16/03/2026

MONDAY | MAR 16, 2026

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HEALTH

Feasting while avoiding digestive issues

discomfort to overeating, symptoms that persist or frequently return may indicate an underlying condition that requires medical assessment. Certain groups are more prone to dyspepsia during festive seasons. Individuals who already live with functional dyspepsia, gastritis or reflux disease may experience worsening symptoms. People with diabetes may also be more vulnerable because delayed gastric emptying can affect digestion. Those with anxiety may also perceive gastric discomfort more strongly. indigestion The pattern of consuming several rich meals within a short period places cumulative strain on the stomach, especially when the dishes are high in fat. Fat slows gastric emptying, which means food remains in the stomach longer than usual. Coconut milk based dishes such as rendang are particularly rich and can prolong digestion, contributing to feelings of bloating or excessive fullness. Large meal portions further increase pressure inside the stomach as it expands to accommodate food. When stomach emptying slows, the sensation of fullness can persist longer and lead to prolonged discomfort. Sugary desserts and sweet beverages may also contribute to digestive strain by increasing osmotic load in the stomach. Carbonated drinks introduce excess gas, which can worsen bloating and abdominal distension. Spicy foods may intensify symptoms in individuals with sensitive stomachs. Compounds Why festive foods trigger

F ESTIVE seasons are often filled with joy, forgiveness and reunion. Families gather for open houses while tables overflow with beloved dishes such as rendang , lemang , kuah kacang and colourful festive kuih . Over several days of visiting friends and relatives, these rich foods are often enjoyed repeatedly and in larger portions than usual. While festive feasting is a cherished tradition, frequent heavy meals within a short period can place significant strain on the digestive system. One of the most common issues that arises is dyspepsia, more widely known as indigestion. The condition affects an estimated 15%–25% of Malaysians, making it one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints in the country. Understanding dyspepsia Dyspepsia refers to a group of upper digestive symptoms originating from the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. It can occur without visible structural abnormalities, a condition known as functional dyspepsia. In other cases it may be associated with conditions such as gastritis, peptic ulcer disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Common symptoms include upper abdominal bloating, early fullness after eating, burning sensations caused by stomach acid, nausea and excessive belching. These symptoms often arise from o Understanding how rich dishes can trigger dyspepsia

Over several days of visiting friends and relatives, rich foods are often enjoyed repeatedly and in larger portions than usual. – ALL PICS FROM 123RF

low testosterone causes aggressive cancer but rather that the association could help guide monitoring and decision-making, the researchers said. “Understanding how hormonal factors influence prostate cancer biology may help us refine surveillance strategies,” Gregg said. – Reuters Preventive habits remain the most effective strategy during festive celebrations. Practising portion control, pacing meals and allowing sufficient time between heavy dishes can reduce digestive strain. Some individuals may also benefit from probiotics, which help support gut balance when sudden dietary changes occur. This article is contributed by Sunway Medical Centre Velocity consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist Dr Deborah Chew Chia Hsin. tissue samples are required. Compared with conventional endoscopy or external ultrasound scans, EUS offers higher resolution images and allows doctors to detect subtle abnormalities more accurately. Managing, preventing festive indigestion Once serious conditions are ruled out, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving stomach function. Doctors may prescribe medications to reduce stomach acid or improve gastric emptying depending on the patient’s condition. If Helicobacter pylori infection is detected, targeted treatment will be required. In many cases, however, symptoms improve with medical guidance and simple dietary adjustments.

festive periods is usually temporary and often improves within a few hours after eating or after simple dietary adjustments. However, symptoms that persist beyond two to three weeks, worsen over time or occur together with warning signs such as unexplained weight loss, anaemia, black stools, persistent vomiting or difficulty swallowing should be evaluated by a doctor. Medical assessment typically begins with a clinical review and may include blood tests, testing for Helicobacter pylori infection and upper endoscopy if required. In cases where symptoms remain unexplained after routine investigations, doctors may recommend endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). This diagnostic technique combines endoscopy and ultrasound imaging. A flexible camera is passed through the mouth into the digestive tract while an ultrasound probe produces detailed images of surrounding structures. Because the probe sits close to nearby organs, it provides clearer views of deeper tissues that cannot be seen during a standard endoscopy. EUS allows doctors to examine the layers of the stomach and intestinal wall as well as nearby organs such as the pancreas, bile ducts and gallbladder. It can also guide precise needle biopsies when

such stimulate receptors responsible for detecting heat and pain. While small amounts of spice rarely cause problems for healthy individuals, people with conditions such as functional dyspepsia, gastritis or acid reflux may experience stronger reactions. For these individuals, even normal stomach acid levels or stomach stretching after meals may be perceived as burning or pain. Although spicy foods rarely damage the stomach lining, they can amplify existing gastric sensitivity. When combined with fatty dishes and large portions during festive gatherings, symptoms can become more noticeable. Another factor that worsens indigestion is lying down immediately after eating. Remaining sedentary after a heavy meal slows digestion and increases the risk of stomach contents flowing back into the oesophagus, which can cause burning sensations and discomfort. Allowing at least two to three hours before lying down helps the stomach empty more effectively. When repeated heavy meals are combined with poor post-meal habits over several days, the stomach’s normal digestive function can become overwhelmed. When indigestion needs medical attention Occasional indigestion during as capsaicin

changes in stomach function rather than visible damage. The stomach continuously produces acid to break down food. When stomach emptying slows or when the stomach becomes overly sensitive to normal stretching after meals, discomfort may occur even when scans or endoscopic examinations show no clear abnormalities. Doctors often observe an increase in digestive complaints during festive periods. While many people attribute the Certain people are more prone to dyspepsia during festive periods.

Low testosterone may require closer prostate cancer surveillance PATIENTS whose prostate cancer is being regularly monitored rather than actively treated may be at higher risk for progression to a more aggressive malignancy if their testosterone levels are low, according to a new study. monitoring strategies for patients choosing active surveillance, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre study leader Dr Justin Gregg said in a statement. Grade 3, the most aggressive form. This was the case even after accounting for other factors including age, prostate-specific antigen level, body mass index, and tumor density and size.

according to a report of the study published in The Journal of Urology . “Active surveillance is a safe and effective option for many men with early-stage prostate cancer. However, identifying which patients may be more likely to experience progression remains a key challenge,” the

Reviewing medical records from more than 900 men who opted for surveillance, his team found that testosterone levels of 300 nanograms per deciliter or lower at the start were linked with an increase in the likelihood of disease progression to

A low testosterone level was not associated with progression to Grade 2 disease, the researchers also found. The study does not suggest that

The finding suggests that testosterone may serve as a useful risk marker and help doctors tailor