Overeating: How it affects the heart and what to do to avoid it - advice from a cardiologist

Overeating: How it affects the heart and what to do to avoid it - advice from a cardiologist

Overeating is one of the common habits that may seem harmless, especially during holidays or during times of stress. However, doctors warn: regular consumption of excessive amounts of food can have serious health consequences, in particular, the cardiovascular system. The cardiologist talked about the risks of overeating and how to avoid them.

First of all, it is worth understanding that excessive food consumption contributes to weight gain, which is directly related to an increased risk of developing arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and heart failure. Excess weight creates an additional burden on the heart, forcing it to work harder than normal. Over time, this exhausts the organ and can lead to serious complications.

The cardiologist also notes that systematic overeating can provoke inflammatory processes in the body. Particularly dangerous is excessive consumption of fatty, salty and sugary foods, which cause fluctuations in glucose and insulin levels in the blood. This can affect the tone of blood vessels and cause atherosclerosis - a chronic disease in which the arteries lose elasticity and narrow.

Other negative consequences of overeating include disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, increased cholesterol levels, sleep disturbances, fatigue and decreased performance. With prolonged overeating in combination with a sedentary lifestyle, these risks only increase.

To avoid problems, the doctor advises following simple but effective rules. First, you need to eat slowly, chewing food thoroughly - this way the brain has time to receive a signal of satiety. Secondly, you should avoid snacks on the go and not eat "for company". It is also important not to skip main meals to avoid hunger pangs that provoke overeating.

The cardiologist emphasizes that the best prevention of overeating is a balanced diet, an active lifestyle and attentive attitude to one's own body. Regular physical activity, sufficient sleep and stress control help reduce cravings for food as a way of emotional compensation. If the problem of overeating is already becoming systemic, it is worth consulting a doctor or nutritionist to develop an individual plan for correcting eating habits.