Acid reflux while fasting is a common symptom that people often experience, and it might trigger discomfort. Usually, this indigestion is caused by an increase in stomach acid production when the stomach is empty for a long period.
Therefore, it is very important to understand the causes and ways to overcome the problem of high stomach acid so that you can still do fasting comfortably and smoothly. So, let’s see further explanation regarding acid reflux while fasting below!
Causes of Acid Reflux While Fasting
Stomach acid plays a role in activating digestive enzymes when it is digesting food. However, when the production of stomach acid increases, it will up the esophagus to be irritated. This condition is known as acid reflux, and if it occurs repeatedly, it can trigger Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
If stomach acid rises during fasting, this can be caused by an empty stomach for approximately 13 hours. This is because even though no food enters the stomach, the body still produces stomach acid. In the end, stomach acid will rise into the esophagus as described earlier.
In addition, there are also factors that can cause acid reflux while fasting, such as sleeping immediately after eating, eating foods that affect stomach sensitivity, and other unhealthy habits.
The Characteristics of Acid Reflux While Fasting
Having acid reflux while fasting might cause discomfort in the body, and it can disrupt fasting. The characteristics of acid reflux while fasting that need to be considered are:
- Stomach pain. This is because the valve (sphincter) connecting the esophagus to the stomach is not functioning properly.
- Feeling nauseous and going to vomit. This is caused by rising stomach acid, which can damage the protective layer in the esophagus.
- Heartburn. A burning or stinging sensation in the chest due to rising stomach acid can damage the esophageal wall.
Can You Fast While Having Acid Reflux?
So, if you are having symptoms of acid reflux, can you still fast? The answer is yes. As long as you know the risk factors that increase stomach acid levels.
In that way, you can prevent and overcome increased stomach acid production according to the risk factors. Also, fasting helps you to rearrange your eating pattern to be healthier.
However, if acid reflux has caused wounds or damage to the digestive organs, causing severe symptoms, such as intense abdominal pain and vomiting blood, it is better to postpone fasting and immediately see a doctor for further treatment.
How to Overcome Acid Reflux While Fasting
There are several ways to overcome acid reflux while fasting, from choosing food wisely to taking certain medications. To be more precise, here are some ways to overcome acid reflux while fasting:
1. Be Wise in Choosing Suhoor and Iftar Menu
You must choose types of food that are good for the stomach. For example, consuming a soupy iftar menu and drinking warm ginger tea, which contains anti-inflammatory properties. During suhoor, you can consume low-acid green vegetables, such as celery, broccoli, spinach, and green beans.
On the other hand, you should avoid foods that can cause gas, such as mustard, jackfruit, and cabbage, as well as foods that are high in acid, spicy, and fatty. In addition, you also need to avoid caffeine and carbonated drinks because they can negatively impact digestive health.
2. Consume Food in Small Portions
Besides being careful in choosing the type of food, pay attention to your portion sizes too. To prevent acid reflux while fasting, you should consume food little by little, both during suhoor and iftar. This method will fill the stomach slowly without putting excessive burden on its function.
3. Chew Food Slowly
One of the factors that can cause acid reflux while fasting is chewing food in a hurry. This can be triggered by hunger after a day of fasting.
Therefore, chew food slowly. This way, digestive enzymes can process and digest food more efficiently so as to avoid the risk of increasing stomach acid levels.
4. Do Not Sleep Immediately After Eating
If you sleep immediately after eating suhoor or iftar, it can trigger stomach acid to rise into the esophagus along with the food you have consumed.
Moreover, if this habit is followed by consuming large amounts of food or drink, it can cause bloating and inhibit the digestive system. So, it is better to give a gap of about 3 hours after eating suhoor or iftar to avoid acid reflux.
5. Taking Medication for Acid Reflux
Finally, you can take medication to treat acid reflux while fasting. However, make sure you take it according to the schedule and dosage prescribed by your doctor to avoid side effects. Then, if your acid reflux symptoms get worse, see a doctor immediately to get the appropriate treatment.
That’s all the explanation regarding acid reflux while fasting. If you still want to fast, especially during Ramadan, you need to take precautions, such as drinking approximately 2 liters of mineral water or the equivalent of 8 glasses per day. You can divine the drinking time when iftar, before going to bed, and during suhoor.
On top of that, make sure the mineral water you drink is guaranteed quality. So, you can choose #AQUADULU because not all water is AQUA. AQUA is an original Indonesian product that contains natural minerals and comes from 19 selected mountains in Indonesia.
The source of AQUA’s water is taken from the deepest part of the protected mountains so it is free from pollution. Because of this, AQUA also feels naturally cold and fresh when drunk without being cooled.
AQUA is safe to consume because it has been certified Halal, BPOM, and SNI. Let’s drink AQUA DULU to support your body’s health while fasting! AQUA is 100% Indonesian, 100% Halal, and 100% Pure.
