Beware! Signs of Acid Reflux Recurrence During Fasting and Its Solutions

Kapanlagi.com - The month of Ramadan is a meaningful time for Muslims around the world. In addition to being a month filled with blessings and forgiveness, Ramadan is also the right moment to deepen piety through fasting. However, for some people, the challenges of fasting can come from digestive issues, especially for those with a history of acid reflux.

The recurrence of acid reflux during fasting often becomes an obstacle to the solemnity of worship and quality of life. Changes in eating patterns, irregular meal times, and food choices during sahur and iftar can trigger an increase in acid production. Discomforting symptoms such as heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest, nausea, bloating, and a bitter taste in the mouth can arise and disrupt daily activities.

Therefore, it is important for us to recognize the signs of acid reflux that recur during fasting so that we can take appropriate preventive and management steps. With a good understanding, we can observe fasting comfortably and solemnly without being disturbed by acid reflux issues.

1. Characteristics of Acid Reflux During Fasting

During fasting, there are several symptoms that may indicate that your stomach acid is acting up. Here are the signs to watch out for:

• Chest Pain: A burning sensation or pain in the middle of the chest, just below the breastbone. This is the most common symptom of stomach acid. The pain can radiate to the neck or back.
• Heartburn (Burning Sensation in the Chest): A hot or burning feeling that rises from the stomach to the chest and sometimes up to the throat. Heartburn usually occurs after eating, when lying down, or when bending over.
• Regurgitation: The return of food or acidic liquid from the stomach to the esophagus or mouth. This can cause a sour or bitter taste in the mouth.
• Nausea and Vomiting: An uncomfortable feeling in the stomach often accompanied by the urge to vomit. In some cases, vomiting can occur.
• Bloating: The stomach feels full, distended, and uncomfortable. Bloating can be caused by excessive gas production in the digestive tract.
• Excessive Belching: Belching is the body's way of releasing gas from the stomach. However, if belching occurs too often, it may be a sign of increased stomach acid.
• Sore Throat: Stomach acid that rises to the esophagus can irritate the throat and cause a sore throat, hoarseness, or a dry cough.
• Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): The sensation of food feeling stuck in the throat or chest when swallowing. This can be caused by inflammation or narrowing of the esophagus due to repeated exposure to stomach acid.
• Chronic Cough: Stomach acid that rises to the esophagus can trigger a chronic cough, especially at night or when lying down.

2. Causes of Acid Reflux During Fasting

1.Changes in Eating Patterns:

• Changed Eating Schedule: During fasting, the frequency of meals drastically decreases to only twice a day (pre-dawn meal and breaking the fast). This change can disrupt the natural rhythm of stomach acid production. A stomach that is empty for a long time can trigger excessive acid production in preparation for digesting food.
• Overeating at Breaking Fast: After a whole day of fasting, many people tend to overeat when breaking the fast. A large volume of food in a short time can increase pressure on the valve between the stomach and esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter), making it easier for stomach acid to rise into the esophagus.

2.Types of Food Consumed:

• High-Fat Foods: High-fat foods, such as fried foods, coconut-based dishes, and fatty meats, take longer to digest. This causes the stomach to produce more stomach acid and increases the risk of acid reflux.
• Spicy and Acidic Foods: Spicy and acidic foods can irritate the lining of the esophagus and trigger excessive stomach acid production.
• Caffeinated and Carbonated Beverages: Caffeine and soda can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, making it easier for stomach acid to rise into the esophagus. In addition, carbonated drinks can increase pressure in the stomach, which can also trigger acid reflux.

3.Bad Habits After Eating:

• Lying Down After Eating: Lying down or sleeping after eating can make it easier for stomach acid to rise into the esophagus because gravity no longer helps keep the acid in the stomach.
• Smoking: Smoking can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter and increase stomach acid production.

4.Dehydration:

When fasting, the body tends to experience dehydration. Dehydration can reduce saliva production, which helps neutralize stomach acid. A lack of saliva can worsen acid reflux symptoms.

5.Stress:

Stress can affect the digestive system and increase stomach acid production. During fasting, changes in routine and pressure to perform religious duties well can trigger stress in some people.

6. Certain Medical Conditions:

Some medical conditions, such as hiatal hernia (part of the stomach protruding into the chest cavity) and obesity, can increase the risk of acid reflux.

