Exercise and Kidney Health: Core Curriculum 2026
Laura Aponte Becerra1, Sherry G Mansour1
1Section of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut.
Summary
Moderate exercise benefits kidney health, but intense or prolonged exertion can cause acute kidney injury. Safe training, hydration, and avoiding certain medications are key for physically active individuals.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Exercise impacts kidney function dynamically, influenced by intensity, duration, and environment.
- While moderate activity aids renal health, extreme exertion poses risks like acute kidney injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological effects of exercise on kidney function.
- To provide evidence-based strategies for managing exercise-related renal risks.
Main Methods:
- Review of physiological adaptations during exercise.
- Analysis of risks associated with different exercise intensities and conditions.
- Examination of preventive measures and special population considerations.
Main Results:
- Exercise causes reduced plasma flow, altered glomerular filtration, and fluid retention, which can be protective or maladaptive.
- High-intensity exercise may increase oxidative stress and proteinuria; ultramarathons can transiently elevate creatinine.
- Individualized hydration, electrolyte replacement, and NSAID avoidance are crucial prevention strategies.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians must balance exercise benefits against kidney risks, promoting safe practices and early complication recognition.
- Structured exercise can improve quality of life for special populations like children with chronic kidney disease or dialysis patients.
- Understanding exercise physiology is vital for optimizing renal health in active individuals.
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