During the holy month of Ramadan, it is common for followers of the Muslim faith to observe a fast. Patients with chronic kidney disease, however, may face complications with this religious practice. According to nephrologist Dr. KBM Hadiuzzaman, chronic kidney disease patients are especially vulnerable during this period of fasting. Keep reading to learn more, and follow the original source here for further information.
Chronic kidney disease, also known as CKD, or chronic kidney failure, is a somewhat broad term that describes lasting damage to the kidneys. The condition defined as disease specifically worsens over time. When chronic kidney disease enters advanced stages, the disease may result in the dangerous build up of wastes in the body. This buildup may lead to a variety of hazardous conditions.
Click here to learn more about chronic kidney disease.
Dr. Hadiuzzaman cautions people with chronic kidney disease about fasting during Ramadan. He says they are capable of doing so, but the process comes with additional risks. Prolonged fasting, he describes, “decreases the renal perfusion at the end of the day.” In other words, the kidneys are unable to maintain the proper level of fluids. This can lead to additional dysfunction, and advance the amount of damage done to the organ.
Dehydration, says Dr. Hadiuzzaman, is the leading risk for chronic kidney disease patients during fasting. This can have a major impact on kidney function.
He specifically implores people who have undergone kidney transplants to abstain from fasting during Ramadan. It is crucial, he says, for those with transplants to adhere to their schedule of medication. Many transplant patients also live with diabetes, further endangering them during a fast. For those planning to fast, Dr. Hadiuzzaman stressed the importance of self-control (choosing to eat proper and healthy foods) and taking physicians recommended medications after Sehri and Iftar (periods in which the breaking of the fast is permitted).
In addition, Dr. Hadiuzzaman recommended that people living with chronic kidney disease partake of 30-40 minutes of exercise each day. He also suggests patients avoid parties where rich, unhealthy foods are often common, and to cease any unnecessary use of oral saline as it may lead to heightened blood pressure or heart disease.
