Experts warned especially those with chronic diseases for the month of Ramadan! In this month, when meal times and feeding frequency will decrease, there will be differences in the food content consumed, and the medication hours are adjusted again, experts definitely recommend consulting a doctor against a possible health problem, especially for those with chronic diseases.
Acıbadem Dr. Şinasi Can (Kadıköy) Hospital Gastroenterology Specialist Assoc. Dr. Suna Yapali stated that in addition to the benefits of fasting, digestive system complaints such as bloating, indigestion and reflux may increase if certain rules are not observed. Yapali said, “With the change in dietary habits, reflux complaints can be triggered in individuals without reflux, and the complaints of patients who have 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. Breastbone It is necessary to pay attention to some rules in Ramadan against reflux, which can manifest itself with symptoms such as burning in the back, bitter water in the mouth, burning in the throat, dry cough, hoarseness and chest pain. Gastroenterology Specialist Assoc. Dr. Suna Yapali touched on 8 mistakes that should be avoided in order to spend the month of Ramadan. Yapali made valuable warnings and offers to avoid digestive system problems, especially reflux.
8 MISTAKES MADE IN RAMADAN!,
Large portions in iftar and sahur;
Yapali said that after being hungry and thirsty for long hours, filling the stomach with large portions at iftar will cause different digestive system problems, especially reflux. Yapali Expert Do, who said that it is enough to consume soup, main course and salad in iftar. Dr. He emphasized that the portions should not be large.
After breaking the fast with 1 glass of water, olives or dates or soup, the middle of the meal should be given before moving on to the main meal. Fruit or dessert should not be consumed quickly after the main meal. In the sahur, on the other hand, it should be avoided to eat too much because of the worry that it will be hungry for a long time.
Lying down after a meal;
One of the most valuable misbehaviors that trigger reflux in Ramadan is to lie down quickly after iftar or to go to bed quickly after suhoor. While this wrong behavior leads to reflux problem in patients who have not had 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 quickly after iftar and snacks should not be consumed in the last 3 hours before going to sleep. In 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 quite valuable. Fried foods, fatty and spicy foods, chocolate, raw onions and garlic, and syrupy desserts with high 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 drinks containing a lot of caffeine and sugar;
Many people consume a lot of tea and coffee, especially after iftar. Consumption of 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, it should not be overdone in the consumption of tea, coffee and caffeine-containing liquids.
Not consuming 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 during 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.
heavy training after iftar;
Exercise should not be done quickly, especially 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-medium-paced walks should be done.
Eating a lot in 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. After a long period of fasting, eating a lot, 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. A healthy diet and regular exercise and weight control during Ramadan also prevent the triggering of all digestive system issues, including reflux.
ATTENTION TO REFLUX PATIENTS!
Gastroenterology Specialist Assoc. Dr. Suna Yapalı explains whether reflux patients can fast during Ramadan or not:
“The severity and clinical picture of the disease differs for each patient. Therefore, diagnosed reflux patients should definitely consult their doctor before fasting. Mild reflux patients can fast. “They may need to take medication during the month of Ramadan and Ramadan. It is not recommended to fast for those who have reflux complaints and severe reflux despite taking medication, lifestyle and diet changes.”
