KATHMANDU: Wishing for one’s husband’s long life and good health, Teej is celebrated with fun and joy. But the irony is that fasting women might harm their health while they are wishing for their spouse’s good health. Women often take a rigorous fast without drinking water on this day. “Many women are rushed to the hospitals because of dehydration,” informed Dr Khem Raj Bhusal, Consultant Physician at Kantipur General Hospital and Green City Hospital, Basundhara.

Small frequent meals

The tradition of daar khane a day prior to the day of Teej is observed. People eat various oily and spicy foods on this day. Consumption of such foods can lead to stroke, heart attack, obesity, and dyslipidemia among others. “It happens because of the fat present in the oily food,” informed the doctor. Women are seen consuming high amounts of food during the daar khane day and go on a strict fast the very next day. If one remains on empty stomach, then there are chances of acid reflex diseases. Mucosa — the inner lining of the intestines gets destroyed as acidic gastric content goes into the oesophagus. This is why one must eat small frequent meals rather than eating in large amount in long intervals. Normal mucosa changes into abnormal form leading to the risk for esophageal cancer.

Consumption of traditional pickles (fermented in bottles for a long time) is deleterious to gastric mucosa as they have high salt content. Consumption of sugar leads to further complication as it alters the sugar level.

Food poisoning too can occur if stale food is eaten. “If food with toxins are eaten, then there are chances of food poisoning. Vomiting and diarrhoea are seen in such patients. In addition, post earthquake diarrhoea has increased in the country, this is why people must maintain healthy eating habits,” added Dr Bhusal.

Taking care during fasting

Gastric acid is important for health as it helps in digestion. Hydrochloric acid present in the fluid helps to kill bacteria but if one eats nothing, then the hydrochloric acid released inside the stomach will harm the mucosa resulting in inflammation. “If this inflammation is deeper, then there is risk of gastric ulcer with complications such as perforation (hole in intestine) and bleeding resulting in morbidity and mortality,” added Dr Bhusal.

Complications too can be seen in the duodenum.

Water is essential for the body. It helps to dilute acids in the body and prevent dehydration. Prolonged fasting will lead to electrolyte imbalance in the body. Sodium and potassium are necessary for the body but when someone fasts, these quotients aren’t fulfilled resulting in muscle cramps. “This is why one must not go on a strict fasting without drinking water,” suggested Dr Bhusal. Muscle cramps and acid reflex diseases can be seen in elderly (above 60) and in diabetics, renal patients and people with compromised immunity. This is why they must take a balanced diet.

Pre diabetic (blood sugar within the range of 100 to 126 mg/dl) also must not refrain themselves from food as this group of people can suffer from diabetes at any point in their life. If the diabetics stay hungry, then there are high chances for one to suffer from hypoglycaemia (deficiency of glucose in the blood stream). “It might at time lead to death,” cautioned the doctor. One feels dizzy, shaky and sweaty among others when there is hypoglycaemia. If there is dehydration, then the pressure goes down, leading to low blood supply in kidneys further leading to renal failure. This is why one needs to drink water during fasting.

Precautions

Many women faint when they queue at the temples during the festival. “It happens because glucose and oxygen do not reach the brain when people are fasting,” shared Dr Bhusal. The patient must be inverted (toe to head) so that veins blood supply could reach the heart. Oral rehydrated solution must be immediately given so as to replace fluid and solid deficiency. But if the person has fallen down because of hypoglycaemia, then fluid and glucose must be immediately given.

Enjoy the festival with merry making and celebrations but put your health first. Happy Teej.