Expert interpretation: Tightening your belt can easily lead to esophageal cancer?

According to a recent British study, many men tighten their belts to make their stomachs look smaller, but in fact, this practice will directly compress the digestive organs and cause acid reflux, which will increase the risk of esophageal cancer over time. Especially for people whose BMI is moderately obese or above, the tighter the belt is, the more severe the acid reflux is. In addition to esophageal cancer, the chances of milder diseases such as indigestion, heartburn, and stomach inflammation are much higher than those of ordinary people.

Beware of heartburn and dysphagia

If you experience symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain, it is most likely due to reflux irritating the sensory nerve endings of the deep esophageal epithelium. After repeated stimulation by gastric acid and bile, the esophageal epithelial cells mutate, which is called dysplasia. Pathologically, dysplasia is divided into three types: mild, moderate and severe. If it develops into severe dysplasia, there is a considerable possibility of malignancy, and the outcome may be esophageal cancer.

Refuse to drink yogurt on an empty stomach

In addition to tightening your belt to increase the risk of esophageal cancer, drinking yogurt on an empty stomach to lose weight is also a risk factor for cancer. Most people take the drastic method of "hunger" or "empty stomach" to lose weight, and only eat single foods such as yogurt and lemon juice. Overly acidic foods will stimulate the secretion of gastric acid, which will cause more serious damage to the gastric mucosa. In addition, the absence of starch and other foods in the stomach for a long time will also cause gastric ulcers and aggravate gastroesophageal reflux.

Picking your throat to induce vomiting after drinking is very harmful

In addition, some drinking enthusiasts like to scratch their throats to induce vomiting after drinking, which can also cause great damage to the esophagus. After alcohol enters the esophagus, there will be a burning sensation in the esophagus. In particular, high concentrations of alcohol have very obvious irritation to the esophagus and gastric mucosa, which can cause congestion, edema, and erosion of the esophagus. Over time, it may cause burns and acute inflammation of the esophagus. Lesions may also occur at the cardia, causing reflux and acid reflux in the esophagus. If gastric mucosal reflux irritates the esophagus, causing the gastric epithelium to run into the esophagus and continue to grow, Barrett's esophagus syndrome will form over time. When Barrett's esophagus syndrome develops excessive atypical hyperplasia, it may turn into esophageal cancer over time.

Therefore, in order to avoid the risk of esophageal cancer due to bad eating and living habits, we should avoid eating a single food to lose weight, avoid wearing tight clothing, etc. The most important thing is to eat in a quantitative and moderate manner, avoid excessive contact with irritating foods, and avoid eating too much oily, too sweet food, or overeating.