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Ramadan Fasting for GERD Patients

Muslims always look forward to the month of Ramadan every year. This is especially true for those who suffer from GERD but want to continue fasting. Many of them do not understand what GERD is and how to fast during Ramadan.

People with GERD are basically allowed to fast, although it is not easy. Some things must be considered so that GERD does not recur so that fasting becomes safer and more comfortable.

 

Symptoms of GERD

  • Sour and bitter taste in the mouth
  • Stinging or burning sensation in the chest and solar plexus
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Heartburn
  • Chest pain
  • Respiratory distress

 

What is GERD?

GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease) is a gastrointestinal disorder caused by weakness in the valve at the bottom of the esophagus (Lower Esophageal Sphincter), causing stomach acid to rise into the esophagus. The presence of stomach acid in the esophagus results in inflammation of the esophagus characterized by heart burn, chest pain and a sour and bitter taste in the mouth. The weakness of the valve is most often caused by smoking, alcohol, caffeine, obesity and overeating. If not treated properly, GERD can lead to cancer of the esophagus.

In general, GERD patients who wish to fast are divided into 3 major groups: those who can fast, those who can fast with caution, and those who are not allowed to fast. This grouping depends on the severity of the symptoms of the disease and how the symptoms are controlled. If the patient's GERD symptoms are mild, rarely recur and the patient has been treated well, then the patient can fast. On the other hand, if the GERD is not well controlled and the symptoms are often severe and recurrent, it is not recommended to fast. Please consult further with your Internal Medicine Specialist which group you belong to.

 

Some tips for people with GERD who are able to fast:

1. Make sure you have regular sahur and iftar meals
Not only does it fulfill the body's energy needs during fasting, eating food at dawn can also prevent the rise of stomach acid for people with GERD. In addition, it is also important to eat a healthy suhoor menu so that the body is stronger in undergoing fasting.

 

2. Not overeating or getting too full

Eating large amounts of food or overeating at one time can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter muscle so that it cannot close properly. This can trigger the rise of stomach acid into the esophagus. 

 

3. Avoid foods that are high in fat, caffeine, acidic and spicy.

The next GERD taboo is often consuming foods or drinks that can stimulate an increase in stomach acid. Some foods or drinks that should be avoided by people with GERD include those that have a spicy, sour taste, are high in acid, carbonated, contain alcohol, or contain caffeine such as coffee.

 

4. Taking medications to control stomach acid levels

Acid reflux disease occurs when acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus. This is indeed a common symptom of acid reflux disease. Meanwhile, stress worsens the symptoms of acid reflux disease, and anxiety is a natural response to stress in the body. That's why stress makes acid reflux disease recur or sets the cycle in motion again.

Acid reflux disease or GERD can be treated with both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Here are some examples of acid reflux medications that are commonly used to treat acid reflux:

  • Antacids: Antacids function to help neutralize stomach acid. They are usually used to treat acid reflux and mild acid reflux.
  • H2 Receptor Blockers: H2 receptor blockers reduce the production of stomach acid. Examples: Famotidine and Cimetidine.
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs are stronger inhibitors of stomach acid production and can help heal damaged esophageal tissue. Examples: Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, Esomeprazole, Pantoprazole and Rabeprazole.
  • Prokinetic Agents: Prokinetics are a type of drug that improves gastrointestinal motility by increasing the frequency of contractions in the small intestine or making the contractions stronger without disrupting their rhythm.

 

5. Avoid excessive stress

Acid reflux disease occurs when acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus. This is indeed a common symptom of acid reflux disease. Meanwhile, stress worsens the symptoms of acid reflux disease, and anxiety is a natural response to stress in the body. That is why, stress makes acid reflux disease recur or sets the cycle back.

 

6. Adequate sleep and comfortable sleeping position

Gravity and anatomy play a huge role in finding relief from high acid reflux symptoms at night. During the day, you are most likely standing or sitting so when acid escapes, gravity and saliva quickly return this potentially harmful substance to the stomach.

 

Hopefully, you will be able to fast smoothly.

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