Khaberni - With the advent of Ramadan, many fasting individuals expect the disappearance of digestive issues such as bloating, assuming that fasting gives the stomach and intestines a chance to rest.
However, the paradox is that some people complain of continuous abdominal bloating even with reduced food quantities or adherence to a simple diet, raising an important question: Is food always the cause?
The consultant of gastroenterology at the Egyptian Ministry of Health, Dr. Mona El-Badri, states that "studies in the field of gastroenterology indicate that bloating is not only related to the type of food or its quantity but can also result from a combination of physiological and behavioral factors that change during the fasting month."
El-Badri says: "One less noticed cause is swallowing air while eating or drinking quickly."
She adds, "After long hours of fasting, many people tend to eat quickly at iftar, which leads to swallowing air along with the food. This air can accumulate in the digestive system, causing a feeling of fullness and bloating even if the meal is relatively small."
Secondly: Stress and lack of sleep
Changes in sleep patterns during Ramadan can also play an important role, as staying up late and lack of sleep can affect bowel movement and the balance of the nervous system that controls digestion.
Research related to what is known as the "gut-brain axis" indicates that stress and psychological pressure can alter the functioning of the digestive system, leading to bloating even without consuming large amounts of food.
Third: Slow bowel movement
Fasting may also alter the bowel movement patterns for some people. Drinking less water during the day and changes in meal times can lead to slower digestion or mild constipation, which is a common cause of bloating.
When food passage within the intestines slows down, gases form as a result of the activity of natural bacteria in the digestive system.
Fourth: Changes in beneficial bacteria
Recent studies suggest that the gut microbiome, the community of beneficial bacteria in the intestines, can be affected by changes in food patterns and timings during Ramadan.
These changes may temporarily increase the production of gases during the fermentation of some foods, causing a feeling of bloating even if the meals are moderate.
When is bloating a sign of another problem?
Dr. El-Badri points out that in some cases, persistent bloating may be linked to medical conditions such as food allergies like lactose or gluten, but these cases are often accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain or clear changes in bowel movement.
El-Badri recommends several simple steps that can reduce the problem, which are:
1-Take your time eating and avoid overeating at iftar.
2-Drink adequate amounts of water between iftar and suhoor.
3-Reduce the consumption of carbonated beverages that increase gases in the stomach.
4-Light walking after iftar to stimulate bowel movement.
5-Try to regulate sleep hours as much as possible.
