stomach cancer symptoms… include fatigue, indigestion, heartburn and a feeling of fullness after a small meal. Other signs are feeling bloated after eating a regular meal, nausea and vomiting. Stomach cancer occurs mostly in men over 40 years of age, according to US National Library of Medicine.

Stomach Cancer Risk Factors

• Overuse of salt.  According to Mayo Clinic, there is a correlation between eating salted products such as salted and smoked meats and fish and stomach cancer.

• High alcohol intake.

• Obesity.

• Consuming foods contaminated with aflatoxin fungus.

•  Stomach polyps.

• Chronic gastritis.

• Smoking.  Smoking doubles the risk of developing stomach cancer, according to    Illinois Department of Public Health.

How to Prevent Stomach Cancer?

1) Use Less Salt

According to American Institute for Cancer Research, there is some evidence that high levels of sodium in the diet increases risk for stomach cancer.

2) Eat Nutrient Rich Foods

• Foods rich in vitamins A and C such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lower risk for developing stomach cancer.

• Eating non-starchy vegetables in the allium family such as onions, garlic and leeks may prevent stomach cancer. Foods high in beta carotene have also been shown to cut risk.

• Whole grain cereals and foods high in carotenoids may also decrease stomach cancer risk.  A study in China showed that incorporating beta carotene, Vitamin E and selenium lowered the number of deaths related to stomach cancer, according to National Cancer Institute. 

3) Use Supplements with Antioxidants

• Vitamin E with Mixed Tocopherol helps to keep your cells healthy, is a powerful source of antioxidants, and may help to prevent cancer.

•  Vitamin C and Antioxidant Complex containing potent antioxidants will protect your cells from free radicals that cause them to turn cancerous.

• Greenergy is a great-tasting green drink powder that provides five servings of antioxidant-rich, nutrient-packed vegetables in just one small scoop. This drink alsohasphytonutrients, digestive enzymes, and green-tea extract, which may help fight cancer cells.

4) Exercise

Regular exercise may help reduce stomach cancer risk, according to University of Chicago Medicine. If you don’t have a regular exercise routine, start by incorporating a low-impact routine at least five days a week for 30 minutes. This will improve your overall wellbeing while reducing your risk for stomach cancer and other diseases.

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References:

1. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/prevention/gastric/Patient/page1/AllPages/Print#Keypoint1

2. http://www.idph.state.il.us/cancer/factsheets/stomach.htm

3. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/stomachcancer/index

4. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stomach-cancer/DS00301

5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001270/

6. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/stomachcancer/index