Diwali Health Tips: Why People With Diabetes, Heart and Respiratory Problems Must Be Careful

Rajkumari Sharma Tankha

The festive spirit of Diwali brings joy, family gatherings and delicious food. However, for people suffering from Diabetes, Heart Disease and Asthma, the festival season can pose certain health risks.

The main reasons are poor air quality due to firecrackers and increased consumption of sweets during celebrations. Being mindful of these factors can help ensure a safe and healthy Diwali.

Limit the Consumption of Sweets

Diwali is synonymous with sweets. Every home you visit offers an assortment of traditional desserts, making it difficult to refuse. However, excessive sugar intake can be harmful, especially for those with diabetes or heart conditions.

Indians are already genetically more prone to diabetes, so it is important to limit sugar intake during festivals. Instead of sweets, opt for healthier snacks like dry fruits such as almonds and walnuts, which provide good fats and essential nutrients.

Too many sweets can also increase inflammation in blood vessels, contribute to weight gain and worsen heart health.

Be Careful About Silver Foil on Sweets

Many traditional sweets are decorated with edible silver foil (varak). While pure silver is considered safe, many products in the market are adulterated with aluminium, which can be harmful to the body.

Aluminium contamination may affect body tissues and pose health risks if consumed regularly. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid sweets with silver coating unless their purity is guaranteed.

Buy Sweets Only From Trusted Shops

During the festive season, many temporary sweet shops appear in markets. These shops sometimes use cheap ingredients and chemical preservatives to increase shelf life and profits.

Consuming such sweets can harm the liver, kidneys and respiratory system, and may even trigger asthma attacks.

To stay safe:

• Buy sweets only from reputable and licensed shops

• Check freshness and quality before purchasing

• Avoid products with strong artificial colours or smell

Homemade Sweets Are the Healthiest Option

The safest and healthiest choice is to prepare sweets at home using traditional methods.

Homemade sweets are hygienic, preservative-free and less likely to contain adulterated ingredients. You can also make them healthier by using Jaggery instead of refined sugar.

Jaggery contains iron and minerals and is known to help cleanse the body of impurities. It also causes a slower rise in blood sugar compared to white sugar.

Firecracker Pollution and Respiratory Health

Another major concern during Diwali is air pollution caused by firecrackers.

Firecrackers release toxic gases and heavy metals, which can worsen breathing problems and trigger asthma attacks. People suffering from respiratory disorders should take extra precautions.

Health experts recommend:

• Avoiding areas where crackers are being burst

• Staying indoors as much as possible

• Wearing a mask if stepping outside

• Seeking immediate medical help if breathing difficulty occurs

Follow Safety Measures While Bursting Crackers

If you plan to burst firecrackers, make sure to purchase them only from registered manufacturers. Always read the safety instructions printed on the packaging to avoid accidents.

Children should never light firecrackers without adult supervision.

Protect Your Skin From Pollution

The smoke and pollutants released during Diwali celebrations can also affect the skin, making it dry, dull and irritated.

To protect your skin:

• Wash your face and hands after exposure to smoke

• Apply a good moisturiser to prevent dryness

• Drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated

If you experience itching, rashes or skin irritation, increase water intake and consult a doctor if symptoms persist.

Celebrate a Healthy and Safe Diwali

Festivals are meant to be enjoyed, but health should never be compromised. By limiting sweets, avoiding polluted areas and choosing healthier alternatives, you can celebrate Diwali safely.

A little caution can ensure that the festival of lights remains a time of joy, wellness and togetherness for everyone.