices and red dates. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove the perilla leaves and ginger slices, then continue simmering over low heat for another 15 minutes. This soup warms the stomach, dispels cold, aids digestion, and promotes qi circulation.
Pepper Pork Tripe Soup
30–50 white peppercorns, 1 pork tripe, salt, cooking wine, MSG (optional). First, clean the pork tripe (can be scalded with boiling water after salting and vinegar rinsing).Fill a pot with water, add the pork tripe (cut into chunks or strips), and add the white peppercorns. Simmer for about two hours until the broth thickens and the tripe is tender. Season with salt, cooking wine, and MSG before serving. This soup is best enjoyed before meals. Pepper has warming properties that dispel cold from the middle burner, while pork tripe strengthens and nourishes the stomach.