Alarm signal from doctors! The foods we consume in Easter, although they are much healthier than what we eat the rest of the year, can put us in the hospital. “Patients suffering from diabetes are the most exposed to risks”, said Dr. Florin Roşu, the manager of the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Iași. But the dangers are planning on any of us if we are not careful what we buy and where we buy. “Botulism is a condition that kills,” says the doctor.
Potatoes contain carbohydrates. Archive
A common mistake that those who hold during this period are made is the abuse of carbohydrates, especially potatoes. Because we are not allowed to consume meat, eggs and dairy, we go to vegetarian menus. Fruits and vegetables are in this period in great search, especially those containing carbohydrates. The reason? On Romanian, I am hungry.
And the potatoes are, from this point of view, in the first place. “Other healthy sources of carbohydrates are also quinoa, oats, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, dumb, nuts, lentils, beans, soy, green vegetables or brown rice. But be careful! A diabetic patient is allowed to consume on average 180 grams of carbohydrates per day ”, explains the doctor. “However, during the fasting period this quantity doubles or even triples, which is reflected in the increased blood sugar values ”, the specialist continues.
The lack of protein of animal origin causes the patient to feel the feeling of hunger faster, and that means multiplying of daily meals. Therefore, a larger amount of food to which are added a larger amount of carbohydrates can aggravate diabetes. “The increased number of carbohydrates in the diet, together with that of the portions of food associated with the increase of the frequency of meals, leads to the unbalance of diabetes.”
People with diabetes must consume fish mandatory
How should we proceed? Fish consumption is essential especially in patients with diabetes, recommends doctor Florin Roşu. “The main source of protein during fasting is fish meat. Proteins are an essential nutrient for body function. Muscles, bones, hair, eyes, organs, many hormones and enzymes are made up mainly of proteins. So, considering that during the fasting, no other protein foods (dairy products, eggs, meat) can be consumed during the fast.
Moreover, we all know that the feeling of satiety is offered by animal protein. Obviously, the lack of this macronutrient during the fasting period, increases the frequency of food consumption and to an increased carbohydrate consumption.
Pregnant women, elderly and children should not keep post
The post is not beneficial to children, because, until the age of 14, the body needs a permanent complex of essential nutrients for a harmonious development both physically and mentally, says the infectious doctor. “The children’s body is not prepared to cope with such deficiencies. The deprivation of children with the calcium contained in dairy products has important consequences on the development of the bone system, but also endocrine. The post is not beneficial to the elderly, with multiple comorbidities, these representing a category susceptible to food deficiencies, which can aggravate their chronic pathologies.”
Pregnant or breastfeeding women also need a diversified nutrition, which will ensure all the nutrients needed for both their fetus or baby. “Reducing the consumption of calories and essential nutrients, as well as the risk of dehydration, can affect milk production.”
During the “black” fasting periods, when neither water nor food is consumed, dehydration may occur, which can be manifested by headaches, fatigue and dizziness. Thus, the lack of nutrition can lead to irritability, severe fatigue and decreased concentration capacity.
Dr. Florin Roşu, manager of the Iasi Infectious Diseases Hospital. Archive
Botulism, canned danger
A food consumed frequently during the post is represented by canned houses, but also those produced, which we find in stores. However, if they are not correctly thermally prepared, they can be contaminated with a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum, which produces botulism. “This toxin has been found in preserves containing a little acid, such as beets, fungi or green beans, but also in fish preserves or in semi -prepared types of sausages or scraps. The methods of preserving the food by adding oil to their surface produces anaerobiosis conditions, which favor the production of toxin.”
The symptoms of food botulism appear about 12-36 hours after ingestion of contaminated foods, explains the doctor. Therefore, it is extremely important to present early to the doctor for the rapid establishment of the treatment “This disease determines the rapid progressive paralysis of the striated muscles, the onset of acute respiratory failure, which, in the case of late presentation to the doctor, can be fatal, leading to death. “
Botulism, symptoms
The onset period of the disease, installed 4-24 hours after the release of toxin in the body, is characterized by the damage of the cranial nerves and manifests through:
- Visional disorders: photophobia (painful sensitivity to light), diplopia (double view), palpebral ptosis (falling eyelid), nystagmus (shaking movements of the eyeballs on horizontal or vertical);
- Speech disorders: disarping (affecting the speed, fluency and clarity of the sounds that the speaker produces), dysphonia (hoarse);
- Swallowing disorders (difficulty swallowing food and liquids);
The condition period appears 1-6 weeks after the release of toxin and manifests itself through:
- Emphasizing nerve disorders specific to the onset phase;
- Paralysis of the peripheral motor nerves: xerostomy (oral dryness), constipation, urine retention;
- Disorders of muscle activity: uncertain walking, symmetrical flame paralysis, progressive paralysis of the diaphragm and respiratory muscles that lead to respiratory failure;
- Somnolence, hypercapnia (increasing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood), cyanosis (blue color of skin/mucous membranes) due to acute respiratory insufficiency syndrome;
A frequent trap in which many people fall during the fasting period is that they decide to consume instead of foods of animal origin, semi -prepared foods. They contain a multitude of additives, which can lead to health problems. “In conclusion, fasting does not mean only a diet, but it represents a well -being, introspection, in which, in addition to the need for a balanced diet, we must also have a proper behavior. In the case of people who are not indicated the food station, a way to keep it would be to try to be as best with those around.” said doctor Florin Roşu.
