Intermittent Fasting and Heartburn. Is There a Connection?

Can eating only during a specific time benefit your acid reflux condition or make it worse?

Intermittent fasting is very popular these days. It is basically an eating plan that switches between fasting and eating on a regular schedule.

Most people follow such plan in order to manage their weight while others follow it to prevent disease and basically to maintain or boost their health.

But what if you suffer from acid reflux or heartburn? Can fasting for 16 hours a day benefit this condition in any way?

Well, it is very individual. Not having any food for a very long time can lead to a reduction in your stomach acid but because your body is used to digesting food every 2-3 hours, the brain automatically signals the stomach to produce more acid which can trigger heartburn symptoms.

On the other hand, when you fast, your stomach secretes the hunger hormone Ghrelin, and it has been shown that when that hormone rises in your blood level your heartburn symptoms decrease.

I personally found intermittent fasting to be beneficial. At first it seemed odd not to eat as often as I once did. And my stomach started growling asking for food. I did not experience heartburn though. I actually felt great.

But a friend of mine who also suffers from acid reflux tried fasting for 18 hours and felt real bad. I’m not sure it if was too long for him or if his specific condition doesn’t respond well to fasting?

If you do decide to try intermittent fasting then please consult with your doctor first, especially if you’re on medications.

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