Fasting during Ramadan can be extremely challenging for people with acid reflux and GERD because this disease is very much related to a person’s diet. Doctors usually ask acid reflux sufferers to eat regularly. However, many studies have shown that fasting is great for overall health. For those who have GERD and acid reflux, worry no more because here’s how you can fast smoothly according to the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes).
1. Choose the correct food type
Patients with GERD are advised to eat foods that are easily digested by the stomach, such as soft textured foods and processed by boiling. In addition, avoid foods that trigger an increase in stomach acid, such as fizzy drinks, spicy foods, high-fat foods, caffeinated foods and drinks, and acidic foods. However, if you still need to eat that food. Here’s an important thing to keep in mind: make sure to drink enough water, as how much water you drink, you can reduce the effect.
2. Don’t sleep immediately after eating
Most people often experience feeling sleepy and wanting to go back to sleep after eating suhoor food. However, the habit of sleeping after suhoor should be avoided because falling asleep immediately after eating can cause the pressure in the stomach to increase. As a result, food and gastric juices can rise into the esophagus.
Read Also : 3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Sleep After Suhoor
3. Avoid huge portion size
Eating excessive portions at suhoor or iftar can cause indigestion and increase stomach acid. This is because too much food can put pressure on the stomach and trigger an increase in stomach acid. Not only that, large portions of food take longer to digest due to the limited amount of digestive enzymes. When the stomach is too full, it can feel uncomfortable and painful.
4. Don’t eat too fast
Just because you’re fasting doesn’t mean you should eat fast. Especially, people with GERD should avoid eating in a hurry because it can bring too much air into the digestive tract, triggering heartburn and bloating.
Source : CNBC Indonesia
Pingback: Here are 5 Risks You Need to Know If You're Lazy to Move