According to doctors, individuals suffering from chronic kidney disease should keep in mind the limits of their physical activity and stop exercising once they feel "fatigued, have difficulty breathing, experience nausea, dizziness, or pain.” Research conducted over the past few decades has shown countless health benefits of regular exercise for patients with chronic kidney disease, who need to make significant lifestyle changes for their health, including eating well, altering their diets, and exercising.
Dr. Suresh Shankar, a nephrologist and vice president for clinical affairs at NephroPlus, states, “Many patients with chronic kidney disease are less physically active compared to those who do not have it. However, strong research indicates that exercise has the potential to enhance many health markers and outcomes for patients.”
Dr. Shankar adds that a sedentary lifestyle can pose a serious risk to heart health, and exercise is beneficial for improving overall health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
In the past, it was commonly believed that vigorous physical activity was harmful to individuals with kidney disease, leading to low participation in sports activities among these patients. Therefore, they should be encouraged to engage in regular physical activity, including various forms of exercise.
Dr. Shankar outlined several key health benefits of regular exercise to the Indian Express, which include:
- Increased physical fitness and muscle strength
- Prevention of muscle wasting
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Enhanced nutritional treatments
- Reduced chronic inflammation
- Improved quality of life with decreased anxiety, stress, and depression among these patients.
Conversely, Dr. Shankar warned that kidney patients should be mindful of their physical activity limits and cease exercising if they experience fatigue, difficulty breathing, nausea, dizziness, pain, muscle cramps, or a rapid heartbeat.
Additionally, exercise therapy should be stopped if the patient has a fever, experiences worsening symptoms, or has another health condition that deteriorates with exercise.
