Chaitra Navratri 2024: How to Prevent Acidity During Fasting - Expert Tips

Chaitra Navratri is a nine-day festival during which devotees across India and the world worship Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms. This year, it started on April 9, 2024, and will end on Ram Navami, which is April 17. While people celebrate the auspicious festival in many ways, fasting is one of the most common rituals followed during these nine days.

Generally, fasting means abstaining from food and drink. This may be for your health or for religious or moral purposes. But regardless of the reason for your fast, a common problem reported by people who fast is acidity. We asked an expert if the two are linked and what can be done to reduce symptoms.

Researchers monitored acid levels and reflux in 25 patients with suspected GERD. While not everyone followed the plan perfectly, interestingly, those who did showed a slight reduction in acid exposure and experienced less heartburn and regurgitation during the fasting period.

However, more research is needed to understand the link between fasting and acidity.

Tips to avoid acidity while fasting
Sharing some tips to avoid acidity during fasting, Raj lists:

It is important to consume plenty of fluids throughout the fasting period.

Choose water-rich fruits like watermelon for hydration and some natural sugars.

Buttermilk and cold milk can provide a natural source of electrolytes and a soothing effect on the digestive system.

Warm water is an easy and effective way to stay hydrated and support digestion.

Consider adding peppermint or chamomile tea to your fasting routine, as herbal infusions have calming properties that ease anxiety and promote gut health.

When breaking your fast, focus on easily digestible, high-fiber foods like fruits and vegetables.

Almonds and other complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy and support healthy digestion.

Adding a teaspoon of fennel, black cumin or cloves to warm water can be a natural approach to manage bloating, indigestion, nausea and constipation.

Who should avoid fasting?
Fasting has been linked to a variety of potential health benefits. Studies have suggested that it may aid in weight loss by reducing overall calorie intake and may also improve blood sugar control, potentially benefiting people with type 2 diabetes, while also promoting heart health by lowering blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels. is However, it may not be for everyone.

“Diabetes, pregnant women and people with pre-existing medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, digestive problems or any other medical condition should consult a physician before starting the fast.