When it comes to exercising, many people ignore the positive effects it can have on your health. Even simple exercises like walking can lower your blood sugar levels, make your bones strong, and improve heart and lung function. In the long run, this can help you lead a healthy life without any help of supplements, medication, etc. If you are someone who is undergoing dialysis and wants to exercise but not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. In this blog, we will discuss in detail about how hemodialysis and exercise benefits your overall health and improve kidney function.
What is Kidney Dialysis
A treatment that helps your body remove toxins and waste fluid in the blood by helping your kidneys function again is called a kidney dialysis. Among the different types of dialysis, hemodialysis is when the patient’s blood is filtered with a machine (called as dialyzer), outside the body and then is sent back to the patient’s body. This entire process is done to replace the main kidney functions when they fail to perform them. Patients can receive dialysis either at their homes, in the dialysis clinic, or at a hospital that provides dialysis treatment.
Who needs Kidney Dialysis
Dialysis is needed for patients whose kidneys have failed. When this happens, their kidneys no longer function properly. This kidney failure is a result of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), when the extra fluid and waste in the blood are not filtered by the kidneys and they need treatment to continue these functions.
But why is exercise for hemodialysis patients so important? Let’s find out:
How Exercise Helps Kidney Function: The Importance Of Physical Activity for Dialysis Patients
Patients who are receiving dialysis for their kidney failure, often lead a sedentary lifestyle (sitting more time or having an inactive life). This lifestyle can be because of the treatment process that makes them feel weak. As a result, there is a high chance of depression, cognitive dysfunction (ability to think, learn, and solve problems), and reduced overall quality of life.
By exercising, patients become active and feel normal again. This is because exercising helps in releasing endorphins in the body, which is known to reduce stress and pain, and improve your mood.
A study even showed that certain walking exercise reduces cardiovascular risks in the long term for hemodialysis patients.
Now you know why exercise and physical activity are so important for patients who are receiving dialysis.
But what exercises should you start with? Continue reading to know.
Best Exercises For Dialysis Patients and Physical Activity Tips
It is always good to talk to your kidney doctor to get personalized advice on exercise if you are receiving dialysis.
Here are some intra-hemodialysis exercises and home-based exercises:
- Aerobic Exercises: exercises are cycling, jogging, walking, etc that improve the cardiovascular health of dialysis patients. Intradialytic physical activity means exercising while receiving the dialysis instead of sitting or lying.
- Resistance Exercises: Resistance exercises include using elastic bands, interdialytic resistance training (IRT), etc. This also includes slow-stretching, which is among the safe workouts for kidney disease patients.
- Strengthening Exercises: Dialysis patients can also try some low-level strengthening exercises like calisthenics, where they can use their own body weight to exercise. This includes squats, jumping jacks, sit-ups, calf raises, etc.
Physical Activity Tips:
Other than exercises, dialysis patients can also follow these physical activity tips to keep their body active. These physical activity tips include simple things like cleaning your room or other chores. The best part is, you can do these in the comfort of your home.
- Laundry
- Organizing the furniture in your home
- Mopping
- Sweeping
- Vacuuming
- Cleaning your Wardrobe
- Dusting, etc.
These activities can increase your physical movements inside the house and you can improve your mood as well.
When and How Frequent to Exercise
It is important to note that these exercises are basic and do not need an intense routine, especially if you are undergoing dialysis. More exercise means your fluid intake will also increase, which might not be good for your kidneys. Exercise should include proper fluid intake, which can be discussed with your dietician. Then, you can start exercising while controlling your fluid levels and reducing any risks.
Exercises like aerobics, resistance, and strength training can be done at least 2 to 3 times a week. Intradialytic exercises are done only while receiving dialysis so this can help you reach your goal of exercising 2-3 times a week. Each exercise plan should be tailored as per the patient’s condition.
What Can Exercise Do for Patients Undergoing Dialysis
- Increase energy levels: Exercise and physical activity can increase the energy levels of patients who are undergoing dialysis by reducing their fatigue (weakness).
- Reduce stress: The release of chemicals like endorphins while exercising improves the mood of dialysis patients and reduces stress.
- Increase muscle strength: Strengthening exercises like lifting weights, using resistance bands, stretching, etc., increase muscle strength in patients.
- Better sleep: Physical activity during dialysis not only increases energy levels but also improves the sleep quality of dialysis patients so they can receive a good rest without any discomfort.
- Manage weight: Physical activity like weight lifting and aerobic exercise helps patients manage their weight and prevent diseases like diabetes.
- Improve heart health: Regular exercise, at least 3 times a week, improves heart health by regulating blood pressure and reducing hypertension.
Conclusion
In conclusion, including regular exercise in your day is very important for hemodialysis patients becuase it improves overall health by increasing energy levels, and mental health as well. This leads to better kidney function and heart health. By following these simple physical activities, dialysis patients can improve their quality of life and manage risks associated with kidney dialysis.
