With only a few days left to the month of Ramadan, preparations have begun in many homes. Since the meal times and the frequency of feeding will decrease in Ramadan, there will be differences in the food content consumed, and the medication hours will need to be readjusted, experts recommend that they consult a doctor, especially for those with chronic diseases, against a possible health problem.
Acıbadem Dr. Sinasi Can (Kadıköy) Hospital Gastroenterology Specialist Assoc. Dr. Suna Yapalı stated that in addition to the benefits of fasting, digestive system complaints such as bloating, indigestion and reflux may increase if some rules are not observed, "With the change of dietary habits, reflux complaints may be triggered in individuals without reflux, and the complaints of patients who have previously been diagnosed with reflux may increase. Reflux disease is defined as the escape of stomach contents or acid from the stomach to the esophagus and is seen in one of every 4-5 people in our country. It is necessary to pay attention to some rules in Ramadan against reflux, which can manifest itself with symptoms such as burning behind the breastbone, bitter water in the mouth, burning in the throat, dry cough, hoarseness and chest pain. Gastroenterology Specialist Assoc. Dr. Suna Yapali talked about 8 mistakes that should be avoided in order to avoid digestive system problems, especially reflux, and to spend a healthy month of Ramadan, and gave important warnings and suggestions.
Large portions for iftar and sahur
After being hungry and thirsty for long hours, filling the stomach with large portions at iftar will invite digestive system problems, especially reflux. It is enough to consume soup, main course and salad in iftar. Portions should not be large. After breaking the fast with 1 glass of water, olives or dates or soup, the meal should be interrupted before moving on to the main meal. Fruit or dessert should not be consumed immediately after the main meal. In sahur, overeating should be avoided because of the fear of being hungry for a long time.
Fast to eat in iftar and sahur
Many people eat quickly after long-term hunger at iftar. In sahur, he usually wakes up from sleep and has a quick sahur and goes back to sleep. However, eating fast food causes a feeling of bloating and indigestion in the stomach and triggers reflux complaints. For this reason, it is necessary to eat slowly by chewing well and taking enough time for iftar and sahur.
lying down after dinner
One of the most important misbehaviors that trigger reflux in Ramadan is to lie down right after iftar or to go to bed right after suhoor. While this misbehavior causes reflux problems to begin in patients who did not have reflux before, it is also one of the main reasons for applying to a doctor with reflux complaints in Ramadan. You should not lie down immediately after iftar and snacks should not be consumed in the last 3 hours before going to sleep. In the sahur, walking around the house for a while by consuming light foods, sleeping with the head of the bed raised, prevents the stomach contents from escaping back into the esophagus and helps to prevent reflux.
Consuming foods that trigger reflux in iftar and sahur
The content of foods consumed in iftar and sahur is also very important. Fried foods, fatty and spicy foods, chocolate, raw onions and garlic, syrupy desserts with excessive carbohydrate content should be avoided as they will trigger reflux. Fatty foods slow down gastric emptying and facilitate reflux. Vegetables, legumes, boiled or grilled meat can be consumed in iftar. Milky and light desserts can be consumed after iftar for dessert. In sahur, a light breakfast can be made by adding foods such as eggs and cheese with high protein content, as well as whole grain bread and tomatoes, cucumbers and olives. Foods with high carbohydrate content such as bagels, rolls, pastries, and pastries should be avoided.
Consuming excessive caffeine and sugar-containing beverages
Especially after iftar, many people consume excessive tea and coffee. Consuming these drinks containing caffeine will increase the loss of water from the body and cause the body to be more dehydrated during the day. For this reason, the consumption of tea, coffee and caffeine-containing liquids should not be overdone.
not drinking enough water
In order to meet the body's water needs, care should be taken to consume a total of 1.5-2 liters of water daily. In addition, while eating at iftar and sahur, the stomach should not be filled with water, water consumption should be provided in the period between iftar and sahur. Drinking enough water will prevent the development of reflux as it also helps to clean the acid escaping from the stomach to the esophagus.
Doing heavy exercise after iftar
Exercise should not be done immediately after iftar. Exercise should be done at least two hours after a meal to ensure gastric emptying. Heavy exercises should be avoided and 30-45 minutes of light-moderate walking should be done.
Overeating during Ramadan
While many people lose weight with long-term hunger and calorie deficit during Ramadan, wrong eating habits and dietary preferences can also lead to weight gain. Overeating after a long-term hunger, consuming foods high in fat and carbohydrates, and continuing to snack after iftar disrupts the metabolic balance, leading to weight gain and fat around the waist. Weight gain will trigger reflux complaints. Providing weight control with a healthy diet and regular exercise during Ramadan also prevents the triggering of all digestive system problems, including reflux.
Reflux patients beware!
Gastroenterology Specialist Assoc. Dr. Suna Yapali gives the following information on whether reflux patients can fast during Ramadan: “The severity and clinical picture of the disease differs for each patient. Therefore, diagnosed reflux patients should consult their physicians before fasting. Mild reflux patients may fast and may need to take medication during Ramadan. It is not recommended to fast for those who have reflux complaints and severe reflux despite taking medication, lifestyle and dietary changes.
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