Stomach Acidity: How to Avoid Acidity During Intermittent Fasting?

The stomach produces a colorless fluid namely stomach acid, which breaks down food and absorbs nutrients. In some people, stomach acid may cause acidity during intermittent fasting. Use home remedies and supplements for treating acidity. 

Highlights:

• In some people, high levels of stomach acid cause acidity during intermittent fasting. 
• Probiotics and mineral supplements can help decrease stomach acidity.
• Chamomile and ginger tea, or apple cider vinegar alleviate acidity during fasting. 

Which home remedies reduce acidity during intermittent fasting?

Experts believe drinking warm water may reduce stomach acid. To prevent triggers of acidity, you should avoid citrus fruits like lemon. Acidity during fasting can be also avoided with home remedies, including:

• Ginger tea: The alkaline nature and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger tea soothe digestive distress. Research published in 2022 believes ginger reduces heartburn and alleviates GERD symptoms.
• Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea reduces stomach acidity and soothes digestive discomfort during fasting. Its anti-inflammatory properties ease acid reflux symptoms and reduce stomach acid levels. It relaxes the digestive tract muscles, promotes healthy digestion, and reduces the risk of acid reflux. However, people taking blood thinners should avoid chamomile tea, as it thins the blood and cause bleeding.
• Apple cider vinegar: Despite being acidic, apple cider vinegar neutralizes stomach acid and improves digestion. Take apple cider vinegar with a glass of water before a meal to reduce the symptoms of acidity.

Also read: Intermittent Fasting Diet Plan to Lose Weight – Types and Rules

Which supplements can reduce acidity during intermittent fasting?

If you’re unable to cope with acidity while fasting intermittently, try supplements, such as: 

1. Probiotics: Probiotics contain gut-friendly bacteria that reduce inflammation and improve digestion. You can get probiotics from fermented foods — yogurt, kefir, buttermilk, and sauerkraut. 
2. Digestive enzymes: Digestive enzymes break down food in the stomach and small intestine and control acid production. Take digestive enzymes before meals to improve digestion and alleviate symptoms of acidity. Common digestive enzymes —  amylase, lipase, and protease can be obtained from bananas, potatoes, honey, coconut, nuts, egg, legumes, and fruits like pineapples.
3. Magnesium supplements: By regulating the production of stomach acids, magnesium reduces inflammation in the digestive tract. To get magnesium, you can use supplements or magnesium-rich foods — leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains.
4. Zinc supplements: Zinc improve gut health and promotes a healthy immune system. You should add it to your diet either through supplements or foods — oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds.
5. B-complex vitamins: B vitamins produce energy, maintain the nervous system, and reduce stress, which may contribute to acidity. B-complex vitamins —  thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folate (B9), and cobalamin (B12) can be obtained from supplements or vitamin-rich foods— meat, eggs, and leafy greens.

However, these probiotics can manage acidity but are not substitute for medical treatment. If you experience persistent symptoms of acidity, consult a gastroenterologist to determine the underlying cause and treatment.

Also read: How To Avoid Empty Stomach Acidity In Ramadan?

Which foods increase acidity while fasting intermittently?

Nutritionists believe while fasting intermittently, avoiding overeating and unhealthy diet during mealtime is necessary. Foods that must be avoided to reduce acidity include:

• Meat
• Sugar
• Trans fats
• Refined starches
• Fried foods
• Alcohol and caffeine beverages

Also read: What to Eat During Intermittent Fasting – Best Options to Stay Healthy

What are the common symptoms of acidity during intermittent fasting?

Common symptoms of acidity while fasting intermittently include:

1. Heartburn: Burning sensation in the chest or throat caused by stomach acid flowing into the esophagus is heartburn. It may get worse after eating or lying down and may last for 5-7 hours.
2. Regurgitation: Regurgitation occurs when stomach acid comes into the throat, causing a sour or bitter taste in the mouth. It is often accompanied by the feeling of acid coming up into the throat, causing bad breath.
3. Nausea: Uncomfortable feeling accompanied by the urge to vomit is nausea. It can be mild or severe and make eating or drinking difficult.
4. Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain is a common symptom of acidity and can be felt as a sharp or dull pain in the upper abdomen, accompanied by a feeling of discomfort. 
5. Difficulty swallowing: Swallowing difficulty or dysphagia is a feeling of obstruction in the throat, making it difficult to swallow food or liquids. It can be uncomfortable and accompany the symptoms like coughing or choking.

Other conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, or gastritis, may cause these symptoms. 

What are the causes of acidity during intermittent fasting?

Intermittent fasting may benefit human health but alter the balance of stomach acid in different ways, including:

• • Empty stomach: Research studies claim that an empty stomach increases stomach acids in intermittent fasting, leading to acid buildup. 
  • Acid buildups: People experience severe acidity symptoms during intermittent fasting because these acid buildups cause acid reflux, heartburn, and stomach discomfort.
  • Food thoughts: Research study suggests smelling or thinking about food also triggers the stomach to produce more acid, leading to acidity during fasting intermittently. Moreover, acid buildup in the stomach also causes acidity during fasting intermittently.

If you are doing intermittent fasting and experiencing stomach acidity, seek immediate online medical consultation from the best gastroenterologist. Also, eat a balanced and highly-nutritious diet during non-fasting periods to support overall health and well-being. 

Conclusion

Home remedies and natural supplements can help manage the symptoms of acidity while fasting intermittently. Eat smaller and more frequent meals, and practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation to cope with acidity symptoms.

FAQs

1. Is intermittent fasting with acidity ok?

Intermittent fasting may increase the production of stomach acid and aggravate acidity in some people. However, it’s completely ok to have acidity during fasting. 

2. Which foods neutralize stomach acidity during intermittent fasting?

Certain foods, including oatmeal, ginger, bananas, melons, green vegetables, almonds, and whole grains can help neutralize stomach acidity. Listen to your body and avoid foods that trigger acidity symptoms.

3. Does dehydration cause acidity during fasting intermittently?

Intermittent fasting might cause dehydration, which aggravates acidity. Deal with this by staying hydrated during non-fasting hours with low-calorie drinks, water, chicken broth, and fresh vegetable or fruit juices can help reduce acidity.