Acid reflux is a condition that occurs when stomach acid flows backward into the oesophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest, also known as heartburn. This usually happens when the lower oesophageal sphincter, which is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus, loosens, allowing stomach contents to flow back up.
While acidity medications, healthy food choices, and changes in eating habits can reduce acid reflux episodes, some people believe that intermittent fasting, which is an eating pattern, can help ease symptoms. To confirm or debunk the same, the OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Manoj Gupta, Head of Liver Transplant and Surgical Gastroenterology, PSRI Hospital, Delhi.
Also Read: Why Is Oesophageal Cancer More Common In The UK Than The Rest Of Europe?
What Is Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent Fasting (IF) is a fasting method which involves alternating between fasting and eating on a regular schedule. This means you have a typical diet for a set time of hours or days, and at the end of the set time, you switch back to fasting until the next eating period arrives.
This time-restricted eating pattern consists of several methods, such as the 16/8 method (eating within an 8-hour window), the 5:2 method (fasting for two days a week), and alternate-day fasting, which requires alternating between a normal eating day and a day when you consume a significantly reduced amount of calories.
According to Dr Gupta, unlike many diets that focus on what you eat, intermittent fasting focuses more on when you eat. In terms of digestive health, intermittent fasting can have short-term benefits such as better digestion and reduced bloating.
A 2019 review by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that IF offers several health benefits, including improvements in metabolic health, cardiovascular health, and even potential longevity. This means that IF can not only enhance the body's sensitivity to insulin, which is crucial for regulating blood sugar levels, but it can also reduce inflammation throughout the body, a key factor in many chronic diseases.
Can Intermittent Fasting Help Ease Acid Reflux Symptoms?
Dr Gupta shared that meal timing through intermittent fasting can help reduce acid reflux symptoms. "By limiting the eating window, intermittent fasting reduces the amount of acid exposure in the oesophagus," he said.
A small study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that participants who followed the 16:8 fasting routine experienced a slight drop in acid levels in the oesophagus but more noticeably, people felt better, reporting fewer and milder symptoms during the fasting days.
"One reason is that eating large meals often leads to air buildup in the stomach, causing pressure that weakens the valve between the stomach and the oesophagus. This can result in acid reflux. By eating smaller meals within a specific time frame and allowing the stomach to rest for longer periods, intermittent fasting can ease these symptoms and support better digestive health," Dr Gupta explained.
Also Read: Do You Frequently Have Acid Reflux Symptoms? Signs You May Have Erosive Oesophagitis Too
Which IF Fasting Schedule Is Considered Safest For Acid Reflux Sufferers?
According to Dr Gupta, the 16:8 intermittent fasting method is considered the safest and most effective for people who suffer from acid reflux.
In this approach, you consume all your meals within an eight-hour period and fast for the remaining 16 hours. This schedule gives the stomach enough time to empty properly and reduces pressure on the lower oesophageal sphincter, helping to prevent acid reflux.
However, anyone starting intermittent fasting, especially those with digestive issues, should consult a doctor to create a plan that suits their individual health needs.
A Word Of Advice
Intermittent Fasting (IF) is a widely adopted eating pattern that is said to have several health benefits. For people with acid reflux, IF may provide temporary relief; however, individual responses may vary, and it is always recommended to consult a doctor if you have chronic acidity or indigestion.