Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

Ramadan Fasting: Avoid Excess Salt And Caffeine To Boost Kidney, Prostate Health, Say Experts

Dehydration is a serious concern for people fasting during the month-long Ramadan period, and can severely impact kidney and prostate health. Experts suggested that avoiding excess salt and caffeine can help.

While Ramadan fasting is generally safe for people with early-stage <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/chronic-kidney-disease">chronic kidney disease</a> (CKD), maintaining adequate hydration between iftar and sehri -- the two important meals each day for faithful observing the fasting -- is of significant importance.

Dehydration can lead to acute kidney injury and electrolyte imbalances for individuals with advanced CKD. As prolonged fasting hours -- more than 12 hours a day -- urine becomes concentrated, increasing the risk for <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/kidney-stones">kidney stones</a> and Urinary Tract infections (UTIs).

For men with prostate problems, fasting during Ramadan can pose challenges, such as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate, primarily due to dehydration. 

“As a practicing urologist and kidney transplant surgeon in India, I often notice a rise in kidney stone pain and urinary infections during Ramzan. When patients fast for long hours -- especially in our warm climate -- urine becomes highly concentrated. That increases the risk of stones and UTIs. Men with prostate enlargement sometimes report worsening urinary flow because they consciously reduce fluid intake,” Dr. Pankaj Panwar, Additional Director, Urology, Fortis Escorts Okhla, New Delhi, told HealthandMe.

The doctor advised people “to hydrate strategically between Iftar and Sehri, avoid excess salt and caffeine”.

<h2>How Excess Salt And Caffeine Impact Ramadan Fasting</h2>

Consuming high-sodium foods such as processed meats, pickles, salty snacks, and fast food during iftar or sehri can increase thirst and dehydration. 

High salt intake forces the body to pull water from cells to dilute the sodium, leading to severe thirst. It can also lead to bloating.

Similarly, caffeine in coffee, tea, chocolate, and energy drinks can be diuretic and cause the body to lose fluids and salts through increased urination. Particularly, drinking coffee or tea at sehri -- the pre-dawn meal -- can lead to faster dehydration during the day. 

Caffeine consumption, especially late in the evening, can also interfere with sleep, making it harder to wake up for sehri. 

“Ramzan is a sacred month of fasting, but prolonged abstinence from water, especially in hot climates, can increase dehydration risk. Concentrated urine puts stress on the kidneys and may worsen kidney stones or trigger urinary tract infections,” Dr. Mangesh Patil, Urologist at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, told HealthandMe. 

Dehydration during Ramadan fasting can lead to symptoms like headaches, extreme thirst, fatigue, and dizziness. But in case of severe dizziness, fever, confusion, or blurred vision, the experts warned of immediate medical help.

“Do not ignore warning signs like flank pain, fever, or difficulty passing urine. A little planning can prevent an emergency hospital visit,” Panwar said.

Patil said warning signs include severe flank pain, burning urination, fever, vomiting, blood in urine, or reduced urine output. Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia may notice worsening urinary symptoms.

<ul><li>Drink 2-3 liters of water between iftar and sehri</li><li>Include water-rich fruits</li><li>Avoid excess salt and caffeine</li><li>Individuals with kidney disease, stones, UTIs, or prostate issues should consult their doctor before fasting.</li></ul>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Ramadan

dehydration

sodium

Chronic kidney disease

fasting

Urinary Tract Infection

salt

Ramzan

Kidney Stones

caffeine

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Dehydration is a serious concern for people fasting during the month-long Ramadan period, and can severely impact kidney and prostate health. Experts suggested that avoiding excess salt and caffeine can help. While Ramadan fasting is generally safe for people with early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD), maintaining adequate hydration between iftar and sehri -- the two important meals each day for faithful observing the fasting -- is of significant importance. Dehydration can lead to acute kidney injury and electrolyte imbalances for individuals with advanced CKD. As prolonged fasting hours -- more than 12 hours a day -- urine becomes concentrated, increasing the risk for kidney stones and Urinary Tract infections (UTIs). For men with prostate problems, fasting during Ramadan can pose challenges, such as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate, primarily due to dehydration. “As a practicing urologist and kidney transplant surgeon in India, I often notice a rise in kidney stone pain and urinary infections during Ramzan. When patients fast for long hours -- especially in our warm climate -- urine becomes highly concentrated. That increases the risk of stones and UTIs. Men with prostate enlargement sometimes report worsening urinary flow because they consciously reduce fluid intake,” Dr. Pankaj Panwar, Additional Director, Urology, Fortis Escorts Okhla, New Delhi, told HealthandMe. The doctor advised people “to hydrate strategically between Iftar and Sehri, avoid excess salt and caffeine”. How Excess Salt And Caffeine Impact Ramadan Fasting Consuming high-sodium foods such as processed meats, pickles, salty snacks, and fast food during iftar or sehri can increase thirst and dehydration.  High salt intake forces the body to pull water from cells to dilute the sodium, leading to severe thirst. It can also lead to bloating. Similarly, caffeine in coffee, tea, chocolate, and energy drinks can be diuretic and cause the body to lose fluids and salts through increased urination. Particularly, drinking coffee or tea at sehri -- the pre-dawn meal -- can lead to faster dehydration during the day. Caffeine consumption, especially late in the evening, can also interfere with sleep, making it harder to wake up for sehri.  “Ramzan is a sacred month of fasting, but prolonged abstinence from water, especially in hot climates, can increase dehydration risk. Concentrated urine puts stress on the kidneys and may worsen kidney stones or trigger urinary tract infections,” Dr. Mangesh Patil, Urologist at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, told HealthandMe. Dehydration during Ramadan fasting can lead to symptoms like headaches, extreme thirst, fatigue, and dizziness. But in case of severe dizziness, fever, confusion, or blurred vision, the experts warned of immediate medical help. “Do not ignore warning signs like flank pain, fever, or difficulty passing urine. A little planning can prevent an emergency hospital visit,” Panwar said. Patil said warning signs include severe flank pain, burning urination, fever, vomiting, blood in urine, or reduced urine output. Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia may notice worsening urinary symptoms. Tips To Prevent Complications Drink 2-3 liters of water between iftar and sehriInclude water-rich fruitsAvoid excess salt and caffeineIndividuals with kidney disease, stones, UTIs, or prostate issues should consult their doctor before fasting.