Going without food for long hours during the fast makes heartburn, burning in the chest and acidity worse for many people. At iftar some break their fast with lemon water, while others see warm milk as an easy remedy for acidity. But do lemon water or milk really help, or is this just a popular belief?

When you go without food for a long time, acid builds up in the stomach. Suddenly eating fried, spicy or too much food at iftar can make that acid more active, causing heartburn and discomfort. Not drinking enough water, and taking tea, coffee or soft drinks, also make the problem worse. Many people believe that because lemon has an alkaline effect, lemon water helps reduce acidity.

Dr AKM Zobayer, assistant professor in the gastroenterology department of the National Gastroliver Institute and Hospital, said lemons contain citric acid. On an empty stomach or during severe acidity, lemon water can make symptoms worse for many people. For some, however, a little lemon in lukewarm water may ease discomfort. It varies from person to person.

He added that people who already have a gastric ulcer or severe reflux should drink lemon water with caution.

Milk is known to many as a "quick fix" for heartburn because it temporarily neutralises stomach acid and brings relief. But according to Dr Zobayer, full-fat milk can increase acid secretion again after a while, so symptoms may return after brief relief. Milk should therefore not be seen as a lasting solution.

He advised that, if needed, a small amount of low-fat or lightly warmed milk can be taken, but not too much.

Dr Zobayer said no single home remedy for acidity works for everyone, and following healthy daily routines is the best solution.

If symptoms such as repeated severe heartburn, difficulty swallowing, vomiting or dark stools appear during the fast, medical advice should be sought without delay, as they may signal a more serious problem.

Lemon water and milk can both give temporary relief in some cases but can also worsen symptoms for others. So rather than following them blindly, it is important to pay attention to your own physical condition.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.