Stick to two or three meals a day during Eid holidays
abu dhabi — No doubt Eid Al Fitr is a time to rejoice and for family celebrations. But for the emergency departments 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.”
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
The emergency department receives around 60 patients with stomach problems in the first 24 hours of Eid.”
Dr Magdi Mohamed, consultant, Burjeel Hospital
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,
Eat moderately, not only during Eid, but at all times. Binge eating can lead to temporary or lifelong health issues.”
Dr Mohamed Ahmed Omar, specialist, Burjeel Hospital
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