Muslims observe long hours of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, remaining without food and drink for nearly 16 hours. During this period, the body’s routine also changes and some people experience lethargy, fatigue and digestive issues.

Many people also complain of stomach pain and constipation during fasting. Medical experts Dr Naveed Qasim, Dr Naveed Atta Malik and cardiologist Dr Shahid say that such problems often occur when people consume large quantities of food immediately after iftar.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, they said overeating — particularly food rich in carbohydrates — can cause bloating and digestive disturbances. They added that highly acidic and spicy foods after iftar, heavy meals before sleeping and dehydration can also lead to stomach pain.

Experts say that simple precautionary measures can help control constipation and stomach pain during fasting. The most important step is to overcome dehydration. Drinking water at intervals after iftar is considered beneficial, and experts recommend consuming at least eight to ten glasses of water daily to maintain proper hydration.

Careful selection of food is also important. Excessive consumption of fried and heavily spiced foods such as pakoras, samosas or spicy chana chaat at iftar can put pressure on the stomach. Instead, light and cooling foods are considered better.

According to experts, fruits such as melon and watermelon can be beneficial for the stomach, while vegetables like cabbage, okra and lentils are also considered helpful for digestion.