People may suffer from gastric problems while fasting

Rawalpindi: Generally, it is observed that many people particularly those who are over 40 years of age suffer from gastric problems while fasting for a month in Ramazan that, according to health experts, is mainly because of a change in diet and sleeping habits.

Gastric problem or gastritis causes abdominal pain or discomfort. It is an inflammation, irritation or erosion of the lining of the stomach. The stomach membrane layer gets disturbed and leads to the secretion of acids. Once these acids come in contact with the stomach walls, it gives rise to pain and discomfort. This condition ultimately leads to a problem called gastric. The pain and discomfort caused by the gastric problem, while fasting in the holy month of Ramazan, can be managed by following a proper diet at the time of 'Iftar', Sehr' and the time in between. Experts say that one can avoid the problem while fasting if he or she follows a balanced dietary plan in Ramazan.

According to experts, Ramazan related gastric problems can be divided into acute and chronic diseases. Acute diseases are those started for the first time in Ramazan while chronic gastric problems are the flares of pre-existing gastric disorders like previous ulcers, gallstones etc. In both the cases, the patients must take advice from qualified physicians.

The main reasons behind gastric problems are indigestion and empty stomach for long hours along with heavy intake of fried food items. According to health experts, the cases of gastritis go on the rise in Ramazan not only because of sudden change in eating habits but also due to overeating, consumption of contaminated water and unhygienic food along with lack of exercise.

Experts say that the majority of the patients suffering from gastrointestinal problems are those who have a routine of consuming deep fried food items for 'Iftar' from vendors. People should avoid dishes in 'Iftar' and 'Sehr' from vendors and restaurants as majority of the shopkeepers fry pakoras, samosas and other items in reused and substandard oil. Many vendors refrigerate the leftover food and fry or cook it again the next day making it extremely injurious to health.

It is important that in many cases, the intake of surplus water at the time of 'Iftar' and 'Sehr' may lead to severe stomach ache. Also the consumption of two heavy meals, one after 'Iftar' and the other at the time of 'Sehr' can be a cause of discomfort if the time between the two meals is short as there would be no ample time for the stomach to digest the food.

According to experts, one should take a moderate quantity of food and fluids at the time of 'Iftar', the quantity that is acceptable by the stomach and the body and he or she should do some exercise for easy and quick digestion. By avoiding too much of fried dishes, one can avoid gastric problems. Use of processed beverages and carbonated drinks are not recommended. One should drink regular water to soothe thirst at 'Iftar'. High-sugar food items such as sweets, chocolates should be avoided. Fried food like pakoras and samosas and oily curries and greasy pastries should also be avoided or should be taken in moderate quantities if one is capable of digesting these.

While fasting, people should eat protein rich food like eggs and fibre rich food like oatmeal at the time of 'Sehr'. Soluble fibre turns to gel in the stomach and slows digestion, which helps lower cholesterol and blood glucose and is perfect to keep a person active during the fast. Dairy products are a great source of nutrition.

Yoghurt or milk shake can be taken to stay full and hydrated throughout the day. Experts say that while fasting, one should eat cucumbers, lettuce, and other green vegetables and fruits to keep the digestive system in proper functioning as these are high in fibre.