UNDIP, Semarang (April 3) – Eid al-Fitr is a special occasion after completing a full month of fasting during Ramadan. The delicious and savory Eid dishes are not to be missed—from lontong opor and spicy egg curry, to beef rendang and sweet and savory snacks. These rich, coconut milk-based dishes and sugary treats are undoubtedly tasty, but they often make us forget how much fat and sugar we’ve consumed. It’s a good idea to monitor what we eat to stay healthy after Eid.
Internal Medicine Specialist at RSND UNDIP, dr. Anugrah Riansari, M.Kes., Sp.PD, FINASIM, explained several health issues that may arise when one fails to control their food intake during Eid. Common conditions include digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, diarrhea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint pain due to uric acid, spikes in blood sugar, and dehydration.
These issues are caused by the typical Eid dishes that are rich in fat and spices, which can disrupt digestion. Overconsumption of red meat, organ meats, and seafood can increase uric acid levels in the body, triggering painful joint flare-ups.
Meanwhile, salty foods like chicken opor and beef rendang can elevate blood pressure, especially in individuals with a history of hypertension. Dishes high in saturated fat, such as coconut milk-based dishes, pineapple tarts, and fatty meats, can raise blood cholesterol levels.
In addition, sweet treats, syrupy drinks, and sodas commonly served during Eid can cause blood sugar spikes, especially in people with diabetes. The lack of water intake, often replaced by sugary drinks, may also lead to dehydration.
dr. Rian, as she is familiarly known, added that symptoms from these health conditions due to poor dietary control during Eid may include:
- Digestive problems: bloating, a full or tight feeling in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
- Increased uric acid: joint pain, swelling, and redness.
- Hypertension: headaches, pain in the back of the neck, dizziness, vertigo.
- Elevated blood sugar: frequent thirst, frequent urination.
- Dehydration: dry mouth and dark-colored urine.
The nutritional intake during Eid should ideally align with the daily recommended needs. The average daily calorie requirement for adults is around 2,000–2,500 calories, depending on age, sex, and physical activity level. Carbohydrates should make up about 45–65% of daily calories, protein about 10–35%, and saturated fat should be limited to less than 10%. The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) recommends a daily limit for sugar, salt, and fat: 50 grams or 4 tablespoons of sugar, 5 grams or 1 teaspoon of salt, and 67 grams or 5 tablespoons of oil per person.
To stay healthy after Eid, dr. Rian shares some tips to reduce health risks: eat in moderate portions, increase your intake of vegetables and fruits, and stay physically active during and after the Eid celebration. Those with chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol should continue taking their medications as prescribed.
It is advisable to do a health check-up before and after Eid—such as checking blood pressure and blood sugar levels and consulting your doctor to receive proper treatment and maintain your health condition. (Ut-media relations)
