PETALING JAYA: Billions of ringgit are spent annually to treat non-communicable diseases (NCDs), prompting experts to warn that it is crucial for people to have a healthy lifestyle.
They said NCDs could be reduced in the long run if Malaysians were committed to controlling their food intake, among other healthy practices.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said having a balanced and healthy intake of nutrients could help reduce the rate of NCDs in the long term and avoid further burdening the healthcare system.
“Access to healthcare is not always free. Our healthcare system is already overburdened with treating people with NCDs, especially heart diseases.
“We need to be reminded that there are not enough healthcare professionals – not only doctors but also nurses.
“There is an imbalance of the ratio of heart experts with more in private than public institutions.
“And not all people have access to private practices. It is up to the population to take care of themselves through self-care,” she said when contacted.
Prof Sharifa Ezat said moderation was essential when enjoying delicacies during festive seasons.
“Practise a healthier intake of food during Hari Raya and be mindful of the sugar in the special dishes and kuih.
“The best way is to estimate the calories. We also need to do physical activities to burn off the extra calories to maintain health,” the public health expert added.
According to The Direct Healthcare Cost of Non-Communicable Diseases in Malaysia report released by the Health Ministry and the World Health Organisation last August, Malaysia spent RM22.53bil to treat NCDs such as diabetes, cancer and heart diseases in 2017.
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Assoc Prof Dr Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof said a healthy lifestyle would definitely reduce healthcare costs and the strain on resources.
“Some of our local dishes such as lontong can be considered healthy. It is served with vegetables and lean-protein energy.
“Reduce the amount of coconut milk, salt and fat, and eat using a small bowl, which makes it a complete meal for the day,” said the deputy dean of UPM’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
When preparing food, Dr Barakatun suggested modifying cooking methods by opting for baking rather than deep frying, and using less thick coconut milk, sugar, oil and salt.
Holistic medicine advocate Datuk Dr Rajen M. said after a month of fasting, the human body would be used to functioning with a minimum food intake and would work efficiently with fewer calories.
Splurging on food would cause a “shock” to the body that would then possibly lead to hormonal imbalances and health issues, he said.
“We should not overdo it. If possible, reduce the intake of foods that are rich in sugar, starch or oil.
“The key here is moderation,” he said.
Dr Rajen also warned that if one consumes too much carbohydrates, insulin – which helps in turning excess sugar and starch into fat – would not be able to function properly.
“When this situation occurs, the person will be at risk of becoming a diabetic or obese,” he said.
He also advised eating fruits or vegetables before the main dishes like rendang or lemang.
“With this method, not only we will get full earlier, but it can also help control our intake of oily and fatty foods,” he added.
