Doctors urged to provide clear fasting guidance to protect kidney health ahead of Ramadan
Leading charity Kidney Research UK has teamed up with the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) to use their combined expertise to launch new guidance ahead of Ramadan to help patients make informed decisions to protect their health and fast safely.
Many Muslims look forward to Ramadan as a month of fasting, spiritually reconnecting, and doing charitable acts. For some Muslims living with kidney disease fasting may pose risks to their health, but knowing if one should fast on account of their health can be difficult.
The new guidelines, produced with the aid of academics, medical and religious professionals, aim to equip doctors with the information they need to support kidney patients mark the holy month safely.
Dr Sahira Dar, a GP and President of the British Islamic Medical Association said: “Islamic teachings provide exemptions in Ramadan for those whose health might be harmed by fasting, including certain kidney patients.
“This can be complex as kidney health varies considerably. Some higher risk people may be able to safely fast with the right advice. Some patients may also find they can improve their health by adopting healthier practices as part of Ramadan.
“We hope this guidance will enable doctors and patients to have these conversations and stay safe.”
The guidance explains the impact of fasting on kidney function and outlines tailored recommendations for different patients, including practical advice for patients on dialysis, transplant recipients, and those managing conditions such as chronic kidney disease.
It encourages patients to talk to their healthcare team well before Ramadan starts and outlines key advice, including:
· Discussing fasting plans with your doctor to understand any risks.
· If appropriate, trying a short practice fast, to see how your body responds.
· Drinking plenty of water between sunset and sunrise, mindful of medical advice on personal fluid requirements .
· Being aware that kidney disease and medications like diuretics or immunosuppressants may make fasting unsafe.
· How, when breaking fast, to mainatain a balanced diet mindful of portion control, calories and potassium content
· Alternatives to fasting, if fasting isn’t safe and cause ill health.
Neerja Jain, health equalities programme manager at Kidney Research UK, said “We want kidney patients to be empowered and able to approach Ramadan with confidence.
This is why we have consulted with religious and medical experts, and we urge health professionals to make use of this guidance to support conversations with patients so that people can protect their health while still feeling connected to their faith.”
For Blackburn mum Amina Lorgat, clear guidance has been crucial. Her 17-year-old son Rayhan received a kidney transplant last year after his kidneys failed due to IgA nephropathy, and he remains in the high-risk category for fasting.
“We didn’t know how we were going to navigate dialysis and Ramadan last year. It was very raw, new, and stressful for us, but we successfully made the most of the blessed month alongside home dialysis” she explained.
“Post-transplant, there is still a lot to consider, particularly when it comes to fasting. It’s important that there is clear guidance from health professionals about how to safely observe Ramadan at different stages of kidney health.”
Fasting remains too dangerous for Rayhan whilst the anti-rejection medication he takes to protect his new kidney is still being adjusted and his kidney function still needs to stabilise. He also needs to drink at least three litres of water a day.
For Rayhan, this Ramadan will still be meaningful. His family plans to spend time together reflecting on their faith, reading the Qur’an, and helping others in their community.
Amina said. “A lack of awareness from others about your inability to fast for reasons beyond your control can be challenging. That’s why medical advice needs to be clear for Muslims.
“I remember being unable to participate because of chronic asthma and, even as an adult, feeling a sense of wanting to fit in with others who were fasting. Thankfully it is still possible to join the spiritual aspects of Ramadan which are just as important.”
The guidance, aimed at both patients and doctors, can be downloaded at:
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