Protect your kidney health during Ramadan

Nephrology Specialist Dr. Burak Canver stated that attention should be paid to sufficient water consumption during suhoor and iftar times against the risk of kidney stone formation.

Pointing out the importance of consuming plenty of fluids between iftar and suhoor, eating adequately, and not neglecting medications to protect the kidneys during the month of Ramadan, Nephrology Specialist Dr. Burak Canver said, "There is always a risk that long periods of hunger and thirst during the month of Ramadan will threaten kidney health. This risk is even greater in elderly patients, those with cardiovascular problems, those using numerous medications due to high blood sugar and blood pressure values, and individuals who already have a certain degree of kidney disease. Furthermore, the fact that the month of Ramadan coincides with hot summer months due to longer periods of hunger and thirst increases the concerns of both patients and physicians regarding kidney health."

"IT CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN KIDNEY FUNCTIONS"

Specialist Dr. Canver stated, "Not taking in enough fluids during the period from iftar to suhoor, and especially consuming diuretic foods at suhoor (such as beverages containing caffeine like tea and coffee, or tomatoes, eggplant, and garlic), can dehydrate the person and increase the risk of stone formation. In addition, it is very important to reduce daily activities during hot hours and to avoid heavy work and salt consumption. Again, insufficient water consumption can lead to a gradual and progressive decrease in kidney functions. Consumption of more than one egg at suhoor, excessive milk and dairy products, canned foods, offal, bananas, melons, nuts, and herbal teas with unknown ingredients should be avoided."

EMPHASIZED THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER CONSUMPTION

Stating that patients with chronic kidney disease and kidney transplant patients should fast under medical supervision, Specialist Dr. Canver said, "It is a fact that dehydration and a decrease in urine volume cause kidney stones. It is known that consuming more than 2 liters of water daily is beneficial for patients with kidney stones. Kidney stone patients should perform this act of worship according to their physician's advice. The duration of fasting can extend from 8 hours to 20 hours; while some people spend this time in a cool environment at home, others may be in the heat and under active physical exertion. For this reason, it is necessary to act according to the physician's recommendation and provided that check-ups are performed, taking into account the patients' personal characteristics, additional diseases, lifestyles, and physical activities for fasting."