Excessive meat consumption during the holiday can harm your health

Gastroenterologist Dr. Ali Bilgen warned that to have a healthy and comfortable Eid al-Adha, one should pay attention to daily meat consumption and avoid overindulgence.

Stating that with the addition of long holiday days to the festive period, one might overindulge in eating, Gastroenterologist Dr. Ali Bilgen noted that caution is necessary to avoid health problems.

Stating that adding pastries to menus where sacrificial meat is abundant and a decrease in physical activity can lead to serious health problems, Dr. Bilgen warned that this negative effect could be further exacerbated by the impact of hot weather.

''IF THE MEAT IS NOT ALLOWED TO REST...''

Dr. Ali Bilgen offered the following recommendations to avoid serious health problems: “Breakfast is an important meal that will affect your entire day. For this reason, choosing light and healthy foods for breakfast during Eid al-Adha will prevent potential digestive problems. Since sacrificial meat is tough because it is freshly slaughtered, which can lead to difficulties in both cooking and digestion, it is more appropriate for people with gastrointestinal diseases, in particular, not to consume sacrificial meat immediately and to consume it after a waiting period suitable for storage conditions. It is more suitable for healthy nutrition to keep the slaughtered meat in the refrigerator for a few days and then consume it by boiling or grilling. If the meat is not allowed to rest, it can lead to problems such as indigestion, bloating, and constipation in individuals. Especially cooking methods such as frying, sautéing in oil, tandoori, and grilling over high heat pose a risk factor for discomfort that may occur in the stomach. It is important not to add extra oil while cooking the meat and to cook it in its own fat. Having vegetables and salads on the table alongside meat dishes will both add richness to the meals and offer a healthy and balanced diet against excessive meat consumption," he said.

''SINCE OFFAL IS DIFFICULT TO DIGEST...''

Stating that offal consumption increases as much as meat consumption during Eid al-Adha, Dr. Bilgen said, “Since offal is difficult to digest, it can cause problems such as gas, bloating, and indigestion. When these foods are consumed in excess, they can cause high cholesterol, liver and intestinal disorders, and diseases in the long term. Foods like roasted meat and liver are frequently consumed in this region, especially during holiday breakfasts. Because the cholesterol content of such meat and offal is high, it is difficult to digest. For this reason, offal should not be consumed first thing in the morning, but rather at lunchtime, paying attention to the quantity," he said.

''THOSE WITH HYPERTENSION, DIABETIC PATIENTS WITH HIGH BLOOD SUGAR AND THOSE USING INSULIN...''

Gastroenterologist Dr. Ali Bilgen stated that those with chronic diseases are at higher risk, saying, "Those with uncontrolled hypertension, diabetic patients with high blood sugar who use insulin, those with cardiovascular problems, reflux patients, those with intestinal and fatty liver issues, and individuals who are clinically obese should pay more attention to their diet to have a healthy holiday," he said.

''ONE SHOULD NOT REMAIN INACTIVE DURING EID AL-ADHA''

Stating that inactivity will also lead to serious health problems, Dr. Bilgen said, "One should not remain inactive during Eid al-Adha. Taking a walk for at least half an hour will ensure a more comfortable holiday. In addition, the weather is very hot, so we must also pay attention to daily water consumption and consume at least 2 to 2.5 liters of water," he said.