Importance of Physical Activity for Kidney Health

Physical activity is a vital aspect of caring for your overall health and can be especially effective when you’re living with renal disease. For many, exercising for healthy kidneys doesn’t entail hitting a rigorous workout schedule. It can be as simple as finding safe ways to be more active.

The optimum amount of movement for you will depend on kidney function, age, fitness level, underlying health issues and ongoing dialysis treatment. Knowing how exercise and kidney health are connected can help you make choices that are simpler to keep up with.

How Exercise Supports Kidney Function

Regular activity helps promote blood pressure and blood sugar regulation, as well as a healthy weight and cardiovascular fitness. These benefits make exercise for healthy kidneys a key component in overall CKD therapy.

Improved Blood Pressure Control

High blood pressure can contribute to renal disease and can also become more difficult to regulate as kidney function declines. In this regard, regular physical activity may help reduce blood pressure and support heart health. This is one reason exercise and kidney disease care go hand in hand. 

Better Blood Sugar Management

Exercise helps kidney patients with diabetes to better control their blood glucose. This is important because over time, continuously high blood glucose might damage the blood vessels in the kidneys.

Benefits of Physical Activity for CKD and Dialysis Patients

CKD might lead people to be less active due to weariness, muscular weakness and other debilitating symptoms. However, prolonged inactivity can lead to further loss of muscle strength and physical function. On the other hand, regular physical activity may help:

• Keep or increase muscle strength and physical function.
• Support heart health and blood pressure.
• Improve blood sugar levels among diabetic patients.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Reduce anxiety and enhance quality of life.
• More energy and capacity to carry out daily tasks.

These advantages show why exercise for healthy kidneys is important even when renal function has already decreased.

Safe Types of Exercise for Kidney Patients

The best fitness program is the one that fits your physical condition and medical situation. If you have not been exercising lately, it is best to begin slowly to allow your body to adjust.

Walking and Low-Impact Cardio

Walking is a simple way to get more exercise without putting too much pressure on your joints. Depending on your fitness level, other alternatives may be:

• Easy cycling
• Swimming
• Aerobics, particularly low impact
• Chair exercises for those with restricted mobility

Exercise for kidneys doesn’t have to be hard to be helpful. As your fitness allows, you can slowly increase the time or intensity. 

Strength Training

Strength exercises may be especially helpful for patients with CKD at risk of losing muscle mass as they can help preserve muscle mass and physical function. Possible activities could be:

• Resistance bands (light).
• Bodyweight movements.
• Featherweights.
• Resistance workout under supervision.

Stretching and Flexibility Exercises

Stretching may improve flexibility and make your everyday movements more comfortable. Some people may find gentle stretching, yoga or similar activities appropriate, provided the exercises are matched to the person’s physical abilities.

Exercise Precautions for Dialysis Patients

People on dialysis can workout but they might need to alter their routine around treatment sessions. When planning activities, considerations include vascular access, blood pressure variations, weariness and other health concerns.

Best Time to Exercise Around Dialysis Sessions

There’s no universal workout program for every dialysis patient. Some patients may want to exercise on their non-dialysis days while others may be allowed to exercise before or during treatment with supervision.

Your dialysis team can help you determine the best time based on your treatment plan, blood pressure, energy levels and access type. This makes the exercise and kidney disease planning more customised and safer.

Warning Signs to Stop Exercising

If you have any of the following alarming signs, stop your workout and get medical help:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Very bad or unusual breathlessness
• Dizziness or fainting
• Acute weakness
• Irregular or very quick heart beating
• Severe cramps or muscle aches

Seek immediate medical care if symptoms are serious or do not go away after stopping the medication.

How Much Exercise Is Recommended?

A person with CKD may participate in moderate-intensity physical exercise for a total of at least 150 minutes per week or at a level consistent with their cardiovascular and physical tolerance. The recommendation needs to be tailored to age, other health issues and athletic capacity.

If you're not active now, you don't need to aim for 150 minutes right away. You can begin with brief sessions and build up your routine gradually.

A realistic strategy for exercising for healthy kidneys may include:

• Begin by walking for 10-15 minutes.
• Gradually increase the time as acceptable.
• Most days, do some aerobic activity.
• Add strength training on suitable days.
• Take breaks from sitting for long periods of time.

Building a Sustainable Exercise Routine

The best exercise program is the one you will stick with over time. Instead of opting for a challenging program that is hard to follow, choose activities that may be easily incorporated into your day. Here are some achievable steps:

• Choose activities that you enjoy doing
• Instead of dramatic changes, set incremental, achievable goals
• Keep track of your activity so you can see how you are doing
• Get some rest when your body needs it
• If you are feeling very fatigued or ill, change activity accordingly.
• Discuss with your healthcare team any adjustments in exercise intensity if your health or dialysis treatment changes.

If you choose consistency over intensity and follow an appropriate plan, exercise for kidneys can become a pleasant part of CKD care.

Conclusion

Exercise for healthy kidneys may not be able to restore existing kidney damage but it can be a vital component of a broader strategy for controlling CKD and maintaining quality of life.

People receiving dialysis can also remain active with an exercise plan suited to their treatment and physical condition. For those requiring a dialysis session, NephroPlus provides in-clinic dialysis, home haemodialysis, dialysis on wheels, dialysis on call and holiday dialysis to support different needs and lifestyles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Is it safe for dialysis patients to exercise?

Yes, many people on dialysis are able to exercise safely, provided the activity is right for their health and physical condition. The kind, severity and timing should be discussed with your dialysis team, especially if you have cardiovascular problems, unstable blood pressure or concerns about your vascular access.

What is the best time to exercise around dialysis sessions?

There is no single optimal time to exercise for healthy kidneys. Some patients may choose to exercise on days they are not receiving dialysis but others may exercise before or during dialysis under proper supervision.

How much exercise is recommended for CKD patients?

At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week may be recommended for persons with CKD or whatever is consistent with their cardiovascular and physical tolerance.

Can exercise help slow the progression of kidney disease?

Physical activity can help with aspects such as blood pressure, blood glucose and healthy weight that are vital in managing CKD. But you can’t count on exercise alone to stop or reverse renal disease. It must be complemented with prescription medicines, dietary measures and frequent medical care.