Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are often less physically active and have reduced physical activeness and performance compared to healthy people. Strong scientific research suggests that exercises can improve several health aspects and outcomes in patients with CKD.
We all know that chronic kidney disease patients have to make many lifestyle changes to manage their health conditions. Among lifestyle changes, taking a kidney-friendly diet, restricting some eatables in diet, and exercising are the major ones. Ayurvedic Nephrologist Dr Puneet says that most patients with CKD are not physically active due to symptoms like swelling in feet and hands, pain in the back or abdomen, etc. However, much research suggests that exercises have the potential for different health aspects. The Ayurvedic doctor says an inactive lifestyle could be a strong risk factor for poor heart health, and exercise helps in ‘pump all overall heart function and thus lowering the risk for cardiovascular problems which is comorbidities in such patients.
In the past, it was believed that strenuous workouts could harm people with chronic kidney disease. Due to such beliefs, the patients don’t show interest in participating in physical activities, worsening their kidney problems and affecting heart health. However, CKD patients can follow an exercise program that is customized for health benefits and minimizing any risks. In short, some exercises are beneficial in improving the health of chronic kidney disease patients.
Benefits of exercises in chronic kidney disease
In chronic kidney disease patients, cardiovascular disease is found to be the leading cause of death. And inactivity or physical idleness is a significant risk factor for poor heart health, and exercise help improve overall health and lower the risk for cardiovascular problems.
Some scientific studies have shown that exercises can help to improve;
- Rate of decline in kidney function
- Maximizing oxygen consumption
- Blood pressure
- Mental health, especially memory power
- Energy levels
- Sleeping quality and quantity
- Flexibility
- Physical function
The effect of physical activities or exercises can vary from patient to patient. In many cases, it is seen that exercise can be valuable for many people with chronic kidney disease. Most of the reports are conducted on Aerobics training and too less on other forms of exercises. Many future studies on other exercises training can show more benefits of exercises of chronic kidney disease patients.
Things to consider during exercising in CKD
Patients with CKD should keep in mind that they should limit their physical activity. In case of any changes during exercise, they should immediately stop exercising, especially when you feel tired, gasping, sick or sometimes dizzy.
Some other danger signals for CKD include pain, muscle cramps or a racing heartbeat. Additionally, exercises should be stopped if the patient gets a fever, symptoms worsen, or any other health problem.
Such patients should be encouraged to take part in different forms of physical activity, including;
- Aerobic exercise training like walking, swimming or cycling
- Strength training
- Flexibility training
- Resistance training
There is essential evidence to support the therapeutic benefits of exercise for CKD patients; dialysis patients have a high level of physical inactivity. Furthermore, assessment, counselling and exercise training should not be regularly offered to CKD patients, and a gap is maintained for better results.
The exercise program for CKD should be customized for each patient as per their reports and health complications and symptoms. The exercise plan should mainly include;
- Duration of each session
- Frequency of sessions
- Frequency of repetitions
- Intensity of each session
A CKD patient should start their exercise program at a low intensity and gradually increase it depending on the patient’s tolerance. Practising exercise helps reduce the risk of several diseases and will increase the chances that a patient can follow the exercise routine therapy.
Apart from exercises, meditation and Yoga can play a crucial role in improving the kidney health of a CKD patient. Meditation can help tackle mental issues like lack of concentration, stress, etc. Some specific yoga postures help lower the worsening of chronic kidney disease and can gradually improve kidney functioning. In many patients, at the initial stage of CKD, Yoga activities have shown to upscaling their condition with regular Yoga practice. A kidney patient has many restrictions; therefore, one should always consult a Yoga practitioner or Ayurvedic kidney expert before starting any form of Yoga for kidney health betterment.
The Yoga Guru, Swami Ramdev, says that some symptoms appear before kidney failure that can be easily detected. And by following some necessary measures, a patient can protect their kidneys from further damage and gradually help in kidney health betterment.
Along with following these measures, a CKD patient must also take adequate treatment for their ailing kidneys. In that condition, Ayurvedic treatment for chronic kidney disease can better cure kidney problems.
Along with taking the help of physical exercises and Yoga, Ayurvedic treatment can come up as the best cure for chronic kidney disease as it possesses therapeutic properties which help reverse kidney damage by triggering the body’s self-rejuvenating characteristic. As a result, Ayurvedic kidney treatment, when combined with essential exercises and Yoga Asanas, can work wonders in setting you free from CKD complications naturally. These holistic treatment methods have no risks, and they are affordable as well.
Consult an Ayurvedic kidney expert to get personalized treatment, diet and a Yoga plan for gaining normal kidney health.