Dr. Tania Mahbub :
One of the common concerns among kidney patients is whether they can observe fasting. Most patients express a strong desire to fast. However, the ability to fast primarily depends on their overall health condition and kidney function.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is classified into five stages, ranging from Stage 1 to Stage 5. The final stage, ESRD (End-Stage Renal Disease), requires dialysis for survival. Patients in Stage 4, Stage 5, or ESRD who are dependent on peritoneal or hemodialysis are entirely unsuitable for fasting. However, patients in Stage 1, Stage 2, or Stage 3 may be able to fast under the supervision of a nephrologist, following medical guidelines and considering associated health risks.
A significant number of kidney patients also suffer from diabetes. Those with uncontrolled diabetes and complications such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), or diabetic ketoacidosis are not suitable for fasting. Additionally, patients who require insulin three or more times a day to manage their diabetes should avoid fasting.
Patients with a history of recurrent kidney stones or frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are at high risk when fasting, as dehydration can worsen their condition. If they choose to fast, they must ensure adequate hydration after breaking the fast and undergo regular kidney function tests under medical supervision.
Kidney transplant recipients, even if their transplanted kidney functions well, must take immunosuppressant medications at specific times daily. Since fasting can disrupt their medication schedule, it is not advisable for them to fast, as missing doses may lead to kidney rejection or failure.
Furthermore, kidney patients generally have higher potassium levels than others. Excess potassium increases the risk of heart complications, so they must avoid potassium-rich foods such as dates, bananas, oranges, tangerines, and coconut water.
About Praava Health:
Praava is a one-stop shop healthcare system and the first and only fully-integrated international standard outpatient clinic in Bangladesh servicing the nation’s growing middle class with exacting and compassionate care. Praava Health integrates high quality digital health and in-clinic experiences in Bangladesh as such revolutionizing the way healthcare is delivered in Bangladesh: preventive, promotive, and curative patient centered care anchored in long-term relationships with family doctors underpinned by rigorous staff training, world class diagnostics, and cutting edge technology leveraged to support a trusted, high quality healthcare experience. Praava launched Bangladesh’s first patient app and its first molecular cancer diagnostics PCR lab, and operates one of 11 international standard labs in the country. Its lab services patients from most of Bangladesh’s districts.
The World Economic Forum has recognized Praava as a Global Innovator (2023) and Technology Pioneer (June 2021) and Fast Company as a World Changing Idea (May 2020), and is the subject of case studies published by Harvard and Columbia Business Schools. Praava was also named one of 100 Meaningful Businesses combining profit and purpose to help achieve the UN Global Goals by EY and Hogan Lovells in 2023 and won the 2024 Global Health Innovation award from TEAM fund.
(The author is MD – Consultant Nephrologist, Praava Health, email [email protected].)
