Fasting and indigestion

Indigestion can feel like upper-abdominal discomfort, burning, early fullness, bloating, nausea or belching. During a fast, an empty stomach and changing acid exposure may make symptoms noticeable. Eating a heavy meal quickly after the fast can stretch the stomach and encourage reflux. Spicy or fatty foods, coffee, fizzy drinks and lying down soon after eating may also aggravate symptoms. Recurrent indigestion can occur with Acid Reflux, Gastritis, a Hiatus Hernia, Gallstones, Peptic Ulcer or Helicobacter Pylori Infection, so fasting is not proof of a particular diagnosis.

Break the fast slowly with a modest portion, chew carefully and remain upright after eating. Notice whether specific foods, coffee or large portions bring symptoms on, and keep a short food-and-symptom diary. Avoid taking pain medicines or acid treatments differently from the instructions you were given. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether Acid Reflux Medication is suitable and whether another medicine may be irritating your stomach.

Get urgent help for indigestion with chest pressure, sweating, breathlessness, fainting, vomiting blood or black stools. Arrange a medical review for persistent or worsening symptoms, repeated vomiting, trouble swallowing, unexplained weight loss, anaemia symptoms or pain that repeatedly wakes you. Assessment may include an examination, medication review and targeted tests.

Could my symptoms be reflux, stomach inflammation, an ulcer, gallstones or an infection? Which foods and medicines should I avoid during a fast? Is fasting appropriate while my symptoms are being assessed?