Ramadan is a time for religious discipline as much as for improving your health, particularly renal health. Women of all ages can develop varying renal problems impacted by prolonged fasting. The kidneys are vital organs that eliminate waste, maintain electrolyte balance, and regulate blood pressure – a lack of balance brought about by dehydration or improper ways of fasting can contribute to increased risks of failure in the kidneys. It is important for people with renal impairment to consult with a doctor at any renowned hospital in Dubai before fasting. Medical advice can help them to fast safely.
Fasting and Your Kidneys – What Happens
The kidneys require stable fluid amounts and electrolyte balance to function optimally. In case of a fast, concentration in urine is increased, which makes some women susceptible to electrolyte imbalance, UTIs, as well as kidney stones. Women with hypertension, CKD, as well as diabetes, are also specifically advised not to fast since these conditions can become exacerbated while fasting. Age is a determining component in risk factors in relation to fasting. The following is a breakdown by age of how Ramadan can affect women’s kidneys, as well as precautions that can be followed:
• Adolescent and Young Adult
Young women generally have healthy kidneys, but menstrual cycles and hormonal fluctuations can affect fluid intake, leading to increased risk from kidney-related issues. Some common issues in this age group are:
Increased risk of UTI – Dehydration from fasting can lead to a reduced amount of urine output, which concentrates bacteria in the urinary tract. Frequent UTIs in women can cause pyelonephritis (kidney infections), which is treated with medical attention. If you have a proclivity to UTIs, consult a gynecologist in Dubai to discuss prevention. Cranberry supplements, supplements with D-mannose, and probiotics can reduce recurrence.
Kidney Stones due to Excess Salt – Excessive sodium from highly processed foods is a common concern in young women that can cause kidney stones. Spinach, nuts, and chocolates high in oxalate must be monitored during the fasts. A doctor can recommend a urine test to measure high oxalate or uric acid in the body and suggest dietary modification for your suhoor and iftar meals.
• Middle-aged women
Middle-aged women are at increased risk of having kidney disease from hypertension, metabolic syndrome, or recurrent infections. Menopause and pregnancy also impact kidney functions as well as fluid demands.
Postpartum and Pregnancy-related Kidney Health – Pregnant women are exempted from fasting in Islam, and those insisting on fasting are advised to consult a specialist. Pregnancy is known to enhance renal filtration, and fasting can lead to electrolyte disturbances that can impact both mother and fetus. A nephrologist can decide on renal function and whether a fast can be tolerated by the pregnant mother based on proteinuria and creatinine clearance.
Hypertension and Kidney Disease – The danger of high blood pressure is more significant in women over 35, which can lead to chronic illness in the kidneys in the long term. The sodium-potassium balance is affected by fasting, which can cause hypertension hazards. All hypertensive women are encouraged to monitor blood pressure regularly and consult a urologist in Dubai with advice on managing medicines in relation to fasting schedules.
Menopause and Decreased Kidney Function – The decline in estrogen following menopause can lead to structural changes in kidneys that render women susceptible to CKD and bone-based kidney load from calcium supplements. Blood work that measures glomerular filtration rate (GFR) can also measure kidney function. Nephrologists can suggest potassium-restricted diets in order to promote healthy kidneys.
• Older Adult Women
Older women are at increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), dehydration, and kidney damage caused by medications (drug-induced nephropathy). All those with a history of cardiovascular as well as diabetic illness are at high risk. CKD patients are susceptible to fluid imbalances that can complicate kidney failure in case it is not treated in a suitable manner. Stage 3 CKD women are not encouraged to fast except with a nephrologist clearance. Monitoring is required regularly, thus it is ideal to use the exemption from fasting as ordained in Islam and fulfil other spiritual and religious obligations in the holy month.
Dehydration Related Falls and Bone Health – Older women have a greater risk of dehydration-associated dizziness that can cause falls leading to fractures. The functioning of kidneys declines with age, hence it is essential than ever to be sufficiently hydrated. Nephrologists recommend a considerate fluid intake balance on non-fasting days, focusing on electrolyte-based fluid sources.
Conclusion
Ramadan is a spiritual and contemplative period, but healthy kidneys cannot and should not be compromised in the pursuit of religious obligations. There are different challenges in each age group as far as renal health is concerned, from UTI in women in early age to CKD in women in advanced age. A consultation with a specialist of urology in Dubai can advise you on healthy fasting. A medically sound approach will enable women to celebrate Ramadan with a sound body in the long term.