Can I Do Swimming and Take Exercise with Chronic Renal Failure

When you are diagnosed with Chronic Renal Failure, you may worry exercise may put strain on kidneys so you may stop all exercises. In fact, exercise is a very important part in treating Chronic Renal Failure.
Cardiovascular disease is a major death cause in Kidney Disease and dialysis patients. Exercise like doing swimming can improve HDL( good cholesterol) in the general population. However, doing exercise can accelerate the metabolism of muscle and increase the production of creatinine which can put extra burden on kidneys. Therefore, the patients who exercise regularly should have their doctors' clearance to decide if they can start an exercise program or not.
However, the patients should avoid the intense exercises such as football, basketball, etc. These exercises can consume too much oxygen to reduce oxygen supply to kidneys. Also, if Chronic Renal Failure caused by Polycystic Kidney Disease(PKD), they should also avoid touch sports in case of cysts rupturing. In Diabetic Nephropathy, they should protect their feet against wound.
They should choose mild and aerobic exercises such as running, swimming, bicycling, etc. Poor nutrition and aneamia may decrease the exercise capacity. It is very important for the patients to correct their poor nutrition condition and anemia by balancing nutrient supply and injection of EPO, etc.
As the patients with Chronic Renal Failure need to lower the protein intake tightly, in order to guarantee ample nutrient supply, they should increase the consumption of calorie accordingly. For the patients on dialysis, they may loss a large amount of protein in the process, they should increase the protein intake. It is essential for the patients to discuss their diet program before starting it.
If you are planing a exercise program and do not if it fits you, please consult our online experts.