
A local Nutritionist says that entering a hot dog eating contest – or any other test of eating prowess — this July 4th weekend may be appealing, but there are dangers when people eat too much at once.
From high sodium content to choking hazards, what starts out as a fun event could turn into a serious health risk.
“In preparation for this event, competitors will intake excessive amounts of water, which results in water intoxication,” says Eric Sieden, Director of Food & Nutritional Services for both Plainview and Syosset hospitals. “When too much water is consumed, it flushes out the electrolytes in the blood, which may result in trauma to the brain.”
Mr. Sieden says there are other hazards associated with chowing down in one of these eating competitions, “Very often after these competitions, the stomach will not retract to its normal size,” Mr. Seiden says. “This can only be resolved by either one of two surgeries, gastrectomy or gastric bypass.”