The expert warned about the increase in complaints about stomach problems during the holidays

On the eve of the New Year, the number of visits to gastroenterologists is increasing by 30-40% due to stress and eating disorders, said Kristina Sirotenko, internist, head of the department of the KIT Clinic in Kurkino in Moscow, on December 25. "Газете.Ru ".

"December is traditionally considered one of the most stressful periods. Fears of "not being able to do everything" create psychoemotional tension. And along with nutritional errors, this has a direct impact on the exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases," the doctor noted.

She explained that stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, causing spasms of smooth muscles, impaired motility of the digestive tract and decreased secretion of gastric juice, which impairs digestion.

"In people with a predisposition to diseases of the digestive system, this can provoke an exacerbation of chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, attacks of irritable bowel syndrome, and with the abuse of fatty and fried foods, pancreatitis or cholecystitis. Many patients come with pronounced symptoms, which could have been prevented with a healthy diet and timely diagnosis," Sirotenko added.

The doctor recommends not postponing the examination and contacting a specialist as early as December, especially if there are gastrointestinal problems or a family predisposition.

"Not all symptoms can be attributed to overeating. There are disturbing body signals that should be seen by a doctor. This is prolonged abdominal pain, especially if it does not go away after taking antispasmodics, heartburn more than twice a week, vomiting with blood or black tar-like stools, constant bloating, stool changes for more than two weeks. If at least one of these symptoms appears, do not wait for the end of the New Year holidays, but consult a doctor. Today, clinics are open on public holidays," the expert concluded.

Prohibited foods in winter: what can not be eaten so as not to depress the immune system

Earlier, on December 20, Anna Zamyslova, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, head of the kindergarten "School of Cooperation", said that New Year's holidays, full of bright events, can become a serious test for the immature child's nervous system, leading to overexcitation, moods and difficulties returning to the usual rhythm. According to her, for a child, the New Year often turns into an oversaturation of impressions — from matinees and guests to loud music and fireworks, which causes emotional and sensory overload.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.