3. Safe Tips to Prevent Acid Reflux During Fasting

• Sahur with the Right Foods: Choose low-fat and high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and oatmeal. Avoid spicy, acidic, and fatty foods as they can trigger acid production. Complex carbohydrates are better as they provide stable energy and do not cause spikes in stomach acid.
• Pay Attention to Portion Sizes During Sahur and Iftar: Eat in moderation, do not overeat during sahur or iftar to avoid putting excess pressure on the stomach. Chew food slowly and enjoy each bite to prevent swallowing excess air. Avoid eating too quickly, which can cause bloating and trigger acid reflux.
• Avoid Lying Down Immediately After Sahur: After sahur, allow a minimum of 2-3 hours before lying down to give time for digestion. Engage in light activities such as walking leisurely or sitting upright while reading. An upright position helps keep stomach acid in the stomach due to gravity.
• Choose the Right Beverages: Avoid caffeinated and carbonated drinks that can relax the lower esophageal sphincter. Drink plenty of plain water to help neutralize stomach acid and prevent dehydration. Herbal teas like chamomile or ginger can help relieve symptoms.
• Manage Stress: Stress can affect the digestive system and increase stomach acid production. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga to help reduce stress. Getting enough rest is also important to maintain body balance.
• Avoid Smoking: Smoking can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter and increase stomach acid production. Quitting smoking is an important step to prevent acid reflux and maintain overall health. This will have a positive impact on your digestive system.

4. Management of Acid Reflux During Fasting

When stomach acid flares up while fasting, the management needs to be slightly adjusted because you cannot eat or drink indiscriminately. Here are some things you can do:

- Sit Up Straight and Calm Yourself:

As usual, sitting up straight is the first step. Try to stay calm and avoid panic, as stress can worsen symptoms.

- Breathe Deeply:

Deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and relax the muscles around the stomach. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat several times.

- Avoid Triggering Movements:

Avoid bending, lying down, or engaging in heavy physical activities that can trigger stomach acid to rise.

- Gargle with Warm Water:

If you feel acidity in your mouth, gargling with warm water can help cleanse and soothe the throat.

- Distract Yourself:

Try to distract yourself from the discomfort by engaging in light activities that do not strain your body. Reading a book, listening to music, or reciting can help.

- Break Your Fast Earlier (If Possible):

If stomach acid symptoms are very bothersome and you can no longer bear it, breaking your fast earlier may be an option. However, try to break your fast with light and easily digestible foods, such as dates and plain water. Avoid directly eating heavy or fatty foods.

- Consider Not Fasting (If Necessary):

If the symptoms of acid reflux are very severe and significantly affect your health, consider not continuing the fast. In Islam, there is a concession (rukhsah) for sick individuals to not fast. Consult with a doctor and a religious figure for appropriate advice.

- Immediately After Breaking the Fast:

• Drink Water: After breaking the fast, immediately drink water to help neutralize stomach acid.
• Take Medication (If Available): If you have prescribed medication for acid reflux, take it immediately according to the dosage.
• Choose the Right Foods: Avoid acid reflux trigger foods when breaking the fast. Choose light, easy-to-digest, and low-fat foods.

5. FAQ

1. Question: What should be done if acid reflux occurs during fasting?

Answer: When acid reflux occurs during fasting, sit up straight, calm yourself, and take deep breaths. Avoid bending over or lying down. If possible, gargle with warm water. If it is very bothersome, consider breaking the fast early with a light snack. If you have acid reflux medication, take it after breaking the fast. If symptoms are severe, consider not continuing the fast and consult a doctor.

2. Question: What foods should be avoided during sahur to prevent acid reflux?

Answer: During sahur, avoid fatty, fried, spicy, acidic foods, and foods containing caffeine. These foods can trigger excessive acid production. It is better to choose high-fiber foods like fruits and vegetables, as well as complex carbohydrates like brown rice or oatmeal.

3. Question: Can cold water relieve acid reflux?

Answer: Cold water may provide a slight soothing effect on the throat that feels hot due to acid reflux. However, cold water does not directly neutralize stomach acid. It is better to drink plain water or warm water slowly to help push the stomach acid back into the stomach.

(kpl/rmt)