Once Ramzan is over, be careful of what you eat and how many times, warn doctors
Given the losses, the energy levels are low and the process to bring them back to normal - where the body adjusts to eating three meals again - must be properly calculated.
After Ramzan ends, it is important that the devout gradually go back to a normal routine. Reason being, there is a reduction in the base metabolic rate, where the body has gone through the process of dehydration, loss of body mass and body fat. Given the losses, the energy levels are low and the process to bring them back to normal — where the body adjusts to eating three meals again — must be properly calculated.
Avoid refeeding syndrome
People who are fasting should avoid strenuous work and exposure to heat and excessive sunlight. Refeeding or reprogramming the body to again eat three times requires a planned nutrition intake.
Dr Raghu Ram K., gastroenterologist at Yashoda Hospitals explains, “Refeeding syndrome is a metabolic consequence of nutrition support resulting from sudden intake of large amount of glucose calories by a person who was previously malnourished. With nutrient intake, metabolism of these persons rapidly becomes anabolic causing electrolyte imbalance. Large fluid shifts can occur between body compartments causing heart failure and neurological problems if it is uncontrolled. To prevent the refeeding syndrome the initial calorie content must be around 1,400 to 2,000 calories per day.” Increase the fiber content for the next seven days, whereas, the fluid intake must be limited to only two to three litres per day.
Acid reflux is a common
Acid reflux is very common in those who have undergone fasting as they eat a heavy dinner at night and go to sleep. This happens when there is consumption of rich foods and overeating. Some believe that the body will store the food and give them the energy for the rest of the day, but that is not so.
Dr Sandeep Ghanta, consultant physician at Citizens’ Hospital explains, “We have found patients coming with complaints of severe acid reflux and risk of dyspepsia after the fasting season is over. This is because they have been eating at odd hours. The portion of food is huge, and after having it they immediately go to bed. To add to this, during the festivities there is too much of intake of sweets, milk-based products and also high calorie fat foods which the body finds difficult to cope with. Hence, issues of intestinal disturbances are common in the aftermath and a strict low-calorie diet is advised to allow the body to set its rhythm again.”
Breakfast is a must
Heaviness, burning sensation in epigastria region, loss of appetite and acidity are common problems, when an individual reverts to a normal eating schedule. To reprogramme the body back to its original form, it is important that breakfast must be taken at a regular time.
Madhurima Sinha, chief nutritionist at Care Hospitals, explained, “We have found most youngsters skip breakfast and indulge in fried foods in the mornings which is not good. Do eat the food, but in small portions in limited quantity during the season.”
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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