Healthcare professionals have issued warnings regarding the serious health risks associated with the excessive consumption of red meat, saturated animal fats, and sweets during Eid Al-Adha.

This period is characterized by numerous family feasts, which can lead to acute heart attacks, cardiac disturbances, hypertension, and chronic inflammation of blood vessels, consequently increasing the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.

Clinics specializing in cardiology, gastroenterology, and nutrition experience a marked rise in patient visits during and after the holiday, a recurring phenomenon that underscores the need for prior health awareness to prevent complications that could mar the festive spirit and negatively impact health.

Experts recommend globally accepted health guidelines suggesting a daily intake of cooked red meat between 70 and 100 grams.

They emphasize the significance of moderation, the balanced distribution of meals throughout the day, and the avoidance of including red meat in multiple meals, as well as limiting the intake of carbonated beverages.

To prevent health issues during the holiday, healthcare providers advise basic preventive measures.

Key recommendations include moderate consumption of meat, opting for lean cuts, avoiding fried foods and rich desserts, increasing vegetable intake, drinking adequate amounts of water, adhering to prescribed medications, and avoiding prolonged sitting after meals or sleeping immediately, thus aiming to protect overall health and enjoy the holiday without complications.

Dr. Harb Abu Barakah, an interventional cardiology specialist, stresses the severe health dangers of excessive red meat and animal fat consumption during Eid.

He notes that such habits can precipitate acute heart attacks, hypertension, and elevated levels of harmful cholesterol, particularly in patients with chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

Saturated fats found in rich meats during festive dinners can directly elevate low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, leading to chronic inflammation within blood vessels, accelerating atherosclerosis, and increasing the risk of cardiac and cerebral strokes, especially among high-risk groups like the elderly and patients with hypertension and cholesterol issues.

Dr. Abu Barakah emphasizes that clear health recommendations should be followed during the holiday, including moderation in meat intake, selecting lean cuts, avoiding fried foods and heavy desserts, increasing vegetable consumption, drinking water, regularly monitoring blood pressure and sugar levels, not neglecting medications, engaging in daily physical activity, and avoiding long periods of inactivity after meals.

He warns against consuming large portions of meat in one sitting and advises against the inclusion of fats, liver, fried foods, and carbonated drinks.

Dr. Ahmed Marwan, a gastroenterology specialist, outlines five digestive issues related to overeating red meat during the holiday.

These include dyspepsia due to difficulty digesting proteins and saturated fats, constipation resulting from low fiber in meat-rich meals, bloating and gas from meat fermentation in the intestines, stomach inflammation or exacerbation of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, as well as the likelihood of acute gout attacks linked to red meat consumption.

He cautions that animal fats and excessive spices can impede digestion, as animal fats delay gastric emptying, leading to feelings of fullness and nausea, and may trigger bile secretion that irritates the intestines.

Spicy seasonings can irritate the stomach lining, particularly in patients with ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome, resulting in acute pain or diarrhea.

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome may experience bloating and abdominal pain due to the difficulty of digesting heavy fats and proteins.

To avoid dyspepsia and bloating, Dr. Marwan recommends spreading meal portions throughout the day, chewing food thoroughly for easier digestion, and regularly drinking water while avoiding carbonated drinks.

Incorporating fiber-rich vegetables and fruits like pineapple and papaya, which contain natural digestive enzymes, is also advised.

Additionally, it is suggested to refrain from sleeping immediately after eating and to wait at least two hours before doing so.

The digestive resilience varies by age group; children are more sensitive to fats, making them vulnerable to diarrhea or vomiting, while older adults and those with diabetes or high blood pressure face heightened risks of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Patients with liver or kidney conditions are advised to limit protein intake, as it can place additional strain on these organs.

Lujain Khalil Al-Mashni, a clinical nutrition specialist, observes that dietary clinics experience a noticeable increase in patient consultations after Eid Al-Adha, a recurring trend that necessitates ongoing health education.

The adverse consequences of overindulging in meats and sweets primarily manifest as digestive disorders, hypertension, and fluctuations in blood sugar and cholesterol levels for many individuals.

Regarding red meat consumption during the holiday, experts reiterate that the globally recommended limit for cooked red meat consumption stands at 70-100 grams daily, approximately equivalent to a piece the size of a palm.

They advocate for moderation and the division of meals throughout the day, discouraging red meat intake in multiple meals.

To mitigate the impact of saturated animal fats, selecting lean cuts of meat, such as thighs, and removing visible fat before cooking, along with healthy cooking methods like boiling, grilling, or steaming, is recommended.

Additionally, the inclusion of fiber-rich vegetables in meals, such as salads, can aid in reducing fat absorption.

Experts also remark that combining high meat consumption with sweets poses a challenge for the digestive system, as it struggles to process fats and sugars simultaneously, potentially resulting in dyspepsia, bloating, and lethargy after meals.

This situation presents particular dangers for individuals with diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver.