During the month of Ramadan, the number of people visiting doctors for digestive problems increases. This can be due to poor eating habits during non-fasting hours.

Overeating, eating unhealthy foods sleeping immediately after a meal like suhoor, eating in a rush, drinking a lot of caffeinated or carbonated beverages, and not drinking enough liquids are all causes of health problems during Ramadan.

Fasting has both positive and negative effects on our digestive system. It can help relieve some disorders but it can also contribute to accentuating some.

Digestive problems positively affected by fasting

It has been observed that many diseases related to the digestive system and digestive disorders disappear during the fasting period, such as:

  • Gas and bloating associated with irritable bowel syndrome
  • Changes in bowel movement
  • Diarrhea and constipation

Digestive problems negatively affected by fasting

Some digestive problems may increase negatively due to fasting, and we advise those affected by them to monitor their health conditions and adhere to some habits in the event that they are infected, such as:

  • Heartburn

Heartburn may be exacerbated by the patient as a result of stomach acid returning to the digestive system during the period of fasting.

Most heartburn patients can fast without facing any problems if they can control the symptoms by taking antacids.

  • Stomach ulcers and peptic ulcers

For people who suffer from stomach ulcers, they cannot fast until the ulcer is healed and all factors that increase ulcer diseases disappear.

Therefore patients who suffer from silent ulcers or who have had bleeding due to ulcers should stop fasting because it may lead to exacerbation of bleeding or an ulcer.

  • Liver diseases

While patients who suffer from chronic liver diseases can fast without risks after consulting and approval of the doctor, those who show symptoms of liver failure can be negatively affected by fasting and should consult a doctor immediately.

  • Constipation

This is due to a lack of vegetable consumption, as people prefer to consume more meat and chicken for Iftar. It results in a fiber deficit in the diet, which contributes to constipation.

To stop constipation, it is recommended to increase the number of vegetables and fruits in your meal.

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