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Skipping meals can pose a significant risk to your heart health, especially in a demanding workplace environment. According to health experts, maintaining heart health in the workplace requires conscious effort and one of the most overlooked practices is regular, balanced meals.
Leaving out food at work: The hidden health hazard you need to know about
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Dixit Garg, consultant, interventional cardiology, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram, explained, “Skipping meals and continuously depriving the body of energy triggers a counter-regulatory response, primarily from the sympathetic nerve. Through the system. It breaks down more fat and protein to produce energy, which has many adverse effects on your heart. Increased sympathetic activity causes microvascular changes, which increase cardiac contractility and then increase blood pressure. Over time, this can lead to fibrous tissue growing in the heart and even cell death.
He elaborated, “In addition, this constant state of stress can promote inflammation, which is a known contributor to heart disease. Poorly regulated patterns of intake and eating lead to poor blood sugar control and stress the regulatory system. This can result in insulin resistance – which is the leading cause of diabetes and other metabolic problems. Blood sugar levels should be maintained consistently through regular, balanced meals; Therefore, heart health requires stable blood sugar. To avoid severe fluctuations in blood sugar, one should eat more frequent, smaller meals. This avoids any additional stress on the cardiovascular system.”
Apart from the above direct physical effects, fasting during work also affects your mental and emotional psyche. Dr. Dixit Garg explains, “Decline in energy can lead to restlessness, anxiety and difficulty concentrating on performance. This is perhaps a very important reason not to neglect your regular balanced diet to maintain body and mental health and ensure that the heart remains healthy in the long run.
From skipped meals to heart trouble:
Bringing in his expertise, Dr. Shantanu Dhari, Lead Clinician – Medical Excellence, HCL Healthcare, revealed, “Skipping meals can significantly increase the risk of heart disease due to the complex relationship between metabolism, stress and heart health. When you skip meals, especially during long work hours, it causes blood sugar levels to fluctuate, putting the body’s sugar regulation under stress. These fluctuations can trigger insulin resistance over time and lead to type 2 diabetes, a major risk factor for heart disease.
He shared, “When you skip meals, your body experiences a drop in blood sugar levels, which can lead to unhealthy cravings, overeating and overeating by consuming calorie-dense, high-fat foods later in the day. There may be poor dietary choices. This habit can cause a sudden increase in blood sugar levels, leading to the development of atherosclerosis – where plaque accumulates in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Regularly skipping meals can also contribute to weight gain, especially belly fat, which is closely linked to metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases.
The body’s response to prolonged fasting includes the release of cortisol, a stress hormone. Dr. Shantanu Dhari cautioned, “Increased cortisol levels increase blood pressure and contribute to hypertension, which puts a strain on the cardiovascular system. To reduce the risk of heart disease, it is essential to maintain a balanced schedule, focusing on balanced meals that provide essential nutrients and steady energy.
“Frequent, small meals throughout the day help control blood sugar levels, avoiding fluctuations that put a strain on the cardiovascular system,” he advises. Employers can support heart health by encouraging healthy eating habits and regular vacations. “A balanced approach to nutrition in the workplace can go a long way in preventing heart disease and improving overall well-being.”
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
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