Ramadan & Gut Health | Prof. Dr Giovanni Leonetti | Cornerstone Clinic | Dubai

Ramadan has officially started, and our fellow Muslim friends worldwide abstain from eating food and drinking from dawn till dusk for the next month. This fasting period can have an effect on our digestive system. Prof. Dr Giovanni Leonetti, a general surgeon at Cornerstone Clinic, understands the importance of gut wellness during Ramadan and provides us with valuable insights on navigating the holy month.

 

MOST COMMON DIGESTIVE ISSUES WHILE FASTING

The most common disorders of the digestive system reported during Ramadan include:

• heartburn
• acid reflux
• indigestion
• bloating and constipation.

 

These common symptoms are usually caused by suddenly overeating after a long period of fasting or eating a large quantity of food. Taking probiotics during fasting can help increase the likelihood that the beneficial bacteria will reach the gut where they can begin to colonise and have the greatest impact on bowel movement and therefore maintain digestive balance during the fasting period. Probiotics also reduce the sense of craving which in turn increases the satiety during fasting.

 

PROBIOTIC-RICH FOODS THAT ARE BENEFICIAL DURING RAMADAN

There are many healthy probiotic foods that you can find and eat during Ramadan. Some fermented foods that naturally contain probiotics are:

• Yogurt and kefir (milk or non-dairy based, such as soy, coconut, and water);
• Sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles;
• Miso, tamari (soy);
• Kombucha;
• Sour cream, cottage cheese, aged cheese.

Incorporating these at Iftar not only aids in replenishing the beneficial bacteria in your gut but also helps in the smoother breakdown and absorption of nutrients from other foods consumed during the meal.

 

FIBRES AND PREVENTING CONSTIPATION

Fibre is mostly found in vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and legumes. There is a difference between soluble fibre and insoluble fibre.

• Soluble fibre dissolves in water creating a gel-like substance that is very helpful to bulken stool.  
• Insoluble fibre does not dissolve in water, instead it attracts the water to the stool making it softer therefore preventing constipation.

 

BEST HIGH IN FIBRE FOODS THAT CAN BE INCLUDED IN SUHOOR AND IFTAR FOR A BETTER DIGESTION

• Bananas: Provide potassium and natural sugars for quick energy;
• Apples and pears: High in fibre, promoting slow digestion and long-lasting satiety;
• Cucumbers and leafy greens: Keep you hydrated and provide essential vitamins.
• Dates: A traditional Ramadan staple, dates offer natural sugars, fibre, and vital minerals.

 

If you would like to book a consultation at Cornerstone Clinic, at Grosvenor in Dubai Marina, please contact us on  +971 50 494 6377

 

Prof. Dr. Giovanni Leonetti is a licensed general surgeon who obtained his medical degree at the University of Rome “La Sapienza”, where he also received his PhD in Advanced Technologies in Surgery. He teaches Gastroenterology at Unicamillus Health University of Rome.

During his career, he has refined the most modern and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy techniques for treating diseases affecting the digestive system