Exercise and Your Kidneys: How to Stay Active Safely with Kidney Disease

Introduction

Having kidney disease does not mean you have to give up physical activity. The proper balance of kidney health and exercise may lead to improved strength, heart protection, a better mood, and, in some cases, slower disease progression. Many individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are concerned that working out could worsen their fatigue, increase creatinine levels, or put additional strain on their hearts. However, with proper safety precautions and medical supervision, exercise can be one of the most beneficial ways to create long-term health and wellness. This guide describes ways to stay active while protecting your kidneys, including exercise for people with CKD, the best exercises for renal health, and hydration. It also discusses formal rehabilitation programs, such as the NU Hospitals Renal Rehabilitation Program, which combines medical supervision and physiotherapy skills to create a safe and personalised plan for fitness.

Why Are Kidney Health And Exercise Related?

Kidney disease and exercise are closely linked. Regular physical activity can help those with kidney issues. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases a person’s chances of developing cardiovascular disease, having muscle wastage, being hypertensive, and developing insulin resistance. Regular exercise can help to address several of these factors. Therefore, regular exercise can provide many benefits to individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including:

• Increased ability to control blood pressure

• Improvement in heart (cardiovascular) health

• Maintenance of proper body weight

• Reduction in fatigue and improvement in the quality of sleep

• Improvement in emotional well-being (mental health) and reduction in stress

• Maintenance of the strength and mobility of one's muscles

Additionally, regular exercise can improve circulation and metabolic function, which in turn may serve to enhance the body's ability to eliminate toxins. While regular exercise does not actually reverse damage caused to the kidneys, it is a significant contributor to good overall health and quality of life for those with CKD.

Safe Exercise Guide

 

Exercise Choices for Best Kidney Functioning 

When selecting the best exercises for kidney health, focus on low-impact, sustainable activities that build endurance without increasing the risk of excess stress on your joints or organ systems. 

Suggested Types of Exercises

Walking: Walking is an easy, cheap, and safe activity that is easily modified by changing the intensity.

Biking: Stationary and regular biking are both great for heart health

Stretching/yoga: Great for maintaining flexibility and reducing stress

Low-weight strength training: Maintains muscle mass and bone strength

Water aerobics or swimming: Great for joint health, with excellent training results 

To achieve balanced weekly routines, try to do 30 minutes of moderate intensity walking on most days, along with gentle-type strength training (two days per week).

Hydration Rule- Workout Water Guide

The body needs to be hydrated to protect the kidneys. There are many reasons why those with CKD may have to limit how much fluid they drink or how much urine they produce. Because of these factors, CKD patients need an individualised hydration plan.

 Fluid intake recommendations should be discussed with a nephrologist, as both dehydration and fluid overload can be harmful in kidney disease.

How do structured rehabilitation programs help?

Structured Rehabilitation Programs are designed to help people with CKD through exercise. There are many types of structured rehabilitation programs for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who need exercise therapy; one such program is NU Hospitals' Renal Rehabilitation Program. This program integrates expertise from both nephrologists and physiotherapists, ensuring your exercise is both safe and effective. The Program works as follows:

• Patients will receive a complete assessment of their medical needs before an exercise therapy plan is developed. This will include cardiovascular and renal function, as well as physical fitness.

• Collaborative care will be provided by the nephrologist and physiotherapist to create a tailored exercise plan based on your unique medical needs.

• The rehabilitation program will ensure that your heart rate remains within a safe range during exercise, while avoiding kidney overload or fluid imbalance.

• Ongoing monitoring will involve assessing your blood pressure and fatigue to allow for safe adjustments in the intensity of exercise during your rehabilitation program. 

• Structured rehabilitation programs for patients with chronic kidney disease will help improve their confidence in performing physical activities, while minimising the health-related risks associated with those activities.