Ramadan is the month of fasting, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. In the month of Ramadan, which is determined according to the Islamic calendar every year, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset by postponing some physical needs such as eating and drinking. However, fasting by people with stomach ailments can pose serious health risks and therefore the advice of a doctor and appropriate treatment measures are required.
How should reflux patients be fed during Ramadan?
Reflux is a disease caused by stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus. Symptoms such as burning sensation in the esophagus, heartburn, nausea and indigestion may occur in this disease. There are some important points that reflux patients who fast during Ramadan should pay attention to while fasting. First of all, the foods that reflux patients eat at sahur should be arranged in a way that does not disturb the stomach. Foods that will keep you full, digest slowly and do not increase stomach acid should be preferred. For example, fibrous foods such as whole wheat bread, oatmeal, whole wheat flour, protein sources such as milk, yogurt, eggs, fresh vegetables and fruits can be preferred.
In iftar, reflux patients should avoid excessively oily, spicy and acidic foods. Eating fast and more food during iftar may cause an increase in stomach acid and aggravate reflux symptoms. Instead, it will be healthier for reflux patients to eat small and frequent meals, chew slowly, drink water and leave time between meals. In addition, reflux patients should stay away from salty foods, carbonated drinks, caffeinated beverages, and foods that increase reflux symptoms such as chocolate and mint at iftar. It may also be beneficial to use as few spices as possible, as the spices preferred in meals can also increase the symptoms of reflux.
As a result, reflux patients should pay attention to a healthy diet during Ramadan. During fasting, foods that will not disturb the stomach should be preferred and should be fed carefully at iftar meals. In order to spend a healthy month of Ramadan for reflux patients, it is important to follow the recommendations of the doctors and to stick to the treatment process.
How should people with stomach ailments be fed during Ramadan?
People with stomach ailments should be especially careful while fasting during Ramadan. First of all, it is important that the food they eat at sahur and iftar is of good quality and easy to digest. For this reason, foods containing simple carbohydrates and proteins can be preferred instead of fiber foods. For example, foods such as eggs, cheese, yogurt, kefir, whole wheat bread, olives, walnuts, almonds, raisins, dates can be beneficial for the digestive system.
In addition, water consumption is very important for people with stomach disorders. Drinking water throughout the day helps maintain the body’s fluid balance and provides the water needed for the digestive system. Therefore, it is necessary to drink plenty of water between iftar and sahur. It may also be beneficial to avoid the consumption of beverages with diuretic effects, such as hot tea and coffee, as the body’s need for fluids is greater in hot weather.
Finally, people with stomach discomfort should eat food slowly and avoid overeating. Overeating strains the stomach and can cause digestive system problems. Therefore, eating slowly in small portions at iftar and sahur can provide a more comfortable experience for the digestive system. In addition, choosing foods that are easy to digest and chewing food well can also help the digestive system.
Nutrition recommendations in Ramadan for those with stomach ailments
Nutrition is one of the most important issues that people with stomach problems should pay attention to while fasting during Ramadan. It is recommended that these people consult their doctor before changing their eating habits. However, it is generally recommended that people with stomach problems change their eating habits and take some precautions during Ramadan.
People with stomach problems should stay away from heavy oily, spicy and acidic foods in iftar and sahur meals. These foods increase stomach acid secretion, making digestion difficult and may cause digestive problems such as reflux and gastritis. Instead, light and easily digestible foods should be preferred. These foods may include soups, vegetable dishes, legumes, grilled chicken and fish, yogurt, and whole wheat bread.
In addition, people with stomach problems should pay special attention to their fluid intake. Water intake during Ramadan can be difficult for fasting people. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to fluid intake between iftar and sahur. Also, avoiding excessively sugary drinks, avoiding caffeinated beverages, and reducing consumption of salty foods may also be beneficial for people with stomach upset. Finally, it is recommended that people with stomach problems pay attention to their sleep patterns during Ramadan. Adequate sleep is important for digestive system health. For this reason, it may be beneficial for people with stomach discomfort to go to bed early and regulate their sleeping habits when getting up for sahur.