Fasting is Safe for the Kidneys, as Long as You Drink Enough from Iftar to Sahur

Illustration of drinking water. (Freepik)

JAKARTA - Fasting during Ramadan makes the body experience changes in eating and drinking patterns. In a span of more than 12 hours without fluid intake, maintaining organ health is important, including kidney health.

This organ plays a role in filtering waste and toxins from the blood while maintaining fluid balance in the body, so that fluid needs still need to be considered even during fasting.

One simple way to maintain kidney function during Ramadan is to ensure that the intake of water is sufficient during the time of breaking the fast until dawn. Internal medicine specialist, hematology and oncology consultant from Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Dr. dr. Andhika Rachman Sp.PD-KHOM, said that the need for fluids must still be met so that the body does not experience dehydration.

"During fasting, maintaining kidney health is actually not difficult. The important thing is to make sure the body stays hydrated by drinking enough water from the time of breaking the fast to dawn, about six to eight glasses," said Andhika.

Adequate fluid intake helps the kidneys carry out their main function in filtering metabolic waste substances from the blood. Without enough fluids, the body is at risk of dehydration, especially after fasting for more than half a day.

Therefore, the daily fluid needs are recommended to be divided gradually from the time of breaking the fast until before dawn so that the body remains well hydrated.

In addition to paying attention to hydration, eating patterns also need to be maintained during the fasting month. Andhika recommends limiting the consumption of foods that are too salty, avoiding excessive sugar intake, and maintaining the balance of nutrition in the daily menu.

On the other hand, there are a number of factors that can increase the risk of kidney disorders, including kidney cancer. Some of them are smoking habits, obesity, and high blood pressure.

If the body condition allows, light physical activity is also recommended during Ramadan to maintain overall health. In addition, avoiding cigarettes is an important step to reduce the risk of various diseases.

"For people who have diseases such as diabetes or hypertension, regular control and adherence to taking medication are also very important to maintain good kidney function," he explained.

Andhika also reminded that the symptoms of kidney cancer in the early stages often do not cause clear complaints. However, some signs that need to be aware of include the appearance of blood in the urine, pain in the waist area or the side of the back, a lump in the stomach, to weight loss without a clear reason.

In some cases, sufferers can also feel excessive fatigue or experience anemia. If these symptoms appear, a medical examination is recommended so that further evaluation can be carried out.

In addition to lifestyle factors, kidney cancer risk can also increase in people who have a history of chronic kidney disease, undergo long-term dialysis, or have a family history of similar diseases. Exposure to certain chemicals in the workplace is also said to play a role in increasing this risk.