Relationship Between Exercise and Renal Function: Exploring the Benefits

Introduction:

Regular physical exercise is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Physical exercise has numerous health benefits that can help in the improvement of cardiovascular health, enhanced mental well-being, weight management, and reduced risk of chronic disorders such as related to kidneys. Moreover, many people are aware of the benefits of exercise, but the impact of exercise on renal function is usually overlooked. However, according to recent studies, it has been found that exercise plays an important role in improving renal function or kidney health.

How Do Kidneys Work?

Before understanding the relationship between exercise and renal function first, let's understand the fundamentals of how the kidneys work. Kidneys are an essential part of the human excretory system.

• They help maintain the balance between the body's fluid and electrolytes, thus regulating blood pressure and eliminating waste products by the production of urine.

• They filter the waste products, excess water, and toxins from the bloodstream.

• Kidneys also contribute to the activation of vitamin D, thus helping in calcium metabolism.

• Helps in the production of erythropoietin, a hormone involved in red blood cell production.

Therefore any disturbance in renal function can impact the overall health of the person.

What Are the Benefits of Exercise in Kidney Conditions?

Many patients who have chronic kidney disease (CKD) usually have less physical functioning and activity as compared to the general population. In patients with chronic kidney disorders, the cause of death is cardiovascular disease, and inactivity can also contribute to poor heart health. Therefore exercising is important in improving the overall health of patients and reducing cardiovascular risk. Some of the benefits of exercising include improving -

• The rate of decline in kidney function.

• Maximal oxygen consumption.

• Mental health.

• Regulating blood pressure.

• Lipid profile.

• Weight management.

• Physical function, flexibility, and performance.

Therefore exercising has a greater impact on improving the overall health of the patient and can be valuable for many patients with CKD. The most common type of exercise that helps CKD patients is aerobic exercise or cardio.

What Types of Exercises Are Recommended for Renal Health?

To utilize the benefits of exercise for renal function, it is important to form a fitness plan, and some of the recommended exercises are mentioned below to improve kidney health -

• Aerobic Exercises: This includes exercises like brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, or dancing to improve cardiovascular fitness and promote weight management.

• Strength Training - Including resistance exercises such as weights or resistance bands to build and maintain muscle mass can help improve insulin sensitivity, metabolic health, and overall physical strength.

• Flexibility and Balance Exercises - This includes stretching exercises like yoga, stretching exercises, or pilates to improve flexibility, balance, and coordination. These exercises can help improve overall health and also prevent any injuries as compared to other exercises.

Consistency and gradual progression are essential factors in physical activity. The person should start with moderately intensive exercises and should gradually increase the duration and intensity over time. Moreover, they should try to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or at least 70 - 80 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.

What Is the Relation Between Exercising and Renal Function?

Various studies have shown conducted that show the impact of exercise on renal function. Regular exercise has various healthy effects as it improves renal blood flow and increases the glomerular filtration rate (GFR - the rate at which blood is getting filtered in kidneys). This can help improve kidney function and reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease. Regular exercising has been associated with a range of beneficial effects on renal function, which include -

1. Improved Cardiovascular Health - With regular exercise, cardiovascular fitness is really improved, and it also enhances blood circulation and lowers high blood pressure. Exercising helps reduce the strain on the renal arteries and also helps maintain optimal blood flow to the kidneys. Improved cardiovascular health can reduce the risk of developing conditions like hypertension and atherosclerosis.

2. Weight Management and Metabolism Control - With physical exercise, weight can be easily managed as it helps burn calories and maintain a healthy body weight. Conditions like obesity and excess body fat are prime risk factors for chronic kidney diseases. These lead to insulin resistance, inflammation, and increased oxidative stress in the body. Therefore with regular exercise, weight can be managed, and metabolism can be regulated, thereby reducing the risk of kidney disease.

3. Blood Pressure Regulation - High blood pressure or hypertension is another causative factor for chronic renal disorders. Therefore with regular exercise, blood pressure can be regulated, and by this, the systemic vascular resistance is reduced and also relieves the strain on the kidneys.

4. Anti-inflammatory Effects - Chronic low-grade inflammation is another common feature seen in patients with chronic diseases such as chronic kidney disorders. Therefore regular physical exercise can help reduce systemic inflammation by regulating the release of inflammatory markers. This prevents the renal tissue from damage and slows the progression of kidney disease.

5. Oxidative Stress Reduction - Oxidative stress means the imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to counteract their harmful effects. This also plays an important role in the development and progression of chronic kidney disease. Therefore exercise helps stimulate the production of antioxidants that neutralizes free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

6. Prevention of Kidney Stones - Physical activity can help in preventing kidney stones and reduce the risks associated with their formation. With regular exercise, the body weight is easily maintained and helps lower blood pressure and improve calcium metabolism, which all aid in decreasing the formation of kidney stone formation.

7. Improved Insulin Sensitivity - Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are the contributing factors in causing kidney disease. Therefore exercise helps in improving insulin sensitivity which helps the body to respond to insulin effectively.

Conclusion

Physical exercise is a powerful tool that promotes renal health and also reduces the risk of developing kidney diseases. Regular exercise has a greater positive effect on the overall health of the person, including cardiovascular health, weight management, and managing blood pressure. By including a well-planned fitness routine and adopting a healthy lifestyle, a person can actively contribute to maintaining optimal renal health and overall well-being.