UM Surabaya Nutritionist Describes a Safe Iftar Menu for Sufferers of Gastric Acid

04 Apr
2023

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UM Surabaya Nutritionist Describes a Safe Iftar Menu for Sufferers of Gastric Acid

Acid reflux disease is a digestive disease that can cause stomach pain. This disease usually attacks suddenly and lasts a short time, but there are times when this disease becomes very serious and lasts quite a long time. Stomach acid factor plays a very important role in gastritis or ulcer disease. Consumption of foods and beverages that trigger high gastric acid secretion is an important cause of gastritis.

Tri Kurniawati, Nutritionist at UM Surabaya, explained that one of the triggering factors for gastritis is the high consumption of protein in the daily menu. This is because a high-protein diet can trigger high gastric acid secretion. Tri said, the habit of consuming spicy food and drinking coffee can also trigger gastritis, this is because spicy food stimulates the digestive organs and can cause irritation to the mucous lining of the stomach, while the caffeine content in coffee can increase stomach acid production activity.

"For people who fast, the opportunity to meet calorie needs is increasingly limited. A sudden change in diet accompanied by activities that are relatively the same every day can have an impact on people who are fasting," said Tri Tuesday (4/4/23)

He said some of the impacts that were clearly visible were feeling weak in the body, decreased concentration, and reduced endurance which could lead to decreased activity and productivity. To avoid these impacts, adequate nutritional intake is needed. Daily calorie needs during the month of Ramadan can be met at the time of sahur and breaking the fast.

Furthermore, he said the amount of stomach acid production in people with stomach acid should not be excessive. The amount of stomach acid production is influenced by the time of meal and the type of food consumed.

"For people with stomach acid, they are still allowed to fast carefully so that worship can run smoothly," he added.

The following is how to choose a menu to break the fast to maintain stomach acid stability:

First, avoid spicy, seasoned and oily foods. Unhealthy fats are the main enemy for ulcer sufferers because they tend to be digested slowly and can trigger an increase in stomach acid. Not only that, spicy food can also cause stomach ache and make stomach acid rise easily.

Second, the selection of the right type of food ingredients. Types of food that can be recommended for ulcer sufferers, for example, low-fat meat (chicken breast or fish) and non-acidic fruit (pears, apples, bananas). The method of processing food also needs to be considered, preferably consuming foods that are processed by steaming, boiling or baking

"Finally, avoid consuming drinks that are acidic and contain caffeine because they can trigger stomach acid production," concluded Tri.