How Exercise Affects Your Kidneys: What You Need to Know

Exercise is good for your heart and kidneys, but too much can cause problems. The kidneys work hard to keep your body balanced during physical activity. They adjust blood flow and filter waste. But if you push too hard, especially in hot weather or without enough water, your kidneys can get stressed.

Moderate Exercise: Safe and Beneficial

Moderate exercise is generally safe and beneficial. It helps your heart and kidneys work better. But intense or long workouts, like marathons, can harm your kidneys. This is because your body produces more waste and needs more water. If you don't drink enough, your kidneys can get damaged.

Kidney Function During Exercise

During exercise, your kidneys hold onto fluids and change how they filter blood. This is normal and helps your body stay balanced. But if you're not careful, this can lead to problems. For example, drinking too much water can dilute your blood, which is also bad for your kidneys.

High-Intensity Workouts and Kidney Damage

High-intensity workouts increase stress on your body. They can cause more waste in your urine and damage your kidneys over time. Long races, like ultramarathons, can even temporarily raise creatinine levels. This makes it harder to tell if your kidneys are injured.

Keeping Your Kidneys Safe

To keep your kidneys safe, drink enough water and replace lost electrolytes. Avoid taking certain pain relievers, as they can harm your kidneys. If you have kidney disease or are on dialysis, exercise can still help. But you need to be careful and follow a safe plan.

Doctor's Role in Kidney Health

Doctors need to understand how exercise affects kidneys. They should teach patients how to stay safe while staying active. By balancing the benefits and risks, people can enjoy exercise without harming their kidneys.