Abu Dhabi: If you’re looking forward to enjoying the upcoming Eid festivities, eating in moderation and avoiding too much sugary, fatty food may just be the key to avoiding an emergency visit to the doctor.
When the month draws to a close, many people make the mistake of overindulging in calorie-laden delicacies that upset their digestive systems, doctors say. In fact, complaints about digestion and worsening diabetes are some of the most common reasons why people have to see a doctor during Eid.
“Ramadan necessitates a change in our eating patterns and rhythms, and our digestive systems take at least a month to readjust to meal times post-Ramadan Unfortunately, a lot of people cannot resist the variety of dishes and desserts on offer during Eid,” Dr Shereen Abdullah, internal medicine specialist at the HealthPlus Diabetes and Endocrinology Centre in Abu Dhabi, told Gulf News.
This year, Eid Al Fitr festivities are scheduled to start next week, and most residents tend to spend the occasion with friends and family. Preparing and savouring various traditional dishes forms a major component of most Eid celebrations, but the practice can lead to digestive complaints, including acid reflux, stomach ache, inability to sleep due to heartburn, and even vomiting in severe cases.
Dr Shereen said she sees an increase of about 25 per cent in the number of people visiting her due to gastric symptoms after Ramadan ends.
“This year, the fast lasts for almost 15 hours. So we need to give our bodies time to adapt to regular non-nocturnal mealtimes. Eat in moderation and at least two hours before going to bed,” she advised.
As Gulf News reported earlier this month, doctors also tend to see a worsening of diabetes in about 40 per cent of patients after Ramadan.
“For diabetics, immoderate eating can lead to gastric disturbances and nausea. While these conditions are treatable, it does force people to rush to the doctor during Eid festivities, and this is never fun,” said Dr Mohammad Obaidullah Khan, intensivist at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai. He recommended avoiding spicy foods, and spacing out meals.
“In the general population, indigestion is usually a mild concern. But it can spoil Eid celebrations. Among the elderly and chronically ill, and people who are prone to peptic ulcers and reflux, eating right is especially important to avoid much discomfort,” Dr Khan said.
The doctor also advised people to stay hydrated as they enjoyed the Eid festival.
