DOHA: Kidney patients are advised to consult their physicians to assess the severity of their condition and any potential risks associated with fasting.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD), a long-term condition involving the 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 a patient’s kidney disease can indicate if he or she will be able to fast safely.
“Patients with acute kidney failure should not fast until they fully recover. However, CKD patients have different stages of nephropathy (kidney disease), and those with stage three CKD or higher are advised not to fast as their kidneys fail to retain normal body fluid levels, making them susceptible to further renal dysfunction and damage,” said Dr. Hassan Al Malki, Senior Consultant, Nephrology and Transplant, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC),
“Hemodialysis (a type of renal replacement therapy) patients typically undergo dialysis three times a week and cannot fast during this time due to the IV fluid intake which takes place during the procedure; however, they can fast the rest of the week,” Dr Al Malki added.
He also advised kidney transplant patients to refrain from fasting to comply with their 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 physicians before deciding to fast.
Ayman Alawneh, HMC Dietitian, said patients must consult their dietitian to ensure adequate protection against potential complications while fasting. He said many disease patients tend to overlook the importance of maintaining a healthy and balanced diet while fasting.
“People suffering from kidney disease should not skip Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) to avoid feeling weak, bearing in mind that they need more calories than those in good health.
“Patients should be careful not to ingest high quantities of sodium, potassium and phosphorus, especially during Ramadan.
“Sodium is abundant in table salt, as is potassium in some vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, okra and green leafy veggies and fruits, including bananas, oranges, mangos, dates, apricots, peaches and cantaloupe. Phosphorus is found in beans, carbonated drinks, nuts and dairy products,” he said.
He said patients on phosphorus lowering medications should take their pills during meals, not before or after eating.
HMC urged kidney patients who experience any difficulties while fasting to seek urgent professional advice or dial 999 for Ambulance Service.
The Peninsula
DOHA: Kidney patients are advised to consult their physicians to assess the severity of their condition and any potential risks associated with fasting.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD), a long-term condition involving the 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 a patient’s kidney disease can indicate if he or she will be able to fast safely.
“Patients with acute kidney failure should not fast until they fully recover. However, CKD patients have different stages of nephropathy (kidney disease), and those with stage three CKD or higher are advised not to fast as their kidneys fail to retain normal body fluid levels, making them susceptible to further renal dysfunction and damage,” said Dr. Hassan Al Malki, Senior Consultant, Nephrology and Transplant, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC),
“Hemodialysis (a type of renal replacement therapy) patients typically undergo dialysis three times a week and cannot fast during this time due to the IV fluid intake which takes place during the procedure; however, they can fast the rest of the week,” Dr Al Malki added.
He also advised kidney transplant patients to refrain from fasting to comply with their 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 physicians before deciding to fast.
Ayman Alawneh, HMC Dietitian, said patients must consult their dietitian to ensure adequate protection against potential complications while fasting. He said many disease patients tend to overlook the importance of maintaining a healthy and balanced diet while fasting.
“People suffering from kidney disease should not skip Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) to avoid feeling weak, bearing in mind that they need more calories than those in good health.
“Patients should be careful not to ingest high quantities of sodium, potassium and phosphorus, especially during Ramadan.
“Sodium is abundant in table salt, as is potassium in some vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, okra and green leafy veggies and fruits, including bananas, oranges, mangos, dates, apricots, peaches and cantaloupe. Phosphorus is found in beans, carbonated drinks, nuts and dairy products,” he said.
He said patients on phosphorus lowering medications should take their pills during meals, not before or after eating.
HMC urged kidney patients who experience any difficulties while fasting to seek urgent professional advice or dial 999 for Ambulance Service.
The Peninsula
