What are the health risks associated with betel nut chewing?
Nov 08, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
Chewing betel nut may cause various health risks such as dental damage, oral mucosal lesions, impaired digestive function, neurological effects, and an increased risk of cancer. The components in betel nut are somewhat corrosive and may erode the enamel of the teeth, making teeth more fragile and prone to fracture. Additionally, the coarse fibers in betel nut can cause repeated friction and irritation to the oral mucosa during long-term chewing.
Generally, chewing betel nut may pose the following health risks: dental damage, oral mucosal lesions, impaired digestive function, adverse effects on neurological function, and increased cancer risk. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Dental damage: Certain components in betel nut are corrosive and may erode tooth enamel, making teeth fragile and prone to fracture.
2. Oral mucosal lesions: The fibrous texture of betel nut is coarse and long-term chewing may repeatedly irritate and abrade the oral mucosa, leading to trauma, ulcers, and other mucosal lesions.
3. Impaired digestive function: Betel nut contains various alkaloids that can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa and interfere with normal gastrointestinal motility, causing symptoms such as indigestion, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain.
4. Adverse effects on neurological function: Components in betel nut may also negatively affect the nervous system, leading to memory decline, difficulty concentrating, and slowed reaction times.
5. Increased cancer risk: After chewing, certain components in betel nut can form carcinogenic substances in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract. Continuous exposure to these carcinogens may increase the risk of developing cancers of the digestive system, such as oral cancer and esophageal cancer.
Excessive consumption of betel nut should not be self-administered to avoid adverse health effects. In daily life, it is important to maintain a light diet and engage in regular physical exercise.
