Abu Dhabi - Avoid binge eating and take two to three meals during Eid, say doctors
Published: Sat 24 Jun 2017, 8:14 PM
Last updated: Sat 24 Jun 2017, 10:36 PM
No doubt Eid Al Fitr is a time of rejoice and family celebrations. But for the emergency department of many hospitals, it is usually a time when gastritis cases suddenly boom.
Dr Magdi Mohamed, consultant, emergency medicine, Burjeel Hospital, said: "Every year we receive staggering amounts of patients who come in with stomach problems during the first and second day of Eid, and it is largely due to overeating."
It could also trigger cancer, says doctor
Dr Mohamed Ahmed Raslan Omar, specialist, internal medicine, at the Burjeel Hospital, said binge eating duringh the Eid could easily become a habit. He highlighted that eating foods loaded with additives and preservatives in large amounts not only lead to vitamin deficiencies, but could also trigger cancer.
"Avoid celebrating the holidays with fatty, sugary and salty foods, that have no nutritional value."
He added that Eid should rather be celebrated with nutritional meals, that include fruits and vegetables, which help clear toxins from the colon and regulate the movement of the gastrointestinal tract.
"Eat moderately, not only during Eid, but at all times."
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According to him, around 40 per cent of patients at the emergency department are related to overeating during Eid.
He added that a whopping 120 of the cases are related to binge eating out of 300 cases the hospital's emergency department receives during Eid.
"The emergency department receives around 60 patients with stomach problems in the first 24 hours of Eid."
Dr Mohamed stressed that the stomach of those who fast during Ramadan shrinks and becomes sensitive later.
"The habit of fasting regulates the body's digestive system, as well as the digestive enzymes, which will be regulated according the meals eaten. This regulation becomes disrupted not only by overeating, but also by frequent eating post Ramadan."
Dr Mohamed said it is important to stick to two to three meals a day during the Eid holidays.
"Sudden overeating will lead to various medical and health problems. The common cases received during Eid include abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea."
Dr Mohamed also advises those celebrating Eid this holiday to lay off the deserts, as overeating sweets causes loose motions.
"The glucose in the digestive system will lead to an increment of secretion of fluids and water in the intestine, which could result in severe diarrhea. The glucose will become fermented, which also leads to loose motions."
Dr Mohamed Ahmed Raslan Omar, specialist, internal medicine, at the Burjeel Hospital, also recommends two to three meals eaten post Ramadan.
"Most of the cases we receive during and right after Ramadan are related to gastric disturbance."
He said the majority of the gastritis patients are between 20-50 years of age, adding that the statistics are equal between male and female.
"Binge eating can lead to temporary or lifelong health issues which includes weight gain, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and joint pain. The acute forms of gastritis includes nausea, feeling heavy, fatigue, severe headaches, shortness of breath and chest pains.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com
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