Don’t binge during Diwali

Along with celebrations, the festive season brings binge sessions, oily food, sweets and skipped meals. But doctors warn that tampering with routine eating habits can have adverse effects on our health.

Along with celebrations, the festive season brings binge sessions, oily food, sweets and skipped meals. Most of us forget to keep a tab on our intake, thinking that

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the festivities will only last for a few days.

But doctors warn that tampering with routine eating habits can have both temporary and permanent adverse effects on our health. Dr Daljit Kaur, nutritionist, Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre, says, “Gastric problems, acidity and upset stomach are the main problems people suffer during the festive season.” She adds that people must take “liquids and fruits after regular intervals, even if one is fasting”.

B.Tech student Vikram Kaul says he has a weak digestive system. But during the festive season, he finds it hard to stick to a simple diet, and that causes further havoc to his digestion. He says, “Every time there’s a function at my place, I have to visit a doctor for an upset stomach later.”

Indulgence during festive time also leads to an undesired piling of calories (and therefore, weight) which could cause other ailments. Nutritionist Ishi Khosla, says, “During the festive season, one should eat in moderation. But if you overeat at one meal, then the next meal should be small in quantity.”

Here are some tips to help your tummy relax during the festivities:
Boil ajwain, jeera, elaichi and kali mirch for 10 minutes and drink it, if suffering from an upset stomach. Ginger water also relieves heaviness.
Don’t forget to workout — even if it’s a long walk — for atleast 30 minutes a day.
Citrus fruits contain acid, which may upset your digestive system so avoid eating too many citrus fruits during fasting.
Drink a lot of water as it helps in clearing the food pipe of accumulated acids.