Diwali feast can wreak havoc on body: Dr Purohit

Shimla, Oct 23 : Festivals in India are synonymous with eating and gifting sweets, and most food and confectionery shops are decked with an assortment of goodies in colorful wrappings meant for traditional presents.

South Asians have high rates of diabetes, and post-Diwali indulgence poses a threat to glycemic control, accounting for a spike in hospitalization rates. From alcohol hangovers to uncontrolled blood sugar levels and excessive insulin doses, the Diwali feast can wreak havoc on the body said Dr. Naresh Purohit, Advisor for the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Diabetes.

Sharing his concern on health issues on the eve of Diwali Disaster Respiratory Health expert Dr. Purohit told UNI on Sunday that umpteen research studies in esteemed medical journals have pointed out that being exposed to smoke from firecrackers is equivalent to smoking hundreds of cigarettes within a matter of minutes and the chemicals that the smoke contains leads to not just immediate breathing difficulties and skin irritation but, in the long term, could even raise the risk of cancer.

Noted Epidemiologist Dr. Purohit averred that with the onset of the festive season, there is an upsurge in the pollution level because of factors like firecrackers, low-wind speed, and stubble burning.

“This causes a steep rise in air pollution and worsens air quality index (AQI), taking the value to 400 to 500 and even more in certain dense areas in north India including the national capital,” he added.

“Patients with respiratory symptoms who are having asthma, COPD, lung diseases and other respiratory problems are very prone to a steep rise in air pollution and sometimes, it may require hospitalization or aggressive course of medication, including ICU and very intensive support,” he said.

He averred that respiratory illnesses increase during this season due to air pollutants settling down in the atmosphere. Also, respiratory infections increase with viruses and bacteria in the environment.

“While pollution has only been linked to lung problems as asthma worsens, people often ignore the proven fact that air pollution leads to increased heart ailments,”he cautioned.

The acclaimed physician stated that when we look at the 2.5 particulate matter, it is known that pollution consists of not just that matter, which also is very harmful and transfers from the lung into the blood vessels, but also gaseous metric, like carbon monoxide and sculpture dioxide, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, all of which are known to be harmful substances. They cause inflammation in the arteries of the heart. When this particulate matter goes into the bloodstream to the lungs, it causes inflammation in the arteries of the lung and also causes increased clotting of the blood. And all these two important factors lead to heart attacks and damage to the inner lining of the arteries of the heart that causes cholesterol to accumulate and lead to coronary artery disease.

He advised that people need to have proper nutrition with the consumption of Vitamin C-rich fruits like amla, and citrus fruits like orange, mausambi, among others.

“Doing deep breathing exercises and pranayama will help improve lung strength in this season,” he said.

He averred that one should limit or cease certain outdoor activities like running, jogging, cycling, gym, and other sports during early morning hours.

“It’s better to restrict outdoor activities from November to January. Shift yoga and other activities to the evening hours. Avoid sending kids younger than seven years of age to school if their AQI is more than 350. Schools must also suspend all outdoor activities and only allow kids to move out in the afternoon hours,” he added

“Wearing a good quality N95/99 mask while riding a bike or walking outdoor provides good protection,” he said.

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