Black Friday CountDown 1

20 December, 2007

Doctors warn against over-eating during Eid

Barbecues, delicious meat dishes...extended eating sessions. Eid Al Adha is a time when people tend to relish meat delicacies. However, medical experts caution that residents must watch out for their health and avoid ‘over-eating’.
It’s important to have a balanced and moderate diet and limit consumption of high-fat food during festivities in order to avoid stomach upsets, which at times require medical intervention.

Medical experts have also advised people to make sure that the meat they are eating is well-cooked. They should also drink lots of fluids, mainly water, especially when enjoying outdoor Eid parties during the day time so as to avoid dehydration.
Dr Max Mudrik, deputy chairman of the Emergency Unit at Shaikh Khalifa Medical City, advised people not to consume meat in big quantities.
“We cannot exactly pinpoint which type of food causes indigestion. But what we can pinpoint is that taking food in big quantities, specially fatty food like grilled meat, causes stomach upsets,” he said. “During Eid time, people should consume lots of fluids to avert dehydration,” he noted.
On the steps to follow if a stomach pain occurred, Dr Mudrik said people could take antacid tablets, stop eating and go for a mild exercise, preferably walking.
However, he said, in case patients had a chronic disease or other serious disease, a medical consultation is a must. “For those with any sort of chronic disease or cardiac problem, it’s always better to see a doctor. We are more concerned about old people. They should be more cautious,” said Dr Mudrik.
Dr Raza Shakeer, another emergency doctor, said people should avoid excessive consumption of fatty diets during Eid days.
“It’s not healthy to have meat three times a day. Moreover, meat must be well cooked or grilled,” said Dr Shakeer, while cautioning that in the event of severe and non-subsiding pain, patients must seek medical consultation.

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