Experts weigh in on Hina Khan’s suggestion of ‘one Ajwa date during sehri to avoid acidity’

Hina Khan, who is now undergoing immunotherapy after completing chemotherapies, recently informed her fans and followers that she will be practising roza throughout the holy month of Ramadan.

Giving guidance to those fasting, she posted on Instagram Stories: "Start your Sehri with one Ajwa date if you can to avoid acidity."

Starting your sehri with a type of date known as Ajwa can be a nice way to ease into your fast, but "it's not a magic fix for acidity," says Kanikka Malhotra, a consultant dietician and certified diabetic educator.

“While dates help by neutralising stomach acid, providing fibre for digestion, and even protecting the stomach lining, they work best when part of a well-balanced meal,” said Malhotra, Indian Express reported.

Dr Dilip Gude, senior consultant physician at Yashoda Hospitals in Hyderabad, stated that after 16 hours or more of fasting with no water or fluids, the human body tends to shift into a fight/flight mode.

“Acidity kicks in with the stomach producing lots of acid. The lower oesophagal sphincter tone also drops, which adds to the reflux. Some overweight people tend to have a hiatus hernia, which worsens acidity. As such, it is important to take care of acidity. While dates can help with the impending hypoglycemia, the best way to combat acidity is to drink buttermilk that neutralises the pent-up acid in the stomach,” said Dr Gude.

Malhotra said that to keep acidity at bay, focus on complex carbs like whole grains, decent protein sources like eggs, tofu, or yoghurt (if you like them), and healthy fats from nuts or seeds. Soya, lettuce, broccoli, celery, and cheese may also assist, according to Dr. Gude.

“In those with pre-existing esophagitis with gastric ulcers with/without duodenal ulcers, it is imperative to be on acid suppression therapies like proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole, pantoprazole, etc. Also, sucralfate with oxetacaine may help,” said Dr Gude.

Avoid spicy, oily foods, fizzy drinks, and excessive coffee, as they might cause acid reflux, Malhotra added. “And don’t forget to stay hydrated — sip water steadily instead of gulping it all at once. Eating slowly and mindfully also makes a difference. A holistic Sehri will keep you comfortable and energised throughout your fast, not just one date,” said Malhotra.

Dr Gude said it’s always advisable to “eat an easily digestible alkaline diet” with more emphasis on the above-mentioned foods.