In traditional Chinese medicine, it is said: “To achieve longevity, keep the intestines clean; to avoid death, keep the intestines free from impurities.”
The intestines, with a length about 4 to 5 times a person’s height, are winding and twisting.
The intestines are the body’s largest immune system and a crucial protective barrier for health.
Medical experts point out that 90% of human illnesses are related to unclean intestines because the intestines easily accumulate waste.
Today, many people are overweight, suffer from chronic inflammation, fatigue, metabolic disorders, and unsatisfactory mental health, mostly due to unclean intestines.
Gastrointestinal diseases are often related to poor eating habits. Therefore, adjusting diet is crucial, especially avoiding the following types of foods.
Why do “gastrointestinal diseases” increase? Stop consuming these 4 types of foods, it’s imperative
Food 1, Processed meat products
Processed meat products such as sausages, ham, luncheon meat, canned meat, bacon, and others, should be consumed in moderation.
Studies show that consuming 100 grams of red meat daily increases the risk of colon cancer by 17%; consuming only 50 grams of processed meat daily increases the risk by 18%.
Processed meat products should be consumed sparingly, and overindulgence should be avoided. Additionally, packaging of processed foods and the presence of bisphenol A in them can also increase the risk of intestinal diseases.
Food 2, Spicy hot pot
Steamy and spicy hot pots are favorites among the Chinese, especially the spicy ones, but frequent consumption can increase the risk of intestinal diseases.
The spicy soup of hot pot contains nitrites and oxalic acid and other harmful substances that accumulate, promoting carcinogenic risks and gastrointestinal diseases.
Furthermore, the spicy and heavily flavored foods can harm the intestines, increase gastrointestinal burden, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and even colon cancer.
Though everyone likes to devour hot pot while it’s piping hot, foods above 65°C can damage the gastrointestinal and throat mucosa, leading to digestive tract cancers.
Food 3, Barbecued products
Some people love barbecuing skewered meats regularly, although it is a delicious food, overconsumption can be harmful to intestinal health.
Proteins in meat, when high-temperature grilled, can easily produce carcinogens such as benzo(a)pyrene and heterocyclic amines.
So, as enjoyable as barbecuing may be, moderation is key. Occasionally satisfying your cravings is fine, but long-term consumption should be avoided. Overindulging in barbecued foods can also lead to severe constipation issues, which are detrimental to health.
Food 4, Fried foods
Fried foods, like fried chicken, French fries, fried meatballs, are beloved by many for their flavors, but they can increase the risk of gastrointestinal cancer. Particularly when meat is cooked at high temperatures, proteins and amino acids can produce carcinogenic heterocyclic amines upon thermal decomposition.
These substances are highly carcinogenic, and excessive intake can increase the risk of gastrointestinal diseases, even raising the odds of developing colon cancer. So, watch what you eat.
Prolonged constipation can pose four major hazards
Hazard 1: Causes gastrointestinal nerve dysfunction
Long-term constipation can lead to fecal retention, where harmful substances, once absorbed, can disrupt gastrointestinal nerve function, resulting in decreased appetite, bloating, abdominal pain, belching, bitterness in the mouth, frequent anal gas discharge, among other symptoms.
Hazard 2: Forms fecal ulcers
Long-term constipation can cause increasingly dry and hard stools; the hardened feces can narrow the intestines, leading to rectal or colon compression, resulting in fecal ulcers. Severe cases might even lead to intestinal perforation, severely impacting health.
Hazard 3: Increased risk of colon cancer
According to data, about 10% of people with severe constipation develop colon cancer. Prolonged constipation can generate carcinogens in the intestines, exacerbating gastrointestinal diseases. Therefore, constipation should not be ignored; when it occurs, timely adjustments are necessary to maintain clean intestines.
Hazard 4: Causes anorectal diseases
Long-term constipation with difficult bowel movements and dry feces can directly trigger or worsen anorectal diseases like proctitis, anal fissures, hemorrhoids, etc. Those with existing rectal conditions should especially focus on preventing constipation.
To improve gastrointestinal health, pay attention to these four things to keep the intestines clean and facilitate bowel movements
Quit smoking and drinking, protect the gastrointestinal tract
Smoking and drinking increase the risk of colon cancer. Research shows that males who smoke and drink have a 34% higher likelihood of rectal cancer, while female smokers have a 43% higher risk.
Excessive alcohol consumption also raises the risk of colon cancer. Alcohol can directly irritate the gastrointestinal system, harming health. Thus, quitting smoking and drinking aids in protecting the gastrointestinal tract.
Supplement dietary fiber
Lack of dietary fiber is a significant cause of constipation. Insufficient fiber can lead to the accumulation of food residue and fats in the intestines, causing membrane shedding in the intestines and organ-related diseases.
Eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, replace some refined grains with coarse grains such as oats, legumes, dates, etc. Absorb their coarse fibers to promote gastrointestinal peristalsis.
Regular exercise
Physical inactivity is a factor leading to intestinal diseases. Regardless of a busy schedule, it’s crucial to engage in appropriate exercise to boost intestinal motility.
Studies show that six weeks of consistent exercise can improve gut bacteria, reduce colon cancer risk, and maintain gut health. Daily exercise raises butyrate levels, which prevent colon cancer, aid weight loss, and boost immunity.
Jogging can lower the risk of colon cancer by more than 31%. Just 15 minutes of jogging daily can enhance digestive system functioning, making it a good choice for protecting the gastrointestinal tract.
Drink an extra cup of water
Inadequate water intake is a key cause of constipation. About 70% of feces is composed of water; a lack of hydration leads to water absorption by the colon, causing dry stools.
“Compendium of Materia Medica” mentions constipation as “hard stools and frequent urination.” Using flax seeds, also known as linseeds, or Ephedra, which is a traditional Chinese medicine to treat constipation, is an effective remedy.
Modern medical research shows that flax seeds can stimulate the gastrointestinal mucosa, increase secretion, hasten peristalsis, reduce colon water absorption, and improve constipation.
Preparation: Flax seeds, mulberry leaves, cassia seeds, burdock root, licorice, packaged into tea bags, steep for 5 minutes in hot water, drink one cup in the morning and evening to help maintain clean intestines.
In daily life, it’s essential to replenish the body with water regularly, avoiding dehydration; if unsure about the mix, opt for the tea bags mentioned above for easy brewing, filtering out residue, replenish water while lubricating the intestines, making intestinal care effortless.
