To preserve the normal functioning of the kidneys, a good balance between water and minerals, like phosphorus, sodium, and potassium, in your blood is important. The kidneys are responsible for removing waste from our bodies after digestion, exposure to medication or chemicals, and muscle activity.
World Kidney Day is celebrated every second Thursday of March. In 2024, this special day will fall on March 14th. It is a global campaign to raise awareness of the importance of our kidneys to overall health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and associated health problems worldwide. The theme for 2024 is Kidney Health for All: Advancing equitable access to care and optimal medication practice.
Exercises Best for Kidneys
Which exercise is best for the kidneys? Here’s your answer.
- Walking.
- Swimming.
- Skipping.
- Bicycling (both outdoors and indoors).
- Aerobic dancing
- Low-level strengthening yoga postures or exercises
Any other physical activity involving the movement of large muscle groups.
Exercise Guidelines for Individuals with Kidney Health Concerns
According to expert recommendations, you can include aerobic exercises for 30 minutes regularly, preferably every day of the week. Follow a continuous exercise routine through walking, bicycling, swimming, etc.
Incorporating Exercise into Your Daily Routine
Exercise may come in multiple forms, be it performing yoga poses, hitting the gym, bicycling, swimming, dancing, or even going for a simple walk or run at the park nearby. The secret to health is consistency in your healthy habits.
Precautions and Considerations for Exercise with Kidney Health Issues
Watch out for these warning signs before exercising!
- Breathing difficulties
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Heat exhaustion
- Neck or headache
- High heart rate
Follow these precautionary steps to maintain good exercise habits.
- Make a slow start and gradually pick up speed.
- Avoid breathing so hard that you find it difficult to talk with someone during exercise.
- Keep exercise at a comfortable push level.
- Check whether you are having muscle soreness.
Regular exercise, accompanied by a healthy lifestyle, proper sleep, and a well-balanced diet, will improve your metabolic profile which has a long-term bearing on kidney health. Before you begin exercising, talk with your doctor about the best approach and the best exercises for you.
Note: Patients with kidney stones should avoid high-intensity training which precipitates dehydration. Low-intensity exercise is good for overall health. Appropriate hydration before exercise is mandatory.