Dubai - Overeating at holiday parties takes a toll on health.
Published: Sat 11 Feb 2017, 8:24 PM
Updated: Sat 11 Feb 2017, 10:52 PM
As 2017 gets well into its second month, the majority of people find it difficult to hold on to their New Year resolutions. Overeating at holiday parties takes a toll on their health, which leads to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
The scrumptious buffets, brunches, soft and hard drinks, and smoking at social gatherings are hard to resist, but according to health experts, people can escape tummy troubles easily by keeping a check on their intake.
"These days, a lot of patients turn up with problems like bloating, nausea, acidity, general discomfort, food reflux and other digestive disorders. It increases during holiday or festival time, when people don't follow a healthy diet and lifestyle. It can be managed only if patients control overeating, smoking and fizzy drinks along with alcohol," said Dr Mohamad Khair Ojjeh, Specialist Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at Medcare Dubai.
Another gastroenterology consultant, Dr. Amal Upadhyay at Aster Hospital Mankhool, confirms: "It is a very common problem in affluent societies; at least 3-4 pat-ients come in a day with gastro iss-ues, especially food reflux".
What is GERD?
Gestroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive problem that occurs when acid from the stomach flows backward into the esophagus, causing a burning, acidic feel in the throat and chest.
Usually it happens on the intake of too much spicy and fatty food that stays in the stomach for a longer time and interferes with the digestive system's normal functioning.
Obese people tend to suffer more with this disease; 40 per cent of GERD patients also develop Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Overeating and irregular eating hours result in a disruption in the general digestive process and increase heartburn. Tempting buffets and dinner parties also lead people to make the food choices that exacerbate GERD symptoms.
The most common symptom of GERD is a burning chest pain beginning from behind the breast bone, moving upwards to the neck and throat, leaving an acidic or bitter taste in the mouth.
Dr Upadhayay thinks patients should keep a check on the kind and volume of food they eat, and chew it properly or not. He also suggests going slow on the food at parties, choosing healthier options, and general moderate eating.
Detoxing tips post-party season
> The best detox is 1 litre of fresh water in the morning. Water is the ultimate cleanser. If you can add a slice of lemon or two to the water, the Vitamin C helps alleviate liver inflammation.
> Tomato juice, rich in antioxidants like lycopene, is a good detox solution.
> Grandma's age-old ginger, or even Ginger Ale, can cure the worst nausea.
> Boiled asparagus, carrot smoothies or banana smoothies can strengthen your immune system after a late night party.
> Eggs - boiled or as omelettes - are rich sources of cysteine that break down acetaldehyde, a toxin responsible for hangovers.
> Coconut water is the best and even better than sports drinks to replenish those lost electrolytes.
> Honey with a whole wheat toast neutralises a lot of toxins like monosodium glutamate; the fructose in it breaks down the alcohol faster.
> Cayenne pepper can spice you up and help release endorphins which make you feel thirstier and drink more water to combat dehydration.
> B Complex vitamins and oat porridge can be heartening.
> Last but not the least, if nothing works, go for a swim - a swim in the sea is the best!
(Tips by Dr Roshan John, Specialist Internal Medicine at Medeor 24*7 Hospital Abu Dhabi)
- ankita@khaleejtimes.com
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