Home Remedies for Common Digestive Problems During Ramadan

Published on: 15th March 2024
Medically reviewed by: Medical Director at First Response Healthcare

Fasting Muslims may experience stomach problems in Ramadan due to changes in diet and changes in meal schedules. Although fasting during Ramadan has many health benefits, not adhering to a healthy diet during Ramadan can lead to stomach problems and heartburn during Ramadan. However, these stomach problems in Ramadan or issues related to fasting and acid reflux can be avoided by eating right. There are also several simple remedies for digestive problems that can help you feel better if you experience heartburn during Ramadan or other stomach problems.

Some of the Common Stomach Problems in Ramadan

1. Indigestion

If you feel bloated after eating or if you feel the need to lie down or sleep, then it’s probably because of overeating and indigestion. Remedies for digestive problems or to prevent indigestion during Ramadan include not drinking liquids or water with meals. If you are drinking water or soup before a meal, wait for a few minutes before starting your main meal. Other remedies for digestive problems and indigestion include avoiding flatulence foods such as beans, cauliflower, and cabbage. You should also opt for cooked vegetables over raw vegetables as they are easier to digest on an empty stomach.
To improve digestion, you can also drink mint tea after Iftaar. A great option is Moroccan tea, which includes both green and mint teas. When combined, it relieves gas, pain, and digestive cramps.

2. Constipation

If you’re dealing with the issue of constipation or other stomach problems in Ramadan, one of the remedies that you can try is to increase your fluid and fiber intake. You should aim to have atleast 5-6 cups of water or other liquids such as herbal teas 1-2 hours after Iftaar. You can also snack on fruits and dry fruits to increase your fiber intake.

You can either have 4 dried apricots, 3 dates, 2 large figs, or 3 small plums. This will provide you 3-4 g of fiber. Over and above this, you also need to keep moving and need to do some sort of physical activity. You could take a long walk, do cardio at the gym for 30 minutes or go up and down the stairs.

3. Heartburn

Heartburn during Ramadan is common among people. Some remedies that can help with heartburn during Ramadan include avoiding acid-producing foods such as fatty foods, spices, tomato paste, and citrus fruits. You should also avoid drinks such as coffee, sodas, and orange juice. Another way to prevent heartburn during Ramadan is to practice portion control and eat small meals frequently between Iftaar and Suhoor. Also, make sure to not lie down immediately after eating.

4. Headaches

Many people also experience headaches during the first few days of fasting since the body is adjusting to a new and different schedule. However, if the headache continues for more than a few days, it could be because of lack of sleep as one of the reasons. To make this better, try to follow a consistent schedule of going to bed at approximately the same time each day. Another major reason for headaches could also be dehydration, which could then lead to more stomach problems in Ramadan. Make sure to drink lots of water from Iftaar to Suhoor.

5. Lethargy

It’s normal to feel less energetic than usual while fasting, but if you feel completely exhausted and are feeling lethargic all day, you may be leading an unhealthy lifestyle during Ramadan. One of the main causes of lethargy is lack of water leading to lower blood pressure. Like mentioned earlier, try to drink 2-3 liters of fluids each day in the form of water, soups, yogurt, herbal teas, and juices. Coconut water is a great hydrating drink that can replenish electrolytes.

Another cause for lethargy and other stomach problems in Ramadan is consuming too much sugar for Suhoor or Iftaar. This can lead to a spike in sugar suddenly and then a sharp drop eventually. Not only does this make you feel depressed, it can also cause nausea during the day. To ensure that this does not happen, you should consume sweets and other sugar related items and opt for complex carbohydrates such as whole grain bread or oatmeal. You should combine them with other food groups such as cheese and milk.

Some Common Remedies For Digestive Problems In Ramadan

Some common remedies for stomach problems in Ramadan that can help you with acid reflux in fasting or heartburn in Ramadan include:

1. Incorporate Fiber-Rich Foods into Your Diet:

You need to try and consume 30g of fiber daily during Ramadan. Doing this in just two meals is very difficult and it requires some amount of planning. Not having enough fiber can lead to bloating and constipation.

