Be moderate when ending your fast

Abu Dhabi - Caffeinated drinks like coffee, being a natural diuretic, stimulates the body to expel water via the bladder, which in turn leads to dehydration.

Generally, people who suffer from gastritis and peptic ulcer disease (PUD) have numerous questions regarding issues pertaining to their illness and religious obligations in Ramadan. Experience will tell them that fasting may lead to unwanted complications such as increased acid levels in an empty stomach during Ramadan can aggravate gastritis and PUD.
According to Dr. Xavier Garcia Aguilera, HOD and consultant gastroenterology, NMC Royal Hospital Khalifa City: "A common habit among people, who fast, overeating at the time of Iftar (ending fast), followed by smoking. "This habit can trigger dyspepsia and acid reflux for gastritis/PUD patients. Therefore, be moderate when ending your fast, eating in smaller portions, but more frequently. For instance, start off with dates and light food before giving it a rest after Maghrib prayers, followed by the main meal prior to Taraweeh prayers."
Dr. Ali Choukair, specialist gastroenterology, NMC Specialty Hospital Abu Dhabi, said: "One must try to reduce the consumption of hot, spicy and acidic-containing foods as they tend to irritate the digestive tract. Caffeinated drinks like coffee, being a natural diuretic, stimulates the body to expel water via the bladder, which in turn leads to dehydration. Sweet drinks also make you pass a lot of urine and make you thirsty. 
The best alternative, Dr Choukair suggested was to vary your food intake throughout Ramadan to include all the essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fat, vitamins, fibres etc. 
Pointing out at another common complaint made people during the holy month, Dr Choukair said constipation is something many people complain of during this month. "
Since people who fast spend the whole day fasting, they do not drink enough water in order to replenish the daily losses, which they unconsciously lose via breathing, sweating and going to the toilet. This could possibly amount to approximately 2 to 2.5 litres a day. The lack of a good water intake may trigger episodes of constipation that may require some medical support. That is why it is strongly recommended that one must drink as much water as possible between fasting periods.
Both Dr Choukair and Dr Aguilera warned about some red flags for gastritis and peptic ulcer patients. They said if one experiences persistent nausea and vomiting, gets blood in the vomit or pass black tarry stool and experience severe pain in your abdomen, it is a sign that he or she needs to seek help urgently. Relatives and acquaintances should also observe these patients for paleness in their complexity, especially at the face and palms, because this could be a sign of anaemia (from occult bleeding).
saman@khaleejtimes.com 

• UAE
• Ramadan 2021
• Ramadan Health
• Abu Dhabi