Preventing esophageal cancer starts with protecting the esophagus

The esophageal mucosa is covered with squamous epithelium, which is more wear-resistant than other cells, but it is limited after all. Long-term adverse stimulation leads to its repeated proliferation and repair, increasing the risk of cancer. Therefore, protecting the esophagus is the first line of defense for health, which is of great significance for preventing esophageal cancer.

1. Avoid hot food or drinks that burn the esophagus

Studies have found that people who like to eat hot soup, hot porridge, and have the habit of drinking hot tea and hot coffee have a four times higher risk of esophageal cancer than the general population, which may be related to the chronic heat loss in the esophagus caused by these habits.

2. Develop good chewing habits

In daily life, you must chew your food slowly and thoroughly. Chewing food slowly helps the food mix with saliva to form a smooth food bolus. Swallowing slowly allows the food bolus to be lubricated by the mucus secreted by the esophagus, so that it can move smoothly to the stomach and reduce friction on the esophagus.

3. Food choices are important

In your daily diet, you should pay attention to eating more vegetables, fruits, and cereals, develop a good habit of drinking green tea, try to eat less animal fat and offal, reduce salt intake, and eat less or no pickled foods, such as pickled meat, sauerkraut, and kimchi.

4. Quit smoking and drinking

Tobacco and alcohol enter the esophagus, which can easily induce gastroesophageal reflux. In addition, tobacco and alcohol can also weaken the esophagus's ability to clear acid and the protective function of the epithelium. Over time, it can cause esophagitis and increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

5. Rational use of drugs

Commonly used antispasmodics, such as atropine, 654-2, belladonna tablets, etc., entering the esophagus can also induce gastroesophageal reflux and increase the risk of esophagitis. Other drugs, such as tetracycline, amoxicillin, potassium chloride, painkillers, etc., can also damage the esophagus and increase the risk of esophageal cancer if taken improperly.