The National Health Insurance Service revealed that South Korea has the highest rate of stomach cancer among OECD countries. Many people are diagnosed with gastritis through endoscopy. Still, due to the perception of it being a common disease, people do not take special treatment or prevention measures until the pain worsens to a more severe stage. However, if gastritis is not treated and worsens, it ultimately increases the incidence of gastric cancer. In particular, in the case of discovering intestinal metaplasia that increases the probability of getting stomach cancer by 11 times, one must start taking care of their health. So, what is this intestinal metaplasia that should never be neglected?
What is intestinal metaplasia?
What exactly is this unfamiliar term, intestinal metaplasia? Inflammation of the surface of the stomach occurs, and the healing process is repeated. Chronic atrophic gastritis occurs as the regeneration power of gastric mucosal cells weakens. Repeated treatment and recurrence of chronic atrophic gastritis changes the mucosal cells of the stomach similar to those of the intestine, and this disease is called intestinal epithelial metaplasia.
What does intestinal metaplasia look like?
Intestinal epithelial metaplasia can be found through endoscopy. When the intestinal epithelial metaplasia is observed with an endoscope, the secretion glands of the gastric mucosa lack secretory glands and change color, and small protrusions appear, making it appear bumpy. The function of the stomach decreases as gastritis recurs, and the regeneration of the gastric mucosa does not occur properly, being replaced by grayish-white cells.
Increasing the incidence of stomach cancer by 11 times, ‘intestinal metaplasia’ symptoms
As mentioned earlier, when intestinal epithelial metaplasia occurs, the glands that secrete gastric juice disappear, the color changes to grayish-white, and small bumps also appear. Intestinal metaplasia is generally asymptomatic and is often coincidentally discovered during gastroscopy. There are many cases where it is considered a symptom of gastritis because there are no symptoms other than abdominal distention and digestive dysfunction. Still, if intestinal epithelial metaplasia progresses, the incidence of gastric cancer will increase 11 times, so care should be taken.
What causes intestinal metaplasia?
The cause of intestinal metaplasia is chronic gastritis caused by ‘Helicobacter pylori.’ In the early stages of chronic gastritis, inflammation is localized to the surface and secretory glands of the mucosa, but as the inflammation progresses, the structure of the secretory glands is further destroyed, resulting in atrophy and metaplastic changes in the mucosa. Both atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia show an increasing trend with age, and the prevalence is higher in men and those infected with Helicobacter pylori.
How to manage intestinal metaplasia?
Diagnosis of intestinal epithelial metaplasia can be suspected by endoscopic findings and is diagnosed by biopsy. Since there is no special treatment for intestinal epithelial metaplasia, it is impossible to receive any treatment immediately. However, early eradication of ‘Helicobacter bacteria,’ which has been pointed out as the leading cause, can be helpful in prevention. To manage intestinal metaplasia, which increases the incidence of stomach cancer, one must undergo gastroscopy once a year.
What are good foods for intestinal metaplasia?
Cabbage
What foods can help with intestinal metaplasia? Intestinal metaplasia is a disease in which typical structures of the gastric mucosa are destroyed as an inflammatory reaction continues in the stomach, and cells similar to those of the small or large intestine are transformed. Therefore, eating cabbage, which is good for stomach health, can calm inflammation. When choosing cabbage, choosing one with a light green outer leaf and a hard outer part when touching it is better.
Ginger
Ginger contains various ingredients, such as vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and copper. These ingredients play a role in facilitating the discharge of gas from the stomach. It is effective for stomach upset, vomiting, and nausea, and when consumed when symptoms such as intestinal metaplasia are present, the gingerol component facilitates gastrointestinal blood circulation. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, which can help alleviate symptoms.
Potatoes
Potatoes, loved by people of all ages for their soft texture, alleviate symptoms when there are diseases or injuries in the stomach due to excessive gastric acid. Potatoes prevent stomach tissue from becoming acidic due to their excellent components for stomach ulcers and strengthen the gastric mucosa. They can be consumed heated, as juice or raw is also acceptable.
Broccoli
Broccoli, which contains antioxidants and a large amount of calcium, is rich in vitamin U, which can protect the gastric mucosa. Therefore, consuming broccoli regularly when you have excessive stomach acid, gastritis, or intestinal metaplasia can somewhat alleviate the symptoms. Broccoli can be used in various foods such as salads, soups, and stews.
Lotus root
Lotus root has functions of stopping various bleedings, resolving heat toxins, and stopping vomiting of blood. Mainly, it protects the stomach wall and helps in the smooth absorption of proteins. Therefore, it is good to consume when you have indigestion or heartburn. In addition, even if you have a stomach-related disease such as intestinal metaplasia, you can get help by eating it.
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