Eating too many foods that are high in salt such as salted meat, brined fish and pickled vegetables can increase the risk of stomach cancer. Higher rates of stomach cancer are found in countries like Japan and Korea, than in the UK, where these foods are more popular.
Salt has been found to increase the action of Helicobacter pylori (H.Pylori) which can lead to inflammation and gastric ulcers that can progress into stomach cancer. This is a major risk factor as more than 4 in 10 stomach cancer cases in the UK are caused by these bacteria.
This is a potential teachable moment for health practitioners to suggest beneficial lifestyle changes to their patients and to encourage them to limit their salt intake to the recommended daily 6 grams.
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