Drinking water is essential in daily life, but using it incorrectly not only fails to alleviate gastric pain symptoms but also exacerbates the condition.
Tieu Gia (20 years old, Guangdong, China) frequently experiences gastric pain, acid reflux, and several other issues. After researching online and coincidentally coming across information suggesting that drinking hot water might alleviate gastric pain, the young woman followed this advice.
However, to her surprise, a few months later, Tieu Gia noticed that her gastric pain not only did not alleviate but became more severe. After undergoing an endoscopy at the hospital, she discovered she had stomach cancer.
Dr. Trieu Nghị, the deputy head of the La Ho Group Hospital (Shenzhen, China), stated that many people misunderstand that drinking hot water might alleviate discomfort from gastric or menstrual pain. However, according to the doctor, drinking excessively hot water can irritate the gastric mucosa, adding burden and leading to more severe damage to the stomach.
Moreover, drinking excessively hot water or consuming foods at high temperatures (above 60°C) can cause thermal damage to the throat and esophagus, leading to inflammation and the formation of cancerous cells.
However, while drinking hot water might exacerbate gastric pain, it cannot be conclusively asserted as the cause of stomach cancer. The causes of stomach cancer are related to dietary habits, the environment, family genetic history, and Helicobacter pylori infection in the stomach.
7 common symptoms of stomach cancer:
- Persistent indigestion, loss of appetite, discomfort after eating.
- Rapid weight loss.
- Nausea, sometimes accompanied by vomiting blood.
- Passing blood or black stool during bowel movements.
- Anemia, fatigue, and weakness.
4 healthy habits for a healthy stomach:
- Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins like C, A, E; carotene, folic acid, and flavonoids. These nutrients can prevent the formation of cancer-causing substances, reduce DNA damage, and have certain inhibitory effects on cancer cells, thus reducing the risk of stomach cancer.
Studies also indicate that consuming fruits and vegetables more than four days a week can reduce the risk of stomach cancer by up to 44%.
- Limit smoking and alcohol consumption.
Smoking not only damages the lungs but is also a leading cause of stomach cancer. Both former and current smokers have a 2 to 3 times higher risk of developing stomach cancer.
Additionally, smoking can cause mutations in the tumor protein P53 and certain enzymes, resulting in the production of various cancer-causing substances like dimethylnitrosamine, benzopyrene, etc. These substances can enter the digestive system through the bloodstream, damage the stomach mucosa, and eventually lead to cancer.
Alcohol is also harmful to the stomach. Those who consume excessive alcohol are prone to gastric ulcers and an increased risk of stomach cancer.
- Eat regularly and avoid overeating.
Many people have irregular eating habits without fixed meal times, which can damage the stomach mucosa over time.
Overeating makes digestion difficult, making the stomach uncomfortable. Such unhealthy eating habits can potentially lead to stomach cancer.
Experts also advise against sharing communal chopsticks or feeding each other at the table. This not only reduces the risk of stomach cancer but also lowers the chances of contracting various foodborne bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori and Hepatitis A virus.
- Maintain a relaxed state of mind.
Gastric-related illnesses are closely related to human emotional states. In a study, individuals with prolonged emotional weakness and severe psychological trauma had 1.7 times and 2.1 times higher chances of developing stomach cancer respectively, compared to emotionally stable individuals over a ten-year period. People who are overly stressed, lonely, depressed, and introverted are more prone to stomach cancer.
In today’s modern life, where everyone experiences constant pressure and worries, try to release negative emotions and psychological stress with family and friends.”
