Khaberni - With the advent of Ramadan, many families' iftar tables turn into meals full of rich dishes, in an attempt to compensate for the long hours of fasting.
However, this "heavy" iftar can turn from a source of energy to a real burden on the digestive system, causing feelings of bloating, lethargy, and digestive disturbances.
What happens to the digestive system after fasting?
Dr. Khaled El Badri, a gastroenterology consultant at the Egyptian Ministry of Health, says, "During the fasting hours, the digestive system is relatively at rest, as the secretion of digestive juices decreases and bowel movement slows down. When consuming large quantities of food at once, especially fatty and fried foods, the digestive system finds itself forced to make a sudden effort, which may lead to slow digestion and increased discomfort."
Why does a heavy iftar fatigue the stomach?
The digestive fatigue after iftar is linked to several factors, the most prominent being eating quickly after the call to prayer, consuming too many fried foods and fats, combining multiple heavy foods in one meal, and drinking soft drinks with the meal.
These factors lead to stomach distension, increased acid secretion, and gas buildup, which explains the feelings of fullness and bloating, heartburn, lethargy, drowsiness, and abdominal pain or cramps. These symptoms may worsen in people with irritable bowel syndrome or those who suffer from esophageal reflux.
How can you make iftar lighter on your digestive system?
To make your iftar lighter on your digestive system, Dr. El Badri advises five tips:
First: Begin iftar gradually: Dates and water or a light soup, then wait a while before the main meal.
Second: Divide the meal: Eat moderate amounts instead of one large meal.
Third: Reduce fats: Choose grilled or cooked foods instead of fried ones.
Fourth: Walk after iftar: Light walking helps activate digestion.
Fifth: Suhoor and its role in digestive balance: A balanced and light suhoor meal reduces the feeling of intense hunger at iftar, thereby decreasing the tendency to overeat. It is preferable to include light proteins, fiber, and sufficient fluids.
