In winter, fatty foods keep doctor away

Docs prescribe foods rich in fats, carbohydrates to remain healthy as temperatures dip

As mercury drops steadily, hospitals' outpatient departments and clinics are seeing an increase in the number of patients. From runny noses and sore eyes to joint pains, the complaints are endless. And this is what the doctors have ordered ufffd gorge on fatty foods.

Dr Sharad Agharkhedkar, president of Indian Medical Association, Pune, said people should eat food rich in fats and carbohydrates, including butter and ghee to stay fit. "The fat that you consume performs the simplest of functions ufffd it keeps youu00a0 warm. That is why elders ask us to eat ghee-laden chapattis in winter," he said.

Dr Avinash Bhondwe said: "Shivering is a process to keep the body warm and when you shiver, a lot of calories are burnt. Extra calories are needed. For those worrying about the extra inches, having fruits and vegetables along with these might be advisable to balance it out," he said.

Doctors also said early morning walks should be avoided by senior citizens and by those having respiratory problems. "They should either avoid early morning walks or change the timings to late morning. Temperatures are low in the mornings and it can lead to severe joint aches especially for those who have arthritis or history of a past fracture," said Dr Hemant Wakankar, orthopedic surgeon, Ruby Hall Clinic.

Chest medicine specialist Dr Vinay Dharmadhikari said that asthmatics, those with respiratory problems like bronchitis should avoid morning walks. "This is because of smog ufffd smoke mixing with fog. It can lead to serious issues like asthama attacks, pneumonia or lower respiratory tract infections," he said.

"We have started getting cases of allergic cold and conjunctivitis. Besides that common winter problems like joint pains, difficulty in breathing and skin rashes are being reported. As the temperature will drop further, people had better take care," said Bhondwe.