Are You Suffering From GERD? Avoid Spicy And High Fat Foods During Fasting

TANGERANG - General Physician at Sari Asih Hospital Karawaci Tangerang, Dr. Fadli Ambara, said people with digestive diseases such as ulcers and gastric acid (GERD) can still fast but must avoid consuming spicy and high-fat foods.

"Consumption of high-fat foods at dawn can burden the stomach. Later in the morning the stomach will start to feel uncomfortable," said Dr. Fadli Ambara in Tangerang Thursday in a statement quoted by Antara, Thursday, April 14.

He explained that digestive diseases are indeed a frightening specter for a number of people who have a certain history of fasting. "Ramadan fasting worship can still be carried out by people with gastric acid disease with a few notes," he said.

Another note that must be considered is related to drug consumption. Usually there will be discomfort in patients with GERD / stomach acid disease when fasting. If you feel uncomfortable, the day before fasting and before dawn, you can take medicine first.

"The discomfort usually only occurs seven to ten days at the beginning of fasting, but then the body's condition will adapt and begin to feel comfortable undergoing fasting without the need for medication," he said.

Regarding the food menu, it must also be considered, namely to prioritize the type of clean food such as boiled vegetables or low-fat protein that is steamed or burned.

"Food without spicy and sour taste can be an option as a suhoor menu. Then when breaking the fast, you can only consume fatty foods such as compote, curry or rendang, but don't overdo it," he said.

Then when breaking the fast so as not to eat too much and fast. After breaking the fast with sweet food and it is recommended to perform the Maghrib prayer first.

"Consumption of heavy food can be after the Maghrib prayer. The goal is so that the stomach is not shocked, and of course to reduce the risk of GERD," he said.

Then make sure you don't miss sahur, avoid sleeping after sahur so as not to aggravate the work of the LES, thereby reducing the risk of GERD.

If the symptoms of GERD worsen, such as nausea, burning sensation in the chest area or heartburn, shortness of breath, it is not recommended to continue fasting, especially until symptoms of vomiting occur.

"In conclusion, don't be afraid to fast for people with GERD or stomach acid," he said.