تحذير لمرضى القولون: هذه الأطعمة تحول رمضان إلى كابوس.. وهذه تنقذك!

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome face specific challenges during the holy month of Ramadan due to changes in meal times, overeating certain foods, and long nights, which may increase symptoms of bloating, gas, cramps, diarrhea, or constipation. However, by following a well-planned diet and simple tips, most of them can fast safely and with relative comfort.
According to the recommendations of gastroenterologists and nutritionists, there is a set of tips for a recommended healthy and safe diet.

The Best Diet for Colon Patients During Ramadan
- Focus on a low-FODMAP diet (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) as much as possible, with gradual adjustments based on the body's response.
- Divide meals into small, frequent portions instead of one large meal.
- Start slowly at iftar to give the stomach a chance to adjust after long hours of fasting.
- Drink adequate amounts of water (preferably 2-3 liters distributed between iftar and suhoor) at spaced intervals.

Colon-Friendly Foods
It is recommended at iftar to consume 1 to 3 dates along with a cup of water or a light warm vegetable soup (lentils or cooked vegetables), light protein (grilled fish, boiled or grilled chicken, boiled eggs), easy carbohydrates (white rice, boiled potatoes, white bread or toast, oats in moderate amounts), as well as cooked vegetables (zucchini, carrots, potatoes).
For suhoor, it is advised to eat lactose-free yogurt or low-fat Greek yogurt, cottage cheese or low-salt white cheese, oats with banana or strawberries, boiled eggs, and toasted bread.
It is also preferable to consume soothing drinks such as: mint, anise, caraway, fennel, light ginger, chamomile to help calm cramps and bloating.
Prohibited Foods to Avoid or Minimize
- Fatty and fried foods (samosas, fried kofta, French fries, pasta with béchamel).
- Heavy legumes (fava beans, chickpeas, lentils in large amounts, foul medames, ta'ameya, koshari).
- Gas-producing vegetables (raw onions, raw garlic, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, green beans).
- Regular dairy products (whole milk, aged cheese, ice cream) – replace with lactose-free options.
- Soft drinks, processed juices, coffee, and tea in excess (caffeine irritates the colon).
- Sweets rich in sugar or fat (kunafa, basbousa, ice cream, chocolate).
- Spicy seasonings, vinegar, excessive lemon, pickles.
- Nuts in large quantities (especially pistachios and cashews).
General Tips to Reduce Symptoms During Ramadan
- Chew food well and slowly.
- Do not overeat immediately after iftar; wait 30 - 60 minutes before having the main meal.
- Engage in light walking after iftar (helps regulate bowel movement).
- Ensure adequate sleep (at least 7 hours) and reduce staying up late.
- Avoid stress as much as possible (stress exacerbates irritable bowel syndrome symptoms).