Why Does Indigestion Occur During Ramadan Fasting?

For some Muslims, Ramadan is a time to reset. It’s all about stepping back from habits that cloud spiritual clarity, including indulging in food.¹ That is why starting around February 17, Muslims around the world observe a month-long fast.²

Throughout this period, they abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset. While the focus of Ramadan is spirituality, the body is inevitably affected as well. Over the course of the month, extended hours without food or water prompt the body to adjust to a new routine. However, once the fast concludes, the body does not immediately return to its previous state. Therefore, even after Ramadan ends, some individuals may experience indigestion or discomfort as their digestive systems slowly readapt to regular eating habits.

So, why do these symptoms occur? Here’s a closer look.

Ramadan Discomfort: Why Does Indigestion Happen?

Although Ramadan fasting is intermittent (daily fasting followed by nightly eating), it still qualifies as a form of prolonged, repeated fasting over a month. Additionally, fasting can last anywhere from 12 to 15 hours.³

Here are some of the main reasons why indigestion during Ramadan can occur:

1. Increased Stomach Acid Production

   Fasting can lead to increased stomach acid production because the stomach remains empty for extended periods.⁴ Normally, when eating, food acts as a natural buffer, helping to neutralize stomach acid and prevent it from irritating the stomach lining.⁴ Without regular intake of food, acid continues to accumulate, which can increase the risk of discomfort, heartburn, or even acid reflux.⁴

2. Overeating After Fasting

   After a full day of fasting, it’s completely normal to feel very hungry. It’s tempting to dig in right away and fill your plate with lots of food. However, eating too quickly or taking in large portions can put a strain on the digestive system.

   After Ramadan abdominal pain is quite common. This often happens when people eat hurriedly as soon as the Maghrib adhan (call to prayer) is heard.⁵ Meals heavy in carbohydrates can make the stomach feel bloated, which is usually what causes that familiar ache or cramp.⁵ Taking a little time to eat slowly and in smaller portions can make a big difference in avoiding that post-iftar discomfort.

3. Fatty and Fried Foods

   Post-Ramadan tables are often filled with rich, fried, and indulgent dishes. While these foods are comforting and celebratory, they can be hard on the digestive system. Fat slows down digestion, making the stomach feel heavy. It can also make the stomach more sensitive to stretching after a meal.

   More large-scale studies are needed to fully understand how different types of fat affect gut health. In the meantime, it’s still wise to be mindful of fat intake after Ramadan.

4. Hormonal and Metabolic Adjustments

   During fasting days, the body first uses stored glucose for energy and then shifts to burning fat.⁷ As blood sugar drops, the hunger hormone ghrelin rises, signaling that it’s time to eat. This natural process can trigger strong cravings for high-sugar and high-fat foods at Iftar, since the body wants a quick energy boost.⁷

   When sitting down to eat, it’s easy to overdo it. Again, large portions, fried dishes, and sugary treats all at once can overwhelm the digestive system, causing the stomach to feel uncomfortable.⁷ At the same time, the sudden spike in blood sugar can leave the body feeling sluggish once insulin works to bring levels back down.⁷

What to Do If You Experience Indigestion During Ramadan?

The mix of long hours without food, suddenly eating rich, heavy meals, and strong hormone-driven cravings often leaves you feeling tired, overly full, and bloated after breaking the fast. The good news? There are simple ways to ease digestion and feel more comfortable post-Ramadan.⁴

• Break fast Gently

  Start with light, easily digestible foods before moving on to heavier dishes. This gives the stomach a time to “wake up.”

• Eat Slowly

  Chew food thoroughly and avoid rushing. It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to register fullness. Moreover, eating slowly reduces overeating and air swallowing.

• Watch Portion Sizes

  Instead of one big meal, consider splitting iftar into two smaller portions spaced apart by an hour or two.

• Limit Fried and Spicy Foods

  Enjoy them in moderation. Balance your plate with fiber-rich vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates.

• Hydrate Smartly

  Drink water steadily between iftar and suhoor. Avoid chugging large amounts all at once. Herbal teas can also soothe digestion.

• Stay Active

  Light movement, such as a short walk after iftar, can increase gastric motility and reduce bloating.

You Don’t Need to Do it Alone!

When someone skips meals, whether during Ramadan or while practicing intermittent fasting, their body slows down the production of digestive enzymes.⁸ That’s why how they break the fast really matters.

Starting with easy-to-digest foods and taking the time to eat slowly can make a difference. Microbial-based digestive enzyme supplement can help the stomach ease back into digesting food.

Enzymax Forte® can be a digestive partner in breaking the fast during Ramadan.

Enzymax Forte® may help alleviate symptoms brought about by digestive enzyme deficiency or imbalance like dyspepsia and/or flatulence.⁹

Symptoms of functional indigestion may occur among the following groups of people:^10,11

• Elderly people
• People with gallbladder issues
• People with diabetes
• People with pancreatic disorders who need to undergo pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT)
• People who practice prolonged fasting

Enzymax Forte® is a rational choice for digestive enzyme support because of its capsule-inside-capsule technology, allowing dual-site release - in the stomach and intestines.⁹

It contains microbe-derived digestive enzymes (no pork or animal ingredient) that are acid-stable, they can begin supporting digestion in the stomach and continue working through the small intestine—providing steady support as the digestive environment shifts.⁹

For best results, Enzymax Forte® should be taken as 1 capsule at the start of the main meal. Enzymax Forte® is available in drugstores nationwide and online on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop at a suggested retail price (SRP) of Php48.00 per capsule and Php960.00 per box of 20 capsules.

MAHALAGANG PAALALA: ANG ENZYMAX FORTE® AY HINDI GAMOT AT HINDI DAPAT GAMITING PANGGAMOT SA ANUMANG URI NG SAKIT.