Ramadan Fasting and Patients with Renal Problems: A Literature Review

Millions of Muslims observe fasting during the holy month of Ramadan and other days of the lunar calendar year across the world. During this period, the believers of Islam refrain from eating and drinking from the sunrise until the sunset. The absence of fluid intake during Ramadan fasting leads to dehydration, which may affect the renal health. Although ill individuals are exempted from Ramadan fasting, the majority of patients may prefer fasting during Ramadan. This review aimed to summarize the effects of Ramadan fasting in patients with various renal disorders, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), nephrolithiasis, urolithiasis, and end-stage renal disease, as well as those received kidney transplant, and those receiving hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and intestinal dialysis. The literature review was conducted via searching in databases such as Medline, PubMed, PMC, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, DOAJ, Cochrane Library, and other reference lists. According to the findings, the restriction of water intake during Ramadan fasting could lead to acute tubular cell injury, and patients with CKD should consult healthcare professionals at least one month before Ramadan and should fast under close medical supervision [21]. In addition, the patients with renal colic who are willing to fast during Ramadan should be advised to consume adequate water during their non-fasting hours to reduce the potential risk of dehydration, while the patients receiving dialysis and kidney transplant who are willing to fast during Ramadan should be monitored closely. Overall, patients with renal disorders could fast safely during Ramadan under medical supervision.