Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – One of the questions that often arises before and during the holy month of Ramadan is whether ulcer sufferers can fast or not. Public Health Practitioner dr. Ngabila Salama, MKM., has the answer to this question.

According to him, fasting is healthy for the body physically and mentally. Then, what about ulcer sufferers?

“For mild ulcer sufferers who are not severe and acute, fasting can actually make the ulcer improve, because of the minimal production of stomach acid due to the stomach working during fasting,” he said in a short message received, Wednesday (13/3/2024).

However, according to Ngabila, for ulcer sufferers, if it is acute and recurs (severe nausea and vomiting), don't fast yet.

“But if the ulcer is mild and is not recurring, then fasting is permissible and it can heal because stomach activity decreases during fasting, stomach acid production decreases, the ulcer will heal,” he said.

Ngabila also shared tips for healthy fasting in the CERDIK style. Here's the explanation:

1. Regular health checks
For patients who have comorbidities, consult a doctor. Patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, etc. need to adjust their medication schedule

2. Get rid of cigarette smoke
Fasting is the right time to reduce/stop smoking, maintain good immunity, avoid shortness of breath or smell

3. Exercise regularly
Keep light physical activity for 20 minutes to 30 minutes a day or at least 6,000 steps per day, just a light sweat to freshen your body, avoid physical activity before breaking the fast. Endorphins after exercise can make you relaxed, happy and productive.

4. Balanced diet
A. Sufficient fluid intake, avoid tea and coffee because they can cause diuresis/increase urination. Target a minimum of 2 liters per day, equivalent to 8 glasses of water @ 250 ml: 2 glasses when breaking the fast, 1 glass after maghrib prayer, 2 glasses after tarawih prayer, 1 glass before eating sahur, 2 glasses after eating sahur or the 5:3 formula . 5 glasses at night, 3 glasses at dawn.

B. It is better to eat small portions but often/small frequent feeding, stop eating before you are too full, fast sugar intake can be obtained from 1-2 dates, when breaking the fast, then eat small portions before tarawih, before bed, and at dawn. Avoid excessive fried foods, only a maximum of 2 pieces when breaking the fast

C. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables that contain water such as watermelon, melon, pears, apples. Avoid those that are too sour such as pineapple and oranges. Limit consumption of sugar, salt and fat. A maximum of 4 tablespoons of sugar a day, 1 teaspoon of salt, 5 tablespoons of fat

5. ⁠Get enough rest by sleeping at least 6 hours in 24 hours, avoid drinking coffee and tea to prevent caffeine and urinating a lot. Maximum sleep at 22.00 every day

6. ⁠Manage stress by worshiping fervently, chatting with relatives and family

[Gambas:Video CNBC]

(miq/miq)