Health Risks of Betel Nut Chewing
Disease description:
I have been chewing betel nut for a long time, and recently I've been feeling discomfort in my oral mucosa, along with persistent mild pain. I've heard that betel nut is harmful—could you please explain specifically what health risks it may cause?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Long-term betel nut chewing can easily lead to health problems such as oral mucosa and gum bleeding, and increases the risk of developing oral cancer. Betel nut is one of the main causes of oral cancer, as chemical substances contained within it, such as arecoline, are carcinogenic.
Chewing betel nut also has adverse effects on the digestive system. Excessive consumption may lead to indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and even gastrointestinal diseases. Components in betel nut may also cause cardiovascular problems such as arrhythmia and hypertension, increasing the risk of heart disease. Long-term chewing may also lead to tooth wear and periodontal disease.
It also has toxic effects on the nervous system. Arecoline is a neurotoxic substance, and excessive intake may negatively affect the nervous system, causing symptoms including dizziness and insomnia, and may lead to addiction.
Therefore, from a preventive medicine perspective, betel nut chewing should be avoided to maintain oral and overall health. In daily diets, it is recommended to maintain a balanced dietary structure and consume a variety of foods, which helps sustain good health.
