5 Habits That Destroy Your Sto.mach—Many People Do Them Every Day Without Knowing

The stomach is one of the most vital organs in digestion. When it “goes wrong,” it doesn’t just cause pain and discomfort but can also rob you of the joy of eating. Unfortunately, many people unknowingly maintain harmful daily habits that silently erode stomach health and even increase the risk of cancer.

Today, more and more young people are suffering from stomach problems, with the trend spreading rapidly among younger ages. Don’t let persistent pain or acid reflux become a “too-late warning.” If you often experience stomach discomfort, get checked early—don’t ignore it.

1. Eating Too Much Salt

Studies show that a high-salt diet not only damages the heart and blood vessels but also destroys the stomach lining. Excess salt erodes protective cells in the stomach wall, raising the risk of gastritis, ulcers, and even stomach cancer. People who frequently eat pickled foods, sausages, or processed meats have twice the risk of developing stomach cancer.

2. Overeating Sweets

When stressed, many people turn to candy, milk tea, or soda. But sugar is a “silent killer” of the stomach. Excess sweets disrupt the gut microbiome and encourage the growth of Helicobacter pylori (HP)—the main culprit behind ulcers and stomach cancer. Too much sugar can also trigger acid reflux and digestive disorders.

3. Smoking and Drinking Alcohol

This duo tops the list of stomach destroyers. Nicotine weakens the esophageal sphincter, causing acid reflux, while alcohol increases stomach acid production, eroding the stomach lining, leading to nausea, vomiting blood, and higher cancer risk. Strong liquor causes far more severe damage than beer or wine.

4. Poor Food Hygiene

Not washing hands before eating, sharing utensils, or consuming unsafe food makes it easy to contract H. pylori. This bacteria is the leading cause of gastritis, ulcers, and stomach cancer. Experts stress that eating thoroughly cooked food, drinking boiled water, and using separate utensils are essential shields for stomach protection.

5. Overusing Painkillers and Anti-inflammatories

Long-term use of medications like aspirin or ibuprofen can thin the stomach lining, causing ulcers and bleeding. Many patients end up in the emergency room because they took painkillers without medical supervision.

How to Protect Your Stomach

• Eat more green vegetables and fresh fruits, especially cruciferous vegetables, garlic, and onions, which help reduce stomach cancer risk.

• Include soy and soy-based products, which contain isoflavones that can inhibit stomach cancer cells.

• Eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and only eat until you’re about 70–80% full to reduce stomach strain.

• Maintain a healthy weight, as obesity and visceral fat are also risk factors for stomach cancer.