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Stomach or gastric cancer is an extremely serious and potentially life-threatening disease that affects millions of people worldwide each year. It begins in the cells lining your stomach and grows deeper into your stomach walls as the cancer develops. According to experts, most of the time, stomach cancers are found when the disease becomes advanced, and a cure becomes less likely. Stomach cancer that grows through the stomach wall or spreads to other parts of the body is harder to cure.

And so, you need to be careful about the factors that lead to this disease. While there are many things that contribute to the development of stomach cancer, certain poor habits that you may think are normal increase the risk significantly. Let's explore five habits and provide valuable insights on reducing your risk of developing the condition.

Many think that stress is a mental health issue and does nothing to aggravate physical problems in your body. According to doctors, chronic stress leads to the deterioration of your bodily functions, causing many deadly diseases like heart problems, kidney issues, diabetes, and even cancer.

Stress increases the risk of developing stomach cancer by weakening the immune system's ability to combat cancerous cells effectively. It also increases inflammation in the body, along with the risk of conditions like obesity and acid reflux – all of which increase the risk of stomach cancer.

So, it is important to prioritize stress management through activities like regular exercise, meditation, yoga, or engaging in social activities with loved ones to mitigate the risks. By adopting these strategies, you can actively reduce the chances of developing stomach cancer and promote better overall well-being.

Excessive salt in your diet leads to at least 41 per cent higher risk of gastric cancer compared to those who rarely or never added salt. According to experts, too much salt increases your body mass index, urinary sodium, and potassium levels – all of which become markers for cancer cells to thrive.

And so, reducing sodium – with a recommended intake of 2,300 milligrams (mg) per day, is the best way to keep away from this cancer, and other diseases.

Smoking is not just injurious to your lungs but is also instrumental in the spread of stomach cancer. Experts say chemicals in tobacco smoke lead to genetic changes in the cells of the stomach lining. Tobacco smoke, along with nicotine plays a role in the formation of ulcers that damage your stomach lining. These ulcers increase the risk of genetic changes in the cells that cause stomach cancer.

According to doctors, the seriousness of stomach ulcers depends on the number of cigarettes you smoke daily. Doctors say quitting smoking reduces the risk of stomach cancer.

Eating foods that are loaded with saturated fat – like processed and junk meals and red meat contributes heavily to obesity – a major risk factor for stomach cancer.

Doctors recommend eating fresh fruits and vegetables and following a Mediterranean diet which is less likely to develop stomach cancer.

While you may think a drink or two a day is harmless – this habit, when becomes chronic is linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer. Alcohol irritates the lining of the stomach and increases the production of stomach acid - which contributes to the development of cancerous growths.

Limiting your alcohol intake and drinking in moderation can help reduce your risk of developing stomach cancer and improve your overall health.

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