Doctor warns Russians about health risks during Lent

Lent is a serious change in the diet, and you need to approach it consciously, Maxim Maskin, a gastroenterologist at Olympus Clinic Mars, told Izvestia on March 5. He spoke about the health risks and also gave some advice to Russians.

"Abrupt rejection of animal food can cause nutritional imbalances, especially in people with chronic diseases. The transition should be smooth: if the body is used to meat and dairy products, it is better to remove them from the diet gradually," the expert noted.

The doctor stressed that it is important to monitor the symptoms that may indicate a lack of nutrients: weakness, dizziness, darkening of the eyes when getting up, increased fatigue. At such times, it is worth reviewing the diet and, possibly, consulting with a specialist.

"During fasting, many people increase their carbohydrate intake, as it is difficult to achieve a feeling of satiety without animal protein. However, excessive amounts of carbohydrates can lead to weight gain, metabolic deterioration, and in people with a predisposition to exacerbation of infectious and allergic diseases. Legumes, quinoa, and nuts will help balance the diet, but they should be consumed in moderation: for example, add legumes in small portions, otherwise bloating may occur," Maskin explained.

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The gastroenterologist clarified that fasting is not recommended for people with chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, ulcers, inflammatory bowel diseases), metabolic disorders (diabetes mellitus, anemia), as well as pregnant and lactating women. In addition, young children and people caring for the seriously ill are at risk: their nutrition should be adequate, and restrictions can lead to exhaustion.

"Vitamin B12 deficiency during fasting is unlikely, but fortified vegetable products such as soy milk can be used to prevent it. Iron is found in buckwheat, spinach, soy, but plant sources are digested worse than animals. To maintain balance, it is important to include sources of vitamin C in the diet, which improves iron absorption," the expert added.

In addition, he said that leaving the post should be gradual. If you dramatically increase your intake of proteins and fats, the body may experience overload, and overeating after prolonged restrictions can lead to stomach and intestinal problems. According to him, it is better to return the usual products in small portions, starting with dairy products, fish, and then meat.

"Fasting can be useful if it takes place consciously and without harm to health. However, for people with chronic diseases, it is important to consult a doctor in advance to avoid negative consequences," Maskin concluded.

Earlier, on February 19, Daria Pronina, an endocrinologist at the Sberbank Health medical company, told Izvestia that href="https://iz.ru/1841202/2025-02-19/endokrinolog-dala-rossianam-sovety-po-podgotovke-k-postu-i-po-ego-sobludeniu " target="_blank">during lent, it is important to diversify the diet by adding new products from among the permitted ones and trying different cooking methods. At the same time, she noted that during the restructuring of the body, especially at first, a feeling of hunger may occur, which entails the risk of overeating lean sweet and flour products. Therefore, according to her, you should eat regularly, without long breaks, focusing on foods rich in complex carbohydrates.