Incidences of gastrointestinal and gastric problems on the rise

Rawalpindi:Both the public and private sector healthcare facilities including the three allied hospitals in town have been receiving significantly a higher influx of patients with gastric problems and gastrointestinal infections since the advent of Ramazan that according to health experts is mainly because of bad eating habits and poor sleep pattern apart from other reasons.

Sudden change in eating habits, overeating, haphazard intake of fluids and various types of deep fried dishes along with lack of exercise are the major reasons behind the increase in the number of cases with gastrointestinal problems during the holy month of Ramazan.

Data collected by ‘The News’ has revealed that the majority of the patients visiting the allied hospitals with gastrointestinal problems were those who had eaten traditional food items at the time of ‘Sehr’ or ‘Iftar’ from vendors.

Gastric problem or gastritis causes abdominal pain or discomfort. It is an inflammation, irritation or erosion of the lining of the stomach. The stomach membrane layer gets disturbed and leads to the secretion of acids. Once these acids come in contact with the stomach walls, it gives rise to pain and discomfort. This condition ultimately leads to a problem called gastric.

According to health experts, Ramazan related gastric problems can be divided into acute and chronic diseases. Acute diseases are those started for the first time in Ramazan while chronic gastric problems are the flares of pre-existing gastric disorders like previous ulcers, gallstones etc. Experts say that by adopting good dietary habits, the problems can be avoided.

Most of the people consume surplus water and deep fried food items when they break open fast in the evening which can lead to severe stomach ache in some cases. By choosing a balanced diet at the time of ‘Iftar’ and ‘Sehr’, one can find ample time to digest what he or she has eaten. People can have various types of food and fluids while fasting in Ramazan but in an amount which is acceptable by the body and the stomach. They should opt for exercise for easy and quick digestion.

Experts believe that the trend of going out for ‘Iftar’ and ‘Sehr’ has increased the incidences of gastrointestinal problems because most of the shopkeepers fry ‘pakoras’, samosas, kachories and other items in reused and substandard oil and also they refrigerate leftover food and fry or cook it again the next day making it extremely injurious to health.

Protein rich food like eggs and oatmeal that is rich in fibre should be taken at the time of ‘Sehr’. Soluble fibres found in oats, peas, beans, apples, bananas, citrus fruits, carrots and barley can be termed as the best choices as they turn to gel in the stomach and slow digestion, which is perfect to keep a person active during the fast.

Experts say that at the time of ‘Iftar’, one should take dates if he or she is not diabetic but must avoid processed beverages and carbonated drinks. Stick to regular water to soothe your thirst. Drink as much water or fruit juices as possible between ‘Iftar’ and bedtime to avoid dehydration. High-sugar food items such as sweets, chocolates should be avoided. Fried food like ‘pakoras’ and samosas should be avoided. Also avoid oily curries and greasy pastries. Experts say that to keep the body functions proper, one must follow a proper sleep pattern.