The Christmas holidays filled with delicious meals may be over, but their consequences remain for some people in Romania - and they are far from pleasant, reports Euronews.
According to emergency services, more than 1,500 people called ambulances during Christmas, with around 50 of them experiencing severe digestive or heart problems.
According to local authorities in Bucharest, doctors in ambulances doubled during the holidays to provide medical assistance to those in need.
For nutritionist Ligia Alexandrescu, the sharp increase in the number of emergencies at Christmas is not surprising.
"There is also an economic factor," Alexandrescu explained. "Traditional foods are getting more expensive, which means people are buying less and avoiding throwing away leftovers that are still good."
"This is a positive sign as it encourages buying only what we consume, reducing food waste," the nutritionist added.
Celebrating Christmas in Romania, which is a predominantly Orthodox Christian nation, is one of the most revered holidays with unique holiday traditions. Most people observe fasting, confession and Holy Communion. The forty-day Nativity fast often begins on November 14 each year.
Nutritionists warn that overeating poses a number of health risks and advise caution.
"This is about culinary education. A lot of people who tend to overeat have found out over time that there is plenty of time to eat these meals," Alexandrescu said.
Despite the high spirits of the season, the year-end holiday season can sometimes cause emergencies. Nutrition experts say the traditions of Christmas dinner and New Year's Eve celebrations can sometimes take a turn for the worse - from overindulging in alcohol to unexpected food reactions. | BGNES