Here are some easy ways to get more fiber during Ramadan:

Add flaxseeds to your diet – 1 tablespoon equals 3g of dietary fiber.
Choose whole grains/whole grain carbs, such as oats, whole grain bread, and brown rice.
Add beans and legumes to your diet.
Add humus to your diet.
Eat lots of vegetables with your Iftaar.
Use a fiber supplement such as Fybogel or psyllium husk to enhance absorption.

2. Practice Moderation to Avoid Overeating:

Overeating can lead to acid reflux in fasting. Acid reflux happening often can lead to inflammation and scarring of the esophagus. It’s very natural to overeat during Ramadan since you’ve been starving all day. However, to avoid acid reflux in fasting and other stomach problems in Ramadan, you should weigh your portions and eat. If you do eat out, try to have a snack before you go out. This can help you avoid overeating. It can also be helpful to set your Iftaar mealtime to 15-20 minutes.

3. Stay Away From Fatty Foods:

Fatty foods take longer to digest and can cause nausea. Fatty foods can also cause diarrhea in some people. So as tempting as it may seem, try to stay away from fatty and oily food. If you do end up eating fatty foods, make sure that you eat them in moderate quantities.

4. Include Dates in Your Diet:

Dates are one of the most popular traditional foods in UAE and are commonly eaten during both Suhoor and Iftaar. Dates contain about 1.6g of dietary fiber and are effective in preventing constipation and other stomach problems in Ramadan. However, dates also contain a type of carbohydrate known as fructans that ferments in the intestines, produces gas and might cause stools in some people. Dates are good for you and are among the common remedies for digestive problems; however, they should be eaten in moderation.

5. Stay Hydrated with Plenty of Fluids, Choosing Wisely:

Dehydration can occur in Ramadan because of limited drinking hours. Dehydration can lead to constipation and slow bowel movements. It is important to drink about 35 ml per 1 kg of body weight per day. You can split this into Suhoor and Iftaar. Ideally, you should avoid fruit juices and smoothies because they contain large amounts of fructose, which can cause diarrhea and gas in some people. Also, one should ideally not consume more than 400 mg of caffeine per day (approximately 3 cups per day). Anything more than that can irritate the intestines and cause stomach cramps and diarrhea.

6. Include Yogurt in Your Meals:

Eating low fat yogurt can be very beneficial. This is because it contains probiotics that can help with heartburn and diarrhea. You should ideally eat yogurt during Suhoor.

7. Stay Active and Keep Moving:

During Ramadan, make sure to do some light exercise, such as walking, to aid digestion.

Doctor At Home In Dubai | First Response Healthcare

If none of these home remedies help or if symptoms of stomach problems in Ramadan are too severe, it is important to see a doctor. Through First Response Healthcare (FRH), a doctor can visit your home.

First Response Healthcare (FRH) is a JCI accredited home healthcare organization and one of the leading names in home healthcare organizations in Dubai. We have received the Gold Seal of Approval from Joint Commission International. This accreditation is a testament to the international standards and quality medical services we maintain. Our doctors are internationally trained, and DHA certified to treat patients with a variety of illnesses and problems, including symptoms of gastric infections, postprandial stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. A doctor will visit your home, hotel, or office to diagnose your condition and suggest appropriate treatment.

To book an appointment, please call: 0505050387 or 800DIALDOC.
You can book an appointment with our doctor 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Our doctor can be at your location within 30-45 minutes of your call.
Our doctors treat patients of all age groups.
Our doctor can provide his/her services at your home, hotel, or office.
We have a highly qualified team of multilingual doctors.

To seek services of a doctor at home for stomach problems during Ramadan, you can call 0505050387 or 800DIALDOC. You can also contact us via https.

https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/ae/dubai