Digestive Issues During Eid: How to Prevent & Alleviate Discomfort

Digestive issues are common during Eid Al-Fitr due to large feasts, diverse meals, and changes in eating habits after a month of fasting. The most common symptoms include bloating, indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea.

Nutritionist Abir Abou Rjaily from Diet of The Town shares some essential tips to help prevent or relieve digestive discomfort during the Eid holiday.

Avoid Gas-Producing Foods

Certain foods produce excess gas during digestion, such as cabbage, cauliflower, beans, fava beans, and carbonated drinks. To prevent bloating and gas, it is best to avoid these foods and drinks.

Healthier alternatives:

✔ Replace cabbage with lettuce or iceberg lettuce.

✔ Opt for a light breakfast with toast and white cheese or labneh instead of fava beans.

✔ Avoid legumes like beans and lentils at lunch and dinner.

✔ Completely eliminate carbonated drinks, as the carbon dioxide in them triggers bloating and other digestive issues.

Eat Slowly & Chew Well

✅ Chew your food slowly and thoroughly, as this:

• Enhances the feeling of fullness, preventing overeating.

• Reduces bloating and indigestion.

🚫 Avoid talking while eating, as it causes air swallowing, which leads to bloating.

Divide Meals into Smaller Portions

Instead of eating large meals, opt for small, frequent meals throughout the day to prevent digestive issues.

Also, limit fatty and heavy meals, as they:

• Take longer to digest.

• Provide minimal vitamins and minerals.

Avoid Sleeping Immediately After Eating

❌ Do not eat late at night and go to bed right after.

✔ Ensure your last meal is at least 2-3 hours before bedtime.

Say No to Chewing Gum

Chewing gum causes excess air intake, leading to gas buildup.

💡 If you must chew gum, do so for only 5 minutes after lunch to freshen breath.

Reduce Stress & Anxiety

Stress contributes to bloating and digestive issues. To relax:

✔ Engage in stress-relieving activities, such as walking or going to the beach.

✔ Drink herbal teas like chamomile, mint, or anise to ease bloating.

Quit Smoking

Eid is a great time to quit smoking!

🚭 Smoking worsens indigestion and has serious health risks, including:

• Heart disease

• Blood vessel damage

• Skin aging

• Brain-related diseases

• Increased cancer risk

Stay Hydrated

💧 Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily to:

✔ Support digestion

✔ Stimulate intestinal function

✔ Prevent constipation

Expert Tip for Digestive Patients During Eid

If you experience bloating and digestive issues due to Eid feasts, consider:

✔ Taking antacid medications after meals.

✔ Using digestive aids for indigestion and colon bloating.

✔ Avoiding fried, fatty, and sugary foods to prevent further discomfort.

By following these tips, you can enjoy Eid without digestive distress! 🎉