Gastric again during ramadhan???

Does fasting causes gastric acidity? hmmm.... a question that have been lingering in my mind for quite sometime. When i was growing up, back in my school days, i remember friends especially boys will come up with gastric acid excuses for not fasting. yeah rite!! blame it on the acids huh...

anyway, a friend kept complaining of heartburn, headaches and tummy tumbling sensation when fasting. Funny thing is, he's ok after iftar. According to him, he went to the doctor twice and the doctor gave him some tablets, MC (ahaaaa....*wink*) and advise to drink soya.



I went through the internet and did some checking on this issue which really puzzles me because i know studies have already shown that fasting is beneficial to the body. According to a Dr Mohammad Zafar A. Nomani, an increased of gastric acidity does occur during fasting with symptoms of heaviness and burning in the stomach and a sour mouth. On the contrary, some researches says this assumption is baseless and against the normal physiology of gastric acid secretion.





Fried, spicy food (there goes my chilli padi again...) and too much sugary/sweets kueh/bubur can not only cause weight problems but also indigestion and heart burn. These problem though can be overcome by eating food that is rich in fibre like the wheat bread, beans and fruits. These foods trigger muscular action, churning (macam mesin simen) and mixing food, breaking it down into smaller particles and thus reduce the build up acid in the stomach.





i came across these suggestions below for us to ponder

1) eat slowly and chew food properly to ease digestion

2) avoid catbonated drinks which could easily increase gastric acidity

3) reduce caffeinated drinks such as coffee/tea which can cause diuretic effect and make you lose fluid

4) do not overeat







*note* - Allah SWT has designed the human body to be physiologically intelligent and can adjust to temporary periods of food deprivation. Salam Ramadhan

To workout or not during Ramadhan - the choice is yours

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during Ramadan is frequently misunderstood by many through discontinuing exercise. Well... i suppose you have to be smart about it. Instead of execersing in the day time when you are fasting, you can also workout in the evening after iftar.







A lot of people are under the impression that their bodies cannot withstand physical activities just because they are fasting. However, the truth is otherwise, it is recommended that those fasting should engage in some kind of light exercise, such as stretching, walking, house chores or just simply walk up and down the stairs.






I would suggest you to make a note and pay attention to your energy level during the first few days of Ramadan and try to find a time that works for you. Whatever time, day/night that your energy level allows you to expend extra calories without becoming fatigue, is the best time for you to exercise.






Always remember to hydrate yourself at night and drink at least 8 glasses of water (spreading the whole night until sahur). You tend to sweat alot when you exercise so it is important you have enough fluid to last you during the day.







It is sad to note that most people fail to see that being physically fit allows you to have greater fulfillment in life, hence enabling you to perform your worships and prayers in a more healthy and relaxed manner.




I will always try to remind myself (ahaksss..Im only human you see) that overeating does not help at all especially with all the spread in bazaar ramadhans. (damn those food...oooppssss its ramadhan, im not supposed to swear! Forgive me God) Unfortunately, most of us tend to eat more than what is needed to compensate. Our aim at iftar is to eat only as much as we need to provide us with the energy necessary to do both our work and worship. We should eat in moderation :)




With a bit of discipline and self restraint, Ramadan need not be the 30 day marathon of gluttony that it has become. (Sad but true) We should take this opportunity to detox our body, kick a bad habit, and hope to lose a few kgs.


Salam Ramadhan Everybody