"After the month of Ramadan, the organism responds better not to a mixed food regime, but to a normal rhythm and balanced regime. The digestive system, which is accustomed to fasting from morning till evening, finds the most logical approach to be feeding not in three large portions from the very first day, but in three main and 1-2 small in-between meals."
Medianews.az Reports, referring to Oxu.Az, that these statements were made by Emin Məmmədov, a specialist expert gastroenterologist from the Ministry of Health, during a live broadcast on the official "Instagram" account of the institution.
"Consuming large amounts of oily pilaf, sautéed meat, kebab, stuffed dishes, and sweets at the same sitting during the holiday table delays gastric emptying and can especially cause discomfort in people prone to reflux, dyspepsia, gallstones, or pancreatitis. Therefore, first of all, the principle of 'a little bit of everything' is considerably safer than 'a plate of everything.' Starting the meal with soup, salad, yogurt, or a light protein source can naturally reduce the amount of sweets and pastries consumed afterward."
Another important point is fluids. Suddenly drinking a lot of tea, carbonated drinks, and sweet syrups after Ramadan may increase thirst even more. Water intake throughout the day should be increased gradually, and sugary drinks should not be chosen as the main source of fluids. Immediately lying down after a very heavy meal in the evening also increases reflux and digestive disturbance; a short walk after eating is more beneficial."
The specialist expert noted that for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease, chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, gallstones, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and fatty liver, overeating during the holiday often results in symptom flare-ups:
"In this group, it is more appropriate to keep portions small, consume sweets separately and in small amounts rather than on top of the main meal, and lighten the late-night meal. If belching, chest burning, bloating, pain under the right ribs, or nausea develop, this is no longer a 'holiday norm.'"