(MENAFN- The Peninsula) People with kidney disease are advised to take precautions if they choose to fast during Ramadan.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD), a long-term condition involving gradual loss of kidney function, can be categorised into five stages based on severity. CKD affects about 13 percent of Qatar's population.
"The category of severity of the disease can indicate if a patient will be able to fast safely," said Dr Hassan Al Malki, Senior Consultant, Nephrology and Transplant, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).
"For instance, patients with acute kidney failure should not fast until they fully recover.
"However, CKD patients have different stages of nephropathy (kidney disease) and those diagnosed with stage three CKD or higher are advised not to fast as their kidneys fail to retain normal rates of body fluids, making them susceptible to further renal dysfunction and damage," he cautioned.
Dr Al Malki stressed that abstaining from food and water for long hours can lead to dehydration. CKD patients should consult their physician to assess the severity of their condition and potential risks associated with fasting.
"Haemodialysis (a type of renal replacement therapy) patients typically undergo dialysis three times per week and cannot fast due to IV fluid intake during the procedure.
"However, they can fast during the rest of the week," Dr Al Malki added.
He also advised kidney transplant patients to refrain from fasting due to their need to comply with prescribed medication dosages and times.
As many kidney transplant patients are diabetic, fasting may have a negative impact on their health. It is imperative that they consult their physician before they decide to fast.
Ayman Alawneh, a Dietitian at HMC, said patients with kidney disease must consult their dietitian to ensure adequate protection against potential complications while fasting.
He said many kidney disease patients tend to overlook the importance of maintaining a healthy and balanced diet while fasting.
According to him, each kidney disease has its dietary requirement for Ramadan.
"If physicians approve fasting for pre-dialysis kidney patients, they should maintain a diet low in protein-rich foods to avoid imposing extra burden on their kidneys that could lead to complete renal failure and increase urea in their system," he advised.
"On the contrary, dialysis patients need to increase protein intake, especially animal proteins, to compensate for the protein lost during the dialysis process.
"Pre-dialysis patients should drink two to three litres of fluid per day if the volume of urine they pass is within the normal rate, otherwise they should reduce their fluid intake to avoid water retention that could affect the heart and lungs," Dr Al Malki added.
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