Beware of Diseases during Fasting, Gastritis and Vertigo Most Often Occur in Ramadan

Illustration of the stomach. (Freepik)

JAKARTA - Fasting is often accompanied by various health challenges due to changes in eating patterns, sleep patterns, and fluid intake.

A number of complaints such as digestive disorders, dizziness, and metabolic problems often arise when the body adapts to a new rhythm during fasting. This condition needs to be watched out for so that worship can still be carried out comfortably and optimally.

General practitioner graduate of the University of Indonesia, dr. Irwan Heriyanto, said that digestive disorders such as ulcers and vertigo complaints are the most common health problems experienced by the community during fasting.

According to him, changes in eating patterns that are not balanced with proper regulation are the main triggers for these complaints.

"So the stomach and heartburn are the triggers, namely the stomach acid itself, why? because the eating pattern is not maintained, not regular, he adapts. Usually he eats normally suddenly sahur. As soon as he breaks the fast, he sees that the food seems to want to be eaten, the sweet ones are chosen, well that will also spur the stomach acid, it suddenly has heartburn or dyspepsia," said Irwan in a health discussion in Jakarta, as quoted by ANTARA.

He explained that stomach conditions can develop into Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) if stomach acid rises into the esophagus.

This causes a sensation of heat or burning in the chest area (heart burn) due to the acidic nature of the stomach which has a very low acidity level that irritates the walls of the esophagus.

In addition to digestive disorders, another complaint that often arises during fasting is vertigo. This condition is characterized by a sudden spinning dizziness and is generally related to changes in sleep patterns during fasting.

Irwan explained that vertigo can be triggered by a lack of rest time because you have to wake up early for sahur, as well as a lack of fluid intake. This lack of fluid can interfere with the body's balance system in the inner ear or vestibular.

"This can also cause a spinning dizziness like that and when you wake up, don't get up right away, it can also fall, we have to wake up slowly," he said.

He added that vertigo can also be influenced by an unbalanced pattern of food consumption, including a reduction in electrolytes in the body. In addition, the habit of consuming caffeinated beverages that are diuretic can accelerate the loss of body fluids and increase the risk of dehydration.

Not only heartburn and vertigo, people also often complain of other health problems during fasting, such as constipation, sore throat, and the appearance of acne due to changes in diet and body metabolism.

To minimize the risk of health disorders, Irwan advised the public to maintain adequate body fluids and regulate sleep patterns properly, including sleeping at 22.00 to help reduce inflammation and maintain body fitness.

In addition, about 20 percent of people experience constipation during Ramadan until Eid al-Fitr, while consultations for sore throats increased by 13 percent in the first week of fasting.