Ways to reduce acidity during fasting || Dr. Abida Sultana

During fasting Acidity often occurs in the afternoon or after Iftar and Sehri. It causes digestive problems, flatulence, heartburn, belching, abdominal pain etc. Severe stomach discomfort may also occur. This condition does not only happen to those with acidity, those who are fasting regularly may also have this problem.

This condition is created based on what you eat during fasting from Iftar to Sehri. If you try to follow some rules to get rid of acidity while fasting, you can get rid of this discomfort.

● Avoid taking extra food at Iftar or Sehri. Consuming too much food puts extra pressure on the stomach during the digestion process. This can cause heartburn and even reduce the digestive juices in the stomach to digest food. In this, food is slowly digested and stays in the stomach for a longer time. As a result, stomach pain or stomach discomfort occurs.

● One should practice eating slowly with attention. Eating every little particle of food is good for the digestive process and also helps to develop a habit of eating less. If someone practices eating slowly and mindfully for just 20 minutes, then the auto command will go to his brain that his stomach is full.

● Oily, over-fried and over-spiced foods should be avoided. Fat is digested last in the metabolic process. After a long period of fasting, having food in the stomach for too long can lead to gas production and stomach discomfort. Generally, iftar is more fried in shops or at home. Be careful and say no to fried or oily food. While eating one should try to politely ignore the request and choose one's own food.

● It is better not to do any kind of exercise while fasting. However, to get rid of acidity, after Iftar and Sehri, a short walk or free-hand exercise should be preferred. It should be remembered that it is better to walk after 10-15 minutes after doing normal activities rather than walking after eating.

● Certain foods help counteract acidity. For example: At the beginning of Iftari, instead of breaking Iftar with cold water, take half a glass of water at room temperature with 1/4 of a teaspoon of baking soda. After that you can eat normal food such as dates and drink juice. But care should be taken that the juice is low in sugar. Those with pre-existing acidity should prioritize vitamin B-rich foods in the Iftar items. Try to eat more thin khichuri, rice or sago mixed soups. Also keep a stick of sour curd, mint leaves.