Poor dietary habits can easily lead to cancer.

    1. Addiction to smoking and drinking. Cigarettes contain various carcinogens that can directly or indirectly cause cancer. Alcohol can promote cell carcinogenesis and increase the body's susceptibility to tumors. Experiments have shown that smoking and alcohol have a synergistic effect; alcohol acts as a solvent, dissolving and allowing carcinogens in cigarette smoke to penetrate epidermal cells, increasing the incidence of digestive tract cancers.

    Second, frequent consumption of high-salt and fried foods. Salted fish, salted meat, and pickled vegetables are popular due to their unique flavor. However, during the pickling process, salted fish and pickled vegetables produce large amounts of nitrosamines, which studies have shown to have significant carcinogenic effects. Furthermore, long-term consumption of high-salt foods can damage the protective layer of the mucous membrane, allowing carcinogens to directly contact the gastric and esophageal mucosa, increasing the incidence of esophageal and gastric cancer. As for fried foods, benzopyrene is produced during the processing, a substance strongly associated with the development of gastric and esophageal cancer.

    Third, eating too quickly or eating food that is too hot. Eating too quickly means that food is not chewed thoroughly, which hinders the initial digestion of food by salivary amylase and increases the burden on the stomach and intestines. In addition, some people like to eat very hot food, thinking that it tastes better this way. However, the delicate esophageal mucosa cannot withstand the test of "fiery heat" and is easily prone to esophageal inflammation, which may eventually lead to esophageal cancer.

    Fourth, excessive consumption of refined grains. Overly refined foods are not beneficial to human health because excessive grinding destroys dietary fiber, which increases intestinal motility and prevents stool accumulation. Insufficient dietary fiber intake prolongs the time feces spend in the intestines, increasing the chance of carcinogens coming into contact with the intestines and becoming a risk factor for colorectal cancer.

　　Please stay away from unhealthy diets.

    Rotten fruit. When fruit rots, microorganisms produce various harmful substances during their metabolism, especially fungi, which multiply rapidly. Some fungi are carcinogenic and can spread from the rotten parts to the unrotten parts through the fruit juice. Therefore, even after removing the rotten parts, the remaining fruit should not be eaten.

    Moldy food. Moldy rice, peanuts, and corn contain aflatoxin, a recognized potent carcinogen that can easily cause liver and esophageal cancer. Some people believe that washing the food several times or using high-temperature sterilization will remove the toxic substance, but in reality, once aflatoxin contaminates food, it is very difficult to completely eliminate it.

    Burnt fish and meat. The incomplete combustion of fat in fish and meat produces large amounts of V-aminomethyl derivatives, a carcinogen with a potency equivalent to aflatoxin.

    Barbecued foods. All barbecued foods are prone to containing a substance with a strong carcinogenic effect—benzo[a]pyrene, which is the same carcinogen produced in fried foods.

    Improperly handled MSG. MSG reacts with alkaline foods to form disodium glutamate, losing its umami flavor; when heated to 120 degrees Celsius, it transforms into sodium pyroglutamate, a carcinogen. Therefore, MSG should not be added to foods containing baking soda or alkalis. When making soups or dishes, MSG should be added just before removing from heat, avoiding prolonged simmering.

　　Maintain good health through a scientific diet

    Cancer itself is not frightening; what is frightening is the tolerance and indifference towards unhealthy eating habits. All levels of the military should vigorously promote a modern military dietary culture, starting from caring for the physical health of officers and soldiers and improving their quality of life. They should educate and guide officers and soldiers to establish healthy eating concepts and develop healthy eating habits, ensuring that officers and soldiers always maintain ample physical strength and energy.

    Chewing slowly and thoroughly is good for your health. Many comrades, consciously or unconsciously, bring the fast pace of military life to the dining table, eating too quickly. In fact, this behavior is very detrimental to health. As early as 1964, based on research, medical personnel proposed that a diet that is "coarse, hard, hot, and eaten quickly" is related to the formation of esophageal cancer, and advocated that eating should be done "slowly and thoroughly."

    A diverse diet is essential, avoiding picky eating. Dietary diversity is a prominent feature of traditional Chinese diets and is highly compatible with health requirements. Recent scientific research shows that a monotonous diet, long-term picky eating, and selective eating are among the leading causes of cancer. The first principle for solving nutrition problems proposed by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization is dietary diversity. Therefore, when organizing meals, the military must, on the one hand, scientifically formulate menus to ensure a balanced diet of whole grains and refined grains, meat and vegetables, and a variety of foods that provide comprehensive nutrition. On the other hand, it is crucial to educate officers and soldiers to overcome picky eating habits and shift their focus from prioritizing taste to prioritizing nutritional health.

