As the holy month of Ramadan is upon us, Malaysians are flocking to Ramadan bazaars every evening for a wide array of local delicacies. From colourful kuihs to juicy chicken murtabak, there are just so many delicious street food options that we simply CANNOT miss!
Like everyone else, food hunting at Ramadan bazaars has become our annual must-do. And if you were at TTDI Bazaar Ramadan recently, you may have noticed the Malaysian-favourite Abang Bomba making his rounds there too! Though it could be that he was getting something for iftar, it definitely didn’t seem like he was there just for the food…
So what was Abang Bomba actually doing there?
Abang Bomba was seen walking around the bazaar, speaking to customers and vendors. There were times when he posed and took pictures with some of the visitors too! Out of curiosity, we approached the Abang Bomba to find out what he was doing there. Abang Bomba basically told us that he was making rounds around the Ramadan bazaar to “put out fires”—wait, it’s not the kind you’re thinking of!
Due to irregular eating habits, heartburn and indigestion have become some of the most common health issues during Ramadan. This year, Abang Bomba is helping Malaysians “put out fires” in their guts by advocating healthy fasting, warning against bad eating habits, and reminding Malaysians to stock up on Gaviscon.
Here’s what we learned from Abang Bomba
Bloating, nausea, and burning sensations in the chest are just some of the most common symptoms of heartburn and indigestion. Abang Bomba explains that these symptoms can be triggered by bad fasting habits most Malaysians have, especially during Ramadan:
1. Sleeping or lying down after sahur
Maintaining an upright position after eating allows for easy and comfortable digestion. If you lie down after sahur, stomach acid could rise and reflux into the oesophagus, causing irritation, pain, and excessive gas.
2. Overeating during iftar
To satiate hunger, many tend to overeat or binge eat during iftar. Doing so does not only upset the stomach, but it can also lead to intestinal disorders. Besides, overeating is often accompanied by inadequate chewing, which burdens the digestive system.
3. Having spicy and oily foods
When consumed on an empty stomach, high-calorie fried foods are difficult to digest, which results in flatulence and bloating. Spicy foods, on the other hand, increase stomach acid and cause gastric irritation.
So how can we relieve heartburn and indigestion?
If you happen to experience heartburn and indigestion during Ramadan, the last thing you should do is ignore those symptoms. This is because untreated acid reflux can chronically damage the oesophagus, leading to severe conditions like ulcers, oesophagitis, and more!
While there are plenty of home remedies to treat heartburn and indigestion, they are not entirely risk-free. Misconsuming home remedies might worsen your symptoms, and some ingredients can even interact with medications, causing more serious complications!
Therefore, instead of trying out under-researched home remedies to relieve heartburn and indigestion, it’s best to opt for certified over-the-counter medication, such as Gaviscon!
In case you didn’t know, Gaviscon provides fast-acting and long-lasting relief for heartburn and indigestion!
The medicine works by forming a protective barrier inside your stomach, preventing excessive acid from entering the oesophagus. Not only that, but it also contains an antacid that neutralises stomach acid and reduces discomfort or pain.
Did we also mention that Gaviscon contains alginate and antacid that can be used on all individuals aged 12 years and older? It is also safe for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers! Gaviscon also comes in different forms to suit our needs and preferences:
- Liquid (in bottles or sachets)
- Chewable tablets
It is wise to constantly stock up on Gaviscon at home, especially during the fasting month—better be safe than sorry, right? If you haven’t already done so, you can find Gaviscon at most pharmacy chains or online via Shopee and Lazada.
Your symptoms of heartburn and indigestion should subside soon after taking Gaviscon. However, if the symptoms persist or return, be sure to seek medical attention immediately!
For more information regarding Gaviscon, visit their official website or follow them on:
