How our kidney react to sedentary lifestyle choices

September 30th, 2024 by Fuad Elkhoury

Good kidney health is related to good overall health, but a great number of people rarely think about their kidneys until an issue develops. One too-often-ignored point in taking care of the kidneys relates to physical activity. In fact, there is a strong correlation between sedentary lifestyle and kidney problems.

In this blog post, we are going to discuss how lack of movement harms the kidneys, the benefits that exercises have on the kidneys, and why staying active would lead to prevention or alleviation of some serious conditions related to your kidneys. Whether someone has kidney disease or wants to protect themselves in the long run, knowledge about the importance of staying active is still very important.

How Does a Sedentary Lifestyle Damage Your Kidneys?

A sedentary, low-activity lifestyle and kidney disorders are linked with one another. It is a part of our modern daily lives whereby we spend hours sitting at our desk, in front of the TV, or with our phones. Unfortunately, a sedentary routine is one of the primary causes of all sorts of “health evils,” ranging from minor to life-threatening conditions like renal failure.

Poor blood circulation, reduction of muscle mass, and an increase in weight are just but a few of the negative effects that may and, to be honest, will eventually happen with an inactive body. It’s all these factors that can really affect the functionality of your kidneys. Poor circulation simply implies lesser blood flow to the kidneys, which comes with reduced filtering capability in extracting every toxic product from your blood. This will cause toxins and waste products to be retained longer in the body, which can eventually cause kidney damage over time. Besides this, excess weight is one of the major risk factors for conditions like hypertension and diabetes that are among the leading causes of chronic kidney disease.

Moreover, physical inactivity is associated with higher levels of proteinuria, an important marker of kidney damage. So, if you spent a good part of your day sitting, now it is time to understand that it doesn’t affect only your waist—it’s harmful to every single part of your body!

Can Exercise Help with Kidney Problems?

The answer is simply yes. Exercises are not just meant for maintaining good mood and weight; they play a major role in maintaining healthy kidneys. When kidney diseases are related to exercise, it should be underlined that regular activity can help in enhancing general kidney functions only if it is combined with precise control from a healthcare professional.

Exercises contribute to lowering blood pressure, which improves blood circulation and maintains proper blood sugar levels, factors that are very important in lessening renal stress.

Exercise has also been shown to delay disease progression and improve quality of life in those already suffering from CKD. Kidney-related exercises include low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling that will help manage symptoms and the physical and mental well-being of patients.

However, whether you have a serious issue or not, it’s necessary to make decisions after consultation with the healthcare professional as to which forms and how much intensity of physical activities are needed or even safe considering the condition.

Common Kidney Conditions That Benefit from Physical Activity

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most well-known conditions where physical activity is particularly beneficial, but it’s not the only one. Here are a few common kidney conditions that improve with regular exercise:

• Difficulty conceiving a child: PKD can lead to enlarged kidneys and reduced kidney function.
• Hypertensive Nephropathy: High blood pressure often leads to kidney damage.
• Diabetic Nephropathy: People with diabetes are at a higher risk for kidney disease.
• Kidney Stones: Physical activity can help prevent the formation of kidney stones and manage the disease.

Summing Up: Get Active, Protect Your Kidneys

Your kidneys are one of the most important organs in your body, and you can imagine what disaster even a small issue that doesn’t go away might signal. The sedentary lifestyle bears a direct link with kidney problems. This is the reason why Orange County Urology Associates advocates for every person incorporating regular exercises for kidney health not as a suggestion but as a demand for the well-being of their patients.

For people with existing kidney conditions, it can help in slowing down the progress and improving daily life. And for those who do not have the condition, staying active is a great way of keeping your kidneys safe from any future problems. Combine physical activity with a kidney-friendly diet, and you’re on your way to protecting one of the body’s most crucial organs.

So, do something about it today. Either a small but regular activity or the full workout, both will pay dividends on behalf of your kidneys, as long as performed properly. Keep moving, stay healthy, and don’t forget about your kidneys!