Stomach cancer is a serious and often deadly disease that affects millions of people around the world.

While there is no single cure for stomach cancer, there are a number of ways that patients can support their health and potentially improve their outcomes. One of the most important of these is through proper nutrition.

What is Stomach Cancer?

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the stomach. It can develop in any of the four main layers of the stomach, including the mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa.

Stomach cancer is typically aggressive and can spread quickly to other parts of the body, making it difficult to treat once it has already metastasized.

How Nutrition Plays a Role in Fighting Stomach Cancer

Nutrition plays an essential role in the body’s ability to fight off cancerous cells. In fact, many studies have shown that changes in diet and lifestyle can help prevent cancer or slow its progression.

Some of the most important dietary factors in fighting stomach cancer include:.

1. Eating a Low-Fat Diet

A low-fat diet has been linked with a lower risk of stomach cancer. Foods that are high in fat, particularly saturated fats and trans fats, have been shown to increase the risk of many types of cancer, including stomach cancer.

By eating a diet that is low in fat, patients may be able to reduce their risk of developing this disease.

2. Consuming More Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help prevent cancer and improve overall health.

Eating a diet that is high in fruits and vegetables has been associated with a lower risk of many types of cancer, including stomach cancer. Patients with stomach cancer should aim to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

3. Choosing Whole Grains

Whole grains, such as brown rice, whole wheat, and oatmeal, are full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that can help protect the body against cancer.

Related Article Food as Medicine for Stomach Cancer

Eating a diet that is high in whole grains has been shown to lower the risk of many types of cancer, including stomach cancer. Patients with stomach cancer should aim to consume at least three servings of whole grains per day.

4. Avoiding Processed Meats

Processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, and hot dogs, have been linked with a higher risk of stomach cancer. These meats often contain nitrates and other chemicals that can cause cancerous cells to develop in the body.

Patients with stomach cancer should avoid processed meats as much as possible and instead choose lean cuts of meat, fish, and poultry.

5. Limiting Alcohol Intake

Alcohol has been linked with an increased risk of stomach cancer. Patients with stomach cancer should limit their alcohol intake or avoid it entirely.

Women should consume no more than one alcoholic drink per day, while men should consume no more than two alcoholic drinks per day.

6. Drinking Green Tea

Green tea is a rich source of antioxidants that can help protect the body against cancer. Studies have shown that drinking green tea regularly can help prevent stomach cancer and improve the outcomes of patients who already have the disease.

Patients with stomach cancer should aim to drink at least two cups of green tea per day.

7. Supporting a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or obese has been linked with an increased risk of many types of cancer, including stomach cancer. Patients with stomach cancer should aim to maintain a healthy weight by eating a balanced diet and staying physically active.

Conclusion

While there is no single cure for stomach cancer, patients can take steps to support their health and potentially improve their outcomes. One of the most important of these is through proper nutrition.

Patients with stomach cancer should aim to eat a low-fat diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while avoiding processed meats and limiting their alcohol intake. Drinking green tea regularly and maintaining a healthy weight can also help support the body’s ability to fight off cancerous cells.