3 Types of Foods that Increase Stomach Cancer Risk: Breeding Grounds for Harmful Bacteria! Broccoli, Honey, and 5 Foods that Help Prevent It.

Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that thrives in the mucus or gastric mucosa with lower stomach acid levels, can also be found in the oral cavity. Barry Marshall, a professor of clinical microbiology at the University of Western Australia, confirmed the relationship between Helicobacter pylori and gastritis in 1984. His research demonstrated that individuals infected with Helicobacter pylori indeed have a higher risk of developing conditions such as gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and stomach cancer.

3 Types of Food That Often Carry Helicobacter pylori

1) Sashimi and Sushi

Many people in Hong Kong enjoy sashimi, raw seafood, soft-boiled eggs, and sushi. These foods, which are not subjected to high-temperature sterilization or thorough cooking, sometimes contain Helicobacter pylori. Regular consumption of such foods increases the risk of infection.

2) Pickled Foods

People in China often consume pickled foods, which are high in salt content. These foods can directly damage the gastric mucosa, providing an opportunity for Helicobacter pylori to invade. Moreover, the presence of nitrite in these foods can transform into nitrosamines in the stomach due to the action of stomach acid and bacteria, further increasing the risk of gastric cancer.

3) Street Food

Consuming unsanitary street food carries a risk as the preparation process may not guarantee hygiene and safety. If individuals with stomach issues consume such food, it can lead to the abundant proliferation of Helicobacter pylori in the stomach, triggering gastric problems.

Symptoms of Helicobacter pylori Infection

In the initial stages of Helicobacter pylori infection, there may be no noticeable symptoms, even if the infection remains dormant for many years. Early on, individuals may experience symptoms such as bloating, excessive gas, sudden weight loss, stomach pain, and loss of appetite. These symptoms can be similar to general gastrointestinal discomfort. Since Helicobacter pylori can induce chronic gastritis, around 10 to 15% of individuals may develop symptoms like stomach ulcers, bleeding, vomiting, anemia, and dark stools.

Five Foods That Can Help Prevent Helicobacter pylori Infection

1. Honey:

Honey can inhibit all strains of Helicobacter pylori when its concentration is at 20%, and it can inhibit half of the strains at a concentration of 10%. Honey primarily exerts its effects through osmotic action to inhibit the bacteria. Consuming honey after a meal can help prolong its contact time with the gastric mucosa.

2. Garlic:

Garlic possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains organic sulfur compounds and flavonoids. When the concentration of organic sulfur compounds reaches a certain level, it effectively inhibits Helicobacter pylori. Flavonoids can assist the body in fighting carcinogens.

3. Cabbage:

Cabbage is rich in methylmethionine sulfonium (vitamin U), a well-known nutrient used in gastric remedies. Methylmethionine sulfonium has protective and reparative effects on the gastric mucosa, reducing the opportunity for Helicobacter pylori to thrive.

4. Green Tea:

The catechins in green tea can help suppress the activity of Helicobacter pylori. Catechins are a type of tea polyphenol that can inhibit tumor cell growth, fight bacteria, and resist damage from free radicals.

5. Broccoli:

Broccoli contains a substantial amount of sulforaphane, which aids in combating Helicobacter pylori. Research has found that individuals who consume broccoli daily experience a 40% reduction in levels of Helicobacter pylori antigen in their feces.