A doctor warned of the potential risks that come with eating too much spicy food after a 25-year-old influencer passed away from stomach cancer.
Li Sijin, a doctor of haematology and oncology, believes that diet can put people at risk of the disease.
She believes that excessive consumption of chilli peppers could aggravate the stimulation of the gastric mucosa – the innermost lining of the stomach.
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The doctor feels that with this irritation comes an increased risk of stomach cancer.
Her warning comes after an influencer named Qianquian passed away on 24 May.
Qianquian, who had more than 10,000 followers on Chinese social networking platform Xiaohongshu, was diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer in 2024.
She had experienced stomach pains for more than half a year, but didn’t think too much of it.
Eventually, the pain grew more uncomfortable and so she went to the hospital for a gastroscopy which uncovered her diagnosis.
She often documented her treatment and kept an optimistic attitude as she shared her journey with the world.
Her condition worsened in March this year which led to her tragically losing her life.
Local press have reported that Qianqian once addressed what she deemed to be the cause of her cancer, as reported by Need To Know.
“I don’t like to eat breakfast for a long time,” the influencer from mainland China once explained.
“I eat irregularly.
“I like spicy food.
“My stomach is not very good.”
In the wake of her passing, Li, a doctor who works at the Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, in Chiayi County, Taiwan, reminded others to be mindful of their food choices where possible.
She addressed that she feels chilli is good for a person’s health but in moderation.
Li added that long-term intake of very spicy and salted food may also increase the risks of gastric cancer.
Pickled foods, tobacco and alcohol also were mentioned by the health professional.
Li feels there is no direct impact which comes with an irregular eating schedule, and that the effects of this are not too significant on the stomach.
She has called on others to visit a doctor if they experience any prolonged discomfort, and for people to develop healthy eating habits in their daily lives.
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