Dr Benjamin Yip, Medical Director and Consultant Gastroenterologist at Alpha Digestive & Liver Centre, was featured in Berita Harian (23 February 2026) sharing practical guidance on common digestive issues during Ramadan and the festive period that follows.
Why digestive symptoms more common in Ramadan
According to Dr Yip, many people experience bloating, gastric discomfort, constipation, or an “upset stomach” during Ramadan—and sometimes these symptoms can carry on into Hari Raya. Importantly, he highlights that the problem is usually not fasting itself, but how we prepare the digestive system and how we eat before, during, and after fasting.
Ramadan naturally compresses eating into a shorter window, which can lead to:
- Larger meals in a shorter time
- Less fluid intake during the day
- Faster eating at iftar
- Changes in sleep patterns
When this is followed by more frequent snacking and feasting during the festive season, the digestive system can struggle to adapt—especially if eating habits become irregular or excessive.
Common gut problems Dr Yip sees during Ramadan
Dr Yip outlines several digestive complaints that tend to show up most often:
1) Acid reflux & upper abdominal discomfort
He explains that heavy, oily, or spicy foods at iftar can increase stomach acid and trigger heartburn, nausea, or discomfort—especially if you eat quickly or lie down soon after eating.
2) Bloating & indigestion
Bloating often happens after breaking fast, not during fasting hours. After a long fast, the gut can become more sensitive, so suddenly eating a large amount (especially fried, oily, or sugary foods) can slow digestion and cause discomfort. Carbonated drinks and late-night eating can worsen that “too full” feeling.
3) Constipation
Lower daytime fluid intake, along with low-fibre choices, can contribute to constipation. This may continue into the festive season if hydration and bowel habits aren’t restored gradually.
4) Diarrhoea/stomach upset
Some people experience loose stools when the digestive system is adjusting to new mealtimes and heavier foods—particularly when meals are rich, oily, or eaten quickly after fasting.
The bigger point: it’s often the “yo-yo” cycle
A key message from Dr Yip is that digestive discomfort and weight-management struggles commonly come from a cycle of strict restriction followed by overeating, without giving the body enough time to adjust. He notes that a structured routine, balanced meals, and gradual adjustments tend to be easier on digestion than sudden, irregular eating patterns.
Practical tips from Dr Yip to support gut health
Here are the simple, high-impact habits he recommends:
For sahur
- Choose higher-fibre options (e.g., oats, fruits, vegetables)
- Include enough protein to stay fuller
- Drink sufficient fluids to prepare for the fasting day
For iftar
- Break fast moderately with smaller portions first
- Avoid overeating immediately
- Limit fried and very sugary foods at the start of the meal
Hydration
- Drink enough between iftar and sahur, but avoid “chugging” huge amounts in one go
- This can reduce bloating and reflux and supports better absorption
During the festive period
- Space out meals and avoid continuous snacking
- Eat slowly and stop when comfortably full
- Balance festive foods with vegetables and lighter dishes
- Keep fluids consistent
When should you see a doctor?
Dr Yip advises getting digestive symptoms assessed if they:
- persist after the festive period
- disrupt daily life
- involve severe pain, vomiting, or unexplained weight loss
- recur every Ramadan season
A gentle reminder
Gut symptoms can vary from person to person, and the article also reminds readers that the information is for general education and does not replace personalised medical advice.
Source / Credit: Berita Harian — Dr Benjamin Yip was featured sharing gut health tips for Ramadan and the festive period.