    Eat plenty of grains, tubers, fruits, and vegetables. Regularly consuming fruit can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer. Fruits contain many antioxidants and abundant vitamins. Their digestion and absorption do not require digestive juices; they quickly pass through the stomach into the small intestine for absorption. The absorption rate on an empty stomach is much higher than after a meal. Therefore, eating fruit before meals is beneficial for the absorption of essential nutrients. Vegetables contain a variety of nutrients needed by the human body. Studies have shown that consistently eating 400-800 grams of various vegetables daily can reduce the risk of cancer by 20%.

    Control your intake of high-fat and high-salt foods. The Chinese Nutrition Society recommends a daily intake of 90 grams of red meat (pork, beef, and lamb) and 6 grams of salt per person. The current food ration standard for the Chinese military is 130 grams of pork, beef, and lamb per person per day in Class A wards and Class A mess halls. This standard was formulated after a systematic study of the physical exertion of soldiers during high-intensity training and is suitable for the realities of this special group. However, it is also important to correct misconceptions such as "more meat means better food" and "vegetables that aren't salty aren't flavorful," especially during holidays when training intensity is lower; excessive meat consumption can actually lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. (Cartoon by Wang Yanwei)

Related Links: 8 Categories of Cancer-Fighting Foods

    1. Onion family: garlic, onion, leeks, asparagus, scallions, etc.;

    2. Cruciferous family: cauliflower, cabbage, mustard greens, radish, etc.;

    3. Nuts and seeds: walnuts, pine nuts, pistachios, sesame seeds, almonds, pecans, sunflower seeds, etc.;

    4. Grains: corn, oats, rice, wheat, etc.;

    5. Legumes: soybeans, green beans, peas, etc.;

    6. Fruits: oranges, apples, watermelons, lemons, grapes, strawberries, pineapples, etc.

    7. Solanaceae family: tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, etc.;

Baking soda is a familiar ingredient to most people. Its scientific name is sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda powder or sodium carbonate. It is used in analytical reagents, organic synthesis, stomach medicine, leavening agents, and fire extinguishers. Baking soda powder, commonly purchased at home, is frequently used in baking pastries and making steamed buns; it's a very familiar food ingredient.

Baking soda has a wide range of uses. In addition to the uses mentioned above, it has many other clever uses in daily life. What other uses do you know about it?

[Cleaning Section]

1. To clean the refrigerator,
soak a cloth in vinegar and wipe the inside walls and shelves. This not only effectively removes dust and dirt but also prevents the growth of microorganisms. After cleaning, placing a small box of baking soda inside will help keep the refrigerator smelling fresh.

2. To clean the kitchen sink
, pour some water into the sink, sprinkle baking soda on the dirty areas, wipe with a cloth, then sprinkle some baking soda into the drain hole, pour in some white vinegar, and when foam appears, cover it with a paper towel. Remove it after 20 minutes and rinse. Finally, rinse the faucet with soapy water and a cloth soaked in vinegar, and the sink will be sparkling clean.

3. Cleaning stains on carpets:
If the stain is light, dissolve two tablespoons of salt in half a cup of white vinegar, pour it onto the stain, and vacuum it up after the solution dries. If the stain is large or heavy, add some borax to the solution and use the same method.

4. To remove mildew and light stains from the shower curtain,
sprinkle baking soda on a sponge and scrub the shower curtain. This will remove mildew and light stains. Then rinse the shower curtain with water.

5. Computer Keyboard and Appliance Opening Cover Maintenance:
After a period of time, a layer of stubborn black grime often forms on the computer keyboard and appliance opening covers. Soak a cloth in baking soda water, wring it out, and use it to wipe the covers. Then wipe them once or twice with a clean, damp cloth. They will easily look brand new.
6. Microwave Oven Maintenance
: After using a microwave oven, there are often some residual food traces and odors. Since it's inconvenient to clean with too much water, it's difficult to completely remove the residue if you use dish soap. If you wipe the inside of the microwave oven with a cloth dampened with baking soda solution, wait one or two minutes, and then wipe it again with a clean, damp cloth, you can not only clean the inside but also eliminate odors without worrying about residual cleaning agents.
7. Induction
Cooker Maintenance: Induction cookers often accumulate food splatter from heating food, as well as oil and dust grime over time. Wiping the surface with a cloth dampened with baking soda solution, waiting one or two minutes, and then wiping it again with a clean, damp cloth will keep it clean and shiny like new.

8. To remove tea stains
, use slightly damp fingers or a sponge to apply a small amount of baking soda to the tea stains. This will easily remove the stains and is much faster than any other method or cleaning agent. It will also not scratch your cups or teaware and saves water.

9. To clean a range hood,
apply baking soda paste to the dirty areas and let it sit for a while. Even the most stubborn grease can be wiped clean.
10. To clean a cutting board,
sprinkle a layer of baking soda powder on the cutting board and scrub it with a brush. This will not only remove stains but also deodorize the board.

