Hi, glad to have found this sub!
I'm new to IF, I've chosen this method for weight loss for a variety of reasons and am doing 20:4 without any issues except for one fairly big one - indigestion.
When I break my fast and eat, say for example, a sandwich, about an hour later it's like I have a brick in my stomach. It's a really shitty feeling and it lasts for the remainder of my window and then some.
I feel like with such a brief eating window, I shouldn't cut back on food, but I don't know what else to do.
Has anyone had any issues like this? Maybe this will subside after a while? I did try and google but most of the results I get are about reflux and heartburn and aren't helpful.
Sorry if this is dumb, I'm just starting, I'm only a week in on this.
tyia
Answer
I used to have to run to the toilet 5 mins after breaking a long fast, evacuating just water essentially. Someone mentioned it was because when the digestive tract is empty, it fills with water and suggested breaking the fast with something small to allow your system to adjust and move water around.
Muslims usually break their fast with a glass of water/milk and a couple dates, go pray (10/20 mins), and then have their meal. Ever since hearing about the water thing, ive always thought this was the reason it is advised to do this in Islam.