Eat smart this festive season

Along with a lot of celebratory cheer, the festive season also sends us into binge eating sessions. Overeating during this season invariably involves deliciously rich dishes, often in combination with large amounts of alcohol that does our constitution no good. 

In a conversation with Dr Sreekanth Appasani, consultant medical gastroenterologist, he tells us how to stay healthy while having a good time.

Q. How do binge eating, over-eating, and excessive drinking during the festive season affect the body?
Binge eating and overeating increase gastric acidity levels and reflux symptoms in all age groups. Fatty foods like sweets and biryani can lead to gallstones. In addition, chances of infections causing gastroenteritis increase with unhealthy eating habits during the festive season. Moreover, binge drinking can definitely cause acute pancreatitis, a dangerous problem with severe consequences.

Q. What are the common causes of indigestion, bloating or flatulence during the season? How can they be avoided?
Unhygienic food eaten very quickly in excessive quantities mainly causes these issues. Oily and spicy food add to reflux symptoms. To avoid such digestive discomfort, it is better to eat safe, healthy food like fruits and curd. It is also a good idea to limit the amount of food and to eat slowly. Timing is crucial too, especially at late night parties.

Q. What are the preventive steps that people can practice on a regular basis?
People who have regular gastric issues need to avoid alcohol, late night parties and binge eating. People with severe symptoms can take antacid and medications like pantaprozele for a couple of days. They need to drink lots of water, along with curd or milk.

Q. Some people starve themselves through the day to eat well at a party later. Is this a good habit?
Starving through the day for binge eating at late night parties is a bad habit. This eating behaviour damages the digestive system. It also causes weight gain.

Q. What is the best way to party smart, while staying healthy?
The key to partying smart is to eat less. Have more fruits and avoid late night snacking. Eat as much fruits, curd and salads as you want, but go easy on spicy, oily and junk food.