The news that Taiwan’s Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare, Mr. Chuang Jen-hsiang, revealed he had been diagnosed with stomach cancer has sparked widespread public attention. Although he assured that he is recovering well, his story once again rings an alarm bell: our stomachs are being “eroded” day by day — and the culprits may be the foods we eat most often.

Fried Foods

In today’s fast-paced world, fried dishes like fried chicken, French fries, and donuts have become so common that many people see them as “addictive” treats. However, when oil is heated to high temperatures, it produces oxidizing compounds and inflammatory agents that irritate and even damage the stomach lining.

Consuming too many fried foods forces the stomach to work overtime to digest the fat, leading to bloating, heartburn, and discomfort in the upper abdomen. Many people also pair fried foods with soft drinks or spicy dishes, which only makes the situation worse.

Instead of deep-fried dishes, switching to steaming, baking, or using an air fryer is a healthier way to protect your digestive system. Light, low-fat meals not only make you feel less heavy but also allow your stomach to “rest.”

Fried foods and sugary drinks are the silent enemies that damage the stomach and increase the risk of cancer.

Pickled and Salted Foods

Familiar dishes like pickled vegetables, kimchi, sausages, salted eggs, and cured meats — staples in many Vietnamese meals — can be silent culprits that harm the stomach. The high levels of salt, sugar, and preservatives in these foods can irritate the stomach lining, increasing the risk of inflammation, ulcers, and even cancerous cell formation.

When nitrites found in pickled foods interact with stomach acid, they can form nitrosamines — compounds the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned are highly carcinogenic. The risk grows even higher when these foods are consumed frequently without enough fresh vegetables or fruits to balance them.

If you want to preserve food, try healthier methods such as making light salads, using less salt, or storing food in the refrigerator instead of over-salting. Meals that are mildly seasoned not only benefit the stomach but also help lower the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.

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Refined Sugar and Sweets

Sweetened coffee, milk tea, sodas, and candies — what many consider “small daily joys” — are actually weakening your digestive system over time. Refined sugar disrupts the balance of gut bacteria, causing inflammation and acid reflux.

When combined with caffeine from coffee or tea, the stimulating effect is even stronger, prompting the stomach to produce more acid. Over time, this erodes the stomach lining, leading to ulcers and an increased risk of complications.

Instead of relying on sugary treats for energy, try fresh fruits, whole grains, or unsweetened yogurt. The gentle natural sweetness helps balance your palate while nurturing your stomach in a healthy way.

Swap pickled and sugary foods for fresh vegetables and fruits to keep your stomach healthy every day.

The Stomach — A “Silent Warrior” Often Forgotten

The stomach is the body’s first “transfer station” for all the food we consume, yet it is often the most neglected organ. Many people only pay attention to it when pain, bloating, or loss of appetite begins — signs that damage may have been quietly occurring for a long time.

Keeping the stomach healthy is not just about avoiding spicy food or alcohol, but also about learning to eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and reduce fat, salt, and sugar in every meal. A simple, balanced, and timely diet is one of the most valuable gifts you can give your body.

A meal low in oil, salt, and sugar not only makes digestion easier and improves sleep but can also serve as a “life shield” — protecting you from stomach cancer, a disease that is increasingly affecting younger people and spreading silently.