Nine essential tips to help kidney patients fast safely in Ramadan
Key recommendations for kidney patients during Ramadan include consulting a doctor, monitoring kidney function, minimizing exertion, staying hydrated, adjusting diet and medication, and watching for symptoms of complications, said Dr. Turki Al-Otaibi.
• “Patients with acute renal failure, experiencing sudden or rapid kidney function deterioration, are advised not to fast until their kidneys fully recover. For patients with chronic renal failure, the ability to fast depends on the severity of their condition, as determined by the physician,” said Dr. Turki Al-Otaibi, Head of Nephrology at the Kuwait Center for Nephrology and Kidney Transplant.
Dr. Turki Al-Otaibi, Head of Nephrology at the Kuwait Center for Nephrology and Kidney Transplant, shared nine key medical guidelines to help kidney patients fast safely during the holy month of Ramadan, minimizing risks and preventing complications, Al Rai newspaper reported.
Al-Otaibi pointed out that “complications that may arise for kidney patients during fasting include dehydration due to a lack of fluids, as well as the potential negative effects of changing medication schedules. Irregular medication intake during fasting can impact health, especially for patients with chronic diseases commonly associated with kidney dialysis, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart and liver diseases. Additionally, fasting may cause an imbalance in blood salt levels, such as increased potassium or sodium, which can negatively affect overall health.”
He added, “Therefore, the decision to fast should only be made after consulting a treating physician to assess the patient’s health condition and determine their ability to fast. Proper medical guidance should be provided, along with periodic monitoring throughout the holy month.”
Kidney health and fasting
Regarding fasting during Ramadan for kidney patients ofvarious medical conditions, Al-Otaibi explained that “patients with acute renal failure, experiencing sudden or rapid kidney function deterioration, are advised not to fast until their kidneys fully recover.
For patients with chronic renal failure, the ability to fast depends on the severity of their condition, as determined by the treating physician. Chronic renal failure is classified into five stages, ranging from mild (Stage 1) to severe (Stage 5).
He stated that “fasting is permitted for patients with first- and second-degree chronic renal failure if their kidney function is stable. However, patients with third-degree chronic renal failure are not permitted to fast if they also suffer from diabetes, heart disease, or liver disease. Therefore, fasting may be allowed for third-degree patients only if their kidney function is completely stable and they have no other chronic conditions.”
Dialysis patients
Regarding hemodialysis patients, Al-Otaibi explained that “these patients undergo hemodialysis sessions three times a week, during which intravenous solutions are administered, invalidating the fast. Therefore, hemodialysis patients are advised not to fast on dialysis days but may do so on non-dialysis days while following dietary guidelines and limiting fluid intake to no more than one liter per day after Iftar, with continuous monitoring during dialysis sessions. Peritoneal dialysis patients, however, cannot fast due to the presence of nutrients in the dialysis fluids.”
Kidney transplant patients
Al-Otaibi noted that “kidney transplant patients are allowed to fast only after a full year has passed since the transplant, provided that kidney function is completely stable, blood pressure is well controlled, and there are no other unstable health conditions such as high blood sugar, heart disease, or liver disease. Additionally, the timing of immunosuppressive medications must be adjusted with the treating physician to avoid negatively affecting the transplanted kidney. In cases of chronic failure in the transplanted kidney, the fasting conditions applicable to chronic renal failure also apply.”
Key recommendations for kidney patients
Al-Otaibi provided “several key recommendations for kidney patients permitted to fast by their physicians. These include re-evaluating kidney function after 5 to 7 days of fasting to ensure fasting has not adversely affected the kidneys, minimizing physical exertion during the day, avoiding high temperatures, and staying well-hydrated between Iftar and Suhoor. However, dialysis patients fasting on non-dialysis days should limit fluid intake to no more than one liter per day. Additionally, patients should reduce consumption of foods high in sodium, potassium, sugars, and fats, and limit protein intake, particularly those with chronic kidney failure.”
He emphasized “the importance of monitoring patients for any signs of kidney damage or complications resulting from fasting, as well as ensuring that medication schedules are adjusted by the treating physician to align with Suhoor and Iftar.”
He added, “God Almighty loves for His concessions to be taken advantage of, just as He loves for His commandments to be fulfilled, and He does not burden a soul beyond its capacity,” wishing health and safety to all patients.
Nine essential guidelines for kidney patients during fasting
- Obtain a doctor’s evaluation to determine the patient’s ability to fast.
- Reassess kidney function after 5 to 7 days of fasting.
- Minimize physical exertion during the day in Ramadan.
- Avoid exposure to high temperatures.
- Stay well-hydrated between Iftar and Suhoor, except for dialysis patients.
- Reduce intake of foods high in sodium, potassium, sugars, and fats.
- Limit protein intake for patients with chronic renal failure.
- Monitor for any symptoms of kidney damage or complications from fasting.
- Adjust medication schedules under medical supervision to align with Suhoor and Iftar.
