‘Patients with stable liver can fast without complications’ – The Peninsula

‘Patients with stable liver can fast without complications’ – The Peninsula

Senior consultant of Gastroenterology and Hepatic diseases at Hamad Medical Corporation, Dr. Mootaz Derbala

Doha: Senior consultant of Gastroenterology and Hepatic diseases at Hamad Medical Corporation, Dr. Mootaz Derbala has stated that the majority of liver patients with stable conditions can fast during the month of Ramadan without possible complications.

However, he said, patients with acute hepatitis, esophageal varicose, and ascites and hepatic encephalopathy (coma), should refrain from fasting as it may adversely affect their health conditions. Patients with chronic liver disease but whose conditions are stable can fast during Ramadan without possible complications, and perhaps, fasting may rid such patients of excess liver fat.

“Late stage liver disease patients with conditions such as varicose veins, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy (coma), and comorbidities such as diabetes should refrain from fasting as it may pose a threat to their health. The majority of patients with liver diseases such as liver immunodeficiency patients, congenital liver disease, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, may fast after consulting their physician,” Dr. Derbala said.

“Liver patients who intend to fast during the month of Ramadan should adhere to healthy dietary practices and have balance diets. It is important to put more focus on food quality. We advise fasting liver patients to