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How can exercise benefit your kidneys?

Exercise improves your cardiovascular function. A particular benefit of this is better control of blood pressure. This is important for people with kidney disease and brings significant health benefits.

"All people with kidney problems can exercise, even those on dialysis”

Obesity and diabetes, both closely linked with kidney disease, can be better controlled through exercise. Exercise may also help prevent or reverse the loss of muscle and reduced bone density which is a common problem for people with kidney problems. You should also generally feel better and have more energy.

All people with kidney problems can exercise, even those on dialysis.

If you are having haemodialysis, you should ensure that your fistula arm is protected when participating in contact sports and strenuous activities. Do not lift heavy objects with that arm.

If you are having peritoneal dialysis, you can swim and enjoy sports such as karate or judo, although a belt should be worn to protect the catheter site.

If you only have one kidney or a transplanted kidney, you should avoid heavy contact sports and wear protective padding during other sporting activity.

Many sports and activities are available to kidney patients. Before starting any exercise programme, you should consult your GP or renal team.

www.kidneyresearchuk.org

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Copyright © 2007 Kidney Research UK

This information has been provided by Kidney Research UK, the leading UK charity funding research that focuses on the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease.

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