While there are many health advantages to fasting intermittently, including weight reduction and improved digestion, some people may have brief adverse effects. And one of those side effects of intermittent fasting is heartburn during the fasting hours, which is brought on by acid reflux, commonly known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Intense discomfort in the upper abdomen is brought on by acid reflux, which is the effect of excessive acidity. GERD can also result from persistent acid reflux (GER).
Can Fasting Cause Acid Reflux?
Your stomach continues to create stomach acid while you are fasting. When you fast, your stomach is either partially or entirely empty, which allows the acid to accumulate there. If this process isn’t stopped, the acidic fluid will eventually go up into your throat, causing pain in your chest and neck.
This intermittent fasting side effect often only occurs in the first few weeks after starting the diet and will go away with time, especially if you make some changes to your nutrition.
Additionally, when your body becomes used to intermittent fasting, acid reflux symptoms may lessen as well. This is because intermittent fasting is a terrific approach to improving your digestive health by giving your digestive organs a break. Your body manages to remove any hazardous materials while they’re doing this.
Today, there are even apps that provide useful information and recommendations on nutrition and keep tabs on your progress while fasting for a better experience.
Which Home Remedies Can Lower Acidity When Fasting?
Drinking warm water may lessen symptoms of acid reflux while fasting, according to experts. You should stay away from citrus fruits like lemons to prevent acidity triggers. Home treatments, such as the following, can help prevent acidity during fasting:
- Ginger tea: Ginger tea’s anti-inflammatory and alkaline qualities help to relieve gastrointestinal discomfort. According to research from 2022, ginger helps with GERD symptoms and heartburn relief.
- Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea calms digestive pain and lowers stomach acidity during fasting. Its anti-inflammatory effects lower stomach acid levels and alleviate symptoms of acid reflux. It eases tension in the muscles of the digestive tract, encourages normal digestion, and lessens the possibility of acid reflux. Chamomile tea thins the blood and can result in bleeding, thus those who are using blood thinners should avoid drinking it.
- Apple cider vinegar: Despite having a high acidity, apple cider vinegar helps digestion by balancing stomach acid. To lessen the effects of acidity, drink a glass of water and apple cider vinegar before a meal.
Which Supplements Are Most Effective In Lowering Acidity When Fasting?
Taking some supplements might help you to avoid acid reflux during fasting hours. These are as follows:
Probiotics
An increase in digestion and a decrease in inflammation are both benefits of probiotics. Yogurt, kefir, buttermilk, and sauerkraut are examples of foods that are fermented and contain probiotics.
Digestive Enzymes
The stomach and small intestine use digestive enzymes to break down food while regulating the amount of acid produced. Prior to eating, take digestive enzymes to enhance digestion and reduce acidity sensations. Common digestive enzymes like amylase, lipase, and protease may be found in foods including bananas, potatoes, honey, coconut, almonds, eggs, legumes, and fruits like pineapples.
Magnesium Supplements
Magnesium lessens digestive system irritation by controlling the flow of stomach acids. You may obtain magnesium through supplements or by consuming leafy greens, almonds, and whole grains, which are magnesium-rich foods.
Zinc Supplements
Zinc strengthens the immune system and benefits intestinal health. Oysters, steak, and pumpkin seeds are among the foods that you should include in your diet as sources of it.
B-Complex Vitamins
B vitamins provide energy, support the neurological system, and lessen stress—all of which may help to prevent acidity. B-complex vitamins, which include pyridoxine (B6), thiamine (B1), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), riboflavin (B2), folate (B9), cobalamin (B12), and biotin (B7) are available as supplements or in foods high in vitamins, such as meat, eggs, and leafy greens.
These probiotics can control acidity, but they cannot replace medical care. Consult a gastroenterologist if you have acidity symptoms frequently to ascertain the root of the problem and the best course of action.
Wrapping Up…
Acid reflux is a common digestive issue that can cause more severe issues if it occurs more frequently than once a week. It is caused by an empty stomach continuing to create the digestive acids that it normally uses, leading to pain, irritation, and a burning sensation.
To avoid acidity during intermittent fasting you can make simple dietary and lifestyle changes as well as follow these tips. But if that doesn’t help, consult with a doctor.
