Can Certain Foods Prevent Stomach Cancer?
- "Moast cases of stomach cancer happen sporadically and are purely a matter of bad luck," says Sharon Shiraga,MD,an upper-gastrointestinal surgeon with Keck Medicine of USC.
- while your genetics have the strongest influence on your cancer risk, the foods you eat can have a cumulative effect on your stomach's health over time, Dr.
- Shiraga advises eating fewer processed and preserved foods,which are generally high in sugar and salt and potential nitrites or nitrates.
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Can what you eat help you avoid getting stomach cancer? “Moast cases of stomach cancer happen sporadically and are purely a matter of bad luck,” says Sharon Shiraga,MD,an upper-gastrointestinal surgeon with Keck Medicine of USC. While there is no magic bullet to avoid stomach cancer, your daily food choices, combined with other healthy lifestyle practices, may help lower your risk.
Foods to eat to lower stomach cancer risk
while your genetics have the strongest influence on your cancer risk, the foods you eat can have a cumulative effect on your stomach’s health over time, Dr. Shiraga points out. as such, even people with a greater genetic risk for developing stomach cancer may be able to help lower their risk through dietary and lifestyle changes, she says. For example, research in Asian populations has shown that modifying nutrition may help decrease stomach cancer risk.
In general,Dr. Shiraga advises eating fewer processed and preserved foods,which are generally high in sugar and salt and potential nitrites or nitrates. “It’s really hard to find processed food without a very high content of sugar, salt and possibly harmful chemicals,” Dr. Shiraga observes.
Aim to eat more fruits and vegetables.The antioxidant compounds in produce can provide extra protection against diseases like stomach cancer, she says. When meal planning, try to ensure that half your plate is filled with vegetables.
When possible, follow a family history of the disease. Consider starting upper endoscopy screening at age 40, or 10 years before the youngest age of diagnosis in your family.always discuss medications like ibuprofen with your doctor.