February 19, 2026 | 01:10 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Fasting brings many health benefits to the body. However, if not accompanied by the right dietary habits during suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (meal to break the fast), it can potentially cause health complaints.
One of the most common complaints is feeling bloated or having a swollen stomach after breaking the fast.
What Causes Bloating?
Mira Dewi, a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition (FKGiz) at IPB University, stated that bloating is generally caused by a buildup of gas in the digestive tract. However, this condition can also be influenced by various other factors such as food intolerance, constipation, or digestive disorders.
"The most common cause of bloating is the accumulation of gas in the intestines. However, many other factors also play a role, such as food intolerance or digestive disorders," she said in a written statement on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Mira emphasized that fasting itself does not directly cause a bloated or swollen stomach. This complaint commonly arises due to incorrect dietary habits during suhoor and iftar.
"It needs to be ensured that fasting itself does not cause bloating. Usually, this complaint arises from improper eating habits, for example, consuming foods containing gas directly after breaking the fast," she stated.
She added that bloating is more frequently experienced by individuals with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or other digestive disorders.
Common Triggers During Ramadan
Some common habits that often trigger bloating during Ramadan include breaking the fast with a large portion after an empty stomach throughout the day, consuming gas-producing foods such as certain legumes, cabbage, and carbonated drinks, eating too quickly without proper chewing, and a lack of fluid intake from iftar until suhoor.
Tips to Prevent Bloating
To prevent bloating, Mira suggested that the public pay more attention to their dietary habits during fasting. She recommended eating slowly, without rushing, and avoiding bloating-triggering foods during suhoor and iftar.
"Try to break the fast gradually and avoid eating in large quantities right away. For those with lactose intolerance, it is better to limit milk consumption," she added.
Furthermore, Mira also emphasized the importance of fulfilling the body's fluid needs with water and maintaining regular physical activity or exercise during the month of Ramadan.
"Proper dietary habits, sufficient fluid intake, and regular exercise can help maintain digestive health during fasting," she said.
Read: Ramadan Fasting: When Should You Recite Your Intention?
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