Ramadan Fasting and Kidney Disease: Important Things to Know
14-03-2026
Ramadan is a sacred month of spiritual purification and self-discipline for Muslims. Fasting from
dawn to sunset, abstaining from food and water, is an important part of this practice. However,
individuals with health conditions — particularly kidney disease — need to exercise extra caution
while observing the fast.
In our community, kidney disease, diabetes and hypertension are increasingly common. Because of
this, many people wonder whether it is safe to fast during Ramadan when they have kidney
problems.
The kidneys play a vital role in the body. They remove waste products and excess fluid from the
blood, regulate blood pressure and maintain the balance of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium,
calcium and phosphorus.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition in which kidney function gradually declines over time.
Whether a patient with CKD can fast safely during Ramadan depends on the stage of the disease
and the overall health condition of the individual.
During fasting, people abstain from drinking water for long hours, which may lead to dehydration. In
healthy individuals this usually does not cause significant problems. However, for patients with
CKD, blood creatinine levels may increase, kidney function may temporarily decline and in some
cases Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) may develop.
Risk Assessment:
Patients with CKD Stage 1–2, stable blood pressure and controlled diabetes may
be able to fast with medical advice. CKD Stage 3 patients require strict medical supervision. CKD
Stage 4–5 patients, dialysis patients, transplant patients within the first year and those with
uncontrolled hypertension or severe heart disease are generally advised not to fast.
Kidney patients often require multiple medications daily. During Ramadan, medication schedules
should be adjusted to Iftar and Suhoor times only after consulting the treating doctor. Transplant
patients must take immunosuppressive medicines exactly on time.
At Iftar, break the fast with water and light food. Avoid excessive fried food and limit sugary foods.
Choose fruits with lower potassium such as apples, papaya and guava. At Suhoor, eat low salt
foods and include slowrelease energy foods. Do not skip Suhoor.
Between Iftar and Suhoor drink about 1.5–2.5 litres of water as advised by your doctor. Drink fluids
gradually rather than all at once and control foods high in potassium.
Dialysis patients usually require strict fluid control and may develop potassium imbalance or blood
pressure fluctuations. Therefore fasting is generally not recommended for dialysis patients.
Pregnant women with CKD face higher risks for both mother and baby, so fasting is usually not
advised.
If symptoms such as dizziness, extreme fatigue, very low urine output, chest pain, breathing
difficulty or severe thirst occur, the fast should be stopped immediately and medical help should be
sought.
Before Ramadan, patients should consult their doctor and perform tests including BP, eGFR,
creatinine, potassium and urine examination. Followup tests during and after Ramadan are also
recommended.
The relationship between Ramadan fasting and CKD varies from person to person. Always consult
a doctor before fasting and consider fasting only under proper medical supervision.
We wish everyone a safe and healthy Ramadan.
Dr. Nayana Melath Babu – MBBS, DNB (General Medicine), DM (Nephrology), Nephrologist, KIMS
Alshifa Hospital, Perinthalmanna.
