What Does Festive Eating Do to Your Body: A Hypertension Doctor in Singapore Weighs In
Festive seasons in Singapore, be it Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya, or Christmas, bring with them an abundance of joy, celebration, and, inevitably, a plethora of food. As a hypertension doctor in Singapore, I’ve often seen how these joyous occasions can impact our bodies, especially when it comes to blood pressure and overall health.
The Temptation of Festive Feasting
Festive periods are notorious for their indulgent feasts. The tables are laden with rich, savory, and sweet dishes, many of which are high in sodium, sugar, and saturated fats. While these foods are a delight to our taste buds, they pose challenges to our health, particularly for those managing conditions like hypertension.
Impact on Blood Pressure
As a hypertension doctor in Singapore, my biggest concern during these times is the rise in sodium intake. Many festive dishes are high in salt, which is a key factor in increasing blood pressure. When salt intake is high, the body retains water to dilute the sodium. This extra stored water raises blood pressure and puts strain on the heart, arteries, kidneys, and brain.
Weight Gain and Its Effects
Festive eating often leads to weight gain, another critical factor in hypertension. Excess weight forces your heart to work harder to pump blood around your body, which can raise your blood pressure. Patients who visit hypertension doctors in Singapore post-festive season often report weight gain and associated spikes in blood pressure.
Sugar Overload
The delectable desserts and sweet treats synonymous with festivities can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels. This is a concern for hypertension management, as high sugar intake can lead to weight gain and increased blood pressure.[i][1]
Alcohol Consumption
Festive celebrations often see an uptick in alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol can lead to dehydration and long-term blood pressure problems[2]. It’s something I, as a hypertension doctor in Singapore, caution my patients about regularly.
Tips for Healthy Festive Eating
Portion Control: Enjoy your favorite dishes but in moderation. Smaller portions can help manage calorie, salt, and sugar intake.
Balanced Diet: Ensure that your festive meals include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to balance out the heavier dishes.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, as it helps to counteract the high sodium content of many festive foods.
Limit Alcohol and Sugary Drinks: Opt for water or herbal teas instead of sugary beverages or alcohol.
Stay Active: Incorporate regular physical activity into your festive schedule to counteract some of the effects of overeating.
Post-Festive Season Check-Up
After the festive season, it’s wise to visit a hypertension doctor in Singapore for a check-up. Even if you don’t have hypertension, getting your blood pressure checked after indulging over the holidays is a good practice.
Conclusion
While festive seasons are a time for enjoyment, it’s important to be mindful of the impact of festive eating on our bodies. As a hypertension doctor in Singapore, I advocate for a balanced approach to holiday feasting. Enjoy the celebrations, but remember to care for your body too. Your health is the greatest gift you can give yourself and your loved ones
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25547872/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8130994/
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About Dr Adrian Mondry
Dr Adrian Mondry is a Hypertension Specialist accredited by the German Hypertension League in Singapore. He was previously a senior consultant in the department of medicine at the National University Hospital and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH), Dr Mondry has more than 30 years of experience in the field of internal medicine.
Dr Adrian Mondry is recognised for his leadership and contributions in establishing the dedicated hypertension clinic within the National University Health System and fast-track deep vein thrombosis service at NTFGH.
Dr Adrian Mondry is fluent in English, German and French.
About Kaizen Medical
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