11. Removing Crayon Stains from Furniture:
If you have children at home, they often scribble and draw everywhere with crayons, creating stains that cannot be removed with water. While paint remover can remove them, this method will peel off the paint and damage the surface. Using baking soda is the best solution. Simply wrung out a damp cloth, apply some baking soda, and wipe the stains. This will completely remove the crayon stains without damaging the furniture.

[Odor Removal Section]

1. To remove the smell of pet urine
, sprinkle some baking soda on the carpet. For cement floors, sprinkle baking soda, add a little vinegar, scrub the floor with a brush, and then rinse with clean water.

2. To remove toilet odors
, place a dish in the bathroom with baking soda. This is equivalent to having a permanent air freshener in the toilet. You can add your favorite scented bath salts. Replace it every 3 months.

3. To remove the musty smell
from bath towels, use a washing machine to remove the odor. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda during the rinse cycle.

4. To remove odors from the trash can
, sprinkle baking soda inside after each trash can emptying; this will have a good deodorizing effect. Sprinkling baking soda in any other places that might emit odors will also achieve the same result.

5. Prevent foot odor when wearing
shoes: Before wearing shoes, sprinkle some baking soda inside. This will not only prevent foot odor, but also make the inside of the shoes easier to clean when washing them in the future.

6. Cabinet deodorizing:
All aromatic deodorizers contain chemical solvents that can damage the central nervous system. Some people are also very sensitive to these aromatic deodorizers and feel uncomfortable after smelling them. You can use an open container filled with baking soda instead, and place it in the corner of the shoe cabinet or wardrobe. Replace it about once every three months. The effect is definitely no worse than ordinary deodorizers and it is non-toxic.

7. Car deodorizer:
Place a can of baking soda inside the car to remove odors.

[Personal Care Section]

1.
Adding a little baking soda to your facial cleanser, or using baking soda and oatmeal to make a face mask, can help improve your skin.

2. Hair care:
Add a little baking soda to your shampoo to remove residual hairspray and styling cream and repair damaged hair.

3.
Adding a little baking soda to toothpaste can neutralize bad breath and also act as a whitening agent.

4. To eliminate body odor
, mix one cup of baking soda and two tablespoons of starch in a plastic container and apply it to the areas of your body that emit odor.

[Laundry Section]

1. To remove stains from white clothes:
If white clothes are accidentally washed with colored clothes and become stained, soak the white clothes in warm water with baking soda, salt and detergent to remove the stains.

2. To prevent nylon clothing from
yellowing, add baking soda to the washing and rinsing water.

3. Enhance laundry performance:
Adding half a cup of baking soda to laundry detergent will make clothes more vibrant in color and also soften the water, enhancing the detergent's effectiveness. Baking soda also strengthens the bleaching agent; half the usual amount is sufficient to achieve the same bleaching effect.

[Other Sections]

1. In gardening,
simply spraying baking soda water on the leaves and then wiping them with a damp cloth can make the leaves of potted plants glossy; watering the base of hydrangeas with a diluted baking soda solution can make the flowers a deeper blue.

2.
If you experience heartburn, pain, or acid reflux due to excessive stomach acid, you can take a small spoonful (about 0.5 grams) of baking soda, add it to a cup (about 200cc) of warm water, and drink it slowly (it will taste slightly salty). After a while, the carbon dioxide gas produced by the neutralization of stomach acid and baking soda will escape from your mouth, and all symptoms will be relieved immediately.

3. Removing Pesticide Residues from Fruits and
Vegetables: While soaking fruits and vegetables in water is generally used to reduce pesticide residue, the simplest and quickest method is to dissolve a tablespoon of baking soda in water, soak the fruits and vegetables for at least two minutes, and then rinse them. They are then safe to eat. Do not use salt in the water, as this will make the pesticide residue more stable and harder to remove.

4. Killing cockroaches and ants:
Because cockroaches are covered in oil and are not afraid of water, baking soda works by disrupting the oil barrier. Spraying baking soda water in a slightly diffused jet (not a mist) onto the cockroach will immediately block its respiratory pores on its abdomen, causing it to suffocate instantly. It's very effective and non-toxic. In contrast, conventional insecticides containing chemical solvents not only have an extremely pungent and unpleasant smell but are also toxic. Cockroaches and ants will scatter quickly after being sprayed, especially cockroaches, which often hide in corners where their bodies are hard to find, struggling to die after a while, seriously affecting environmental hygiene. Using baking soda avoids these drawbacks, and the spray residue only needs to be wiped off once or twice with a wrung-out damp cloth. It's economical, hygienic, and environmentally friendly, making it far superior.

Baking soda is a versatile and useful ingredient.