Does intense exercise and heavy lifting strain the kidneys?

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Sean Hashmi, MD, MS, FASN
www.SELFPrinciple.org
www.instragram.com/seanhashmimd
Michele Crosmer, RD CSR
plantbasedkidneys.com/
/ plantbased.kidneys
Disclaimer
The information provided on this channel is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

[@ashleysolomon691]

Thanks a tonne. This is so liberating. 4 years ago I climbed my last peak in the Himalayas and attended my CrossFit class, after which I came to know of CKD and then was asked to only walk to present an escalation of creatinine. I was in tears as I love working out. Will start again slowly!

[@PlantBasedKidneyHealth]

Thanks for tuning into our episode and we're glad you found it helpful!

[@Pfc20219]

This doctor is amazing. I dont know him but God bless you🙂

[@moragmacneill1170]

I love my intense exercise as it helps my mental health so this is good news for me. None of my doctor could give me an answer to this question so thank you so much :)

[@PlantBasedKidneyHealth]

We're glad it was helpful! :)

[@craigchkw]

Looking this up because my dr seems clueless to anyone outside of a couch potato

[@akewah]

Thank God for this because my nephrologist actually went to google after i told her i do strength training and told me to stop. I have never felt better in my life 💪🏾

[@davidperchinsky2441]

Completely changed my dialysis sessions and blood work! Workouts are life Affirming!

[@CousinEddy1969]

I have CKD and weight training is an essential part of my life!

[@justthej]

how much are you lifting?

[@CousinEddy1969]

@@justthej 5 days a week 1:45 every AM . Do pushups every night before showering (50-75 consecutive reps)

[@Gian-ni]

How old r u? I'm 43, naturally skinny, but I'm fit cause I lift. I also just found out to hae Candida, meaning that I have to cut my carbs and increase my proteins, but I wonder if I should strain less.

[@CousinEddy1969]

@@Gian-ni I am 55 years old and I honestly believe the more lean muscle mass we have the healthier we will be and the more longevity we will experience! So I try to train to failure on every set. But by no means am I a Hepatologist or a Gastroenterologist so I am not telling you that you should train that way, but I am convinced that having strong bones and low body fat is a pretty solid strategy for a healthy lifestyle!

[@Safekrkr]

Thank you. Always was on my mind and just need the exercise to my stressful job. Plus it makes me feel great. Awesome news.

[@jimomalley]

Good to hear that exercise doesn't negatively affect kidneys. I have been followed by a nephrologist for 24 years, and before I quit work (I am 66) my creatine was 1.5 ish. Once I quit work I started working out 6is out of 7 days, 30min mile swim, 30 min elliptical, 300 inverted sit-ups, 10 mile bike ride and a few other bits, I always make it strenuous. I don't want to build big mussels, but I do like swimmer mussels My creatinine went to 2.2 in about 9 months and the BUN followed the creatine number up; none of my other numbers are bad, everything is normal. Before I quit work and started exercising daily, my proteinuria was 305 mg/dl. But since I started a plant based diet (that I stick to like religion) it went to 30 mg/dl. I have always been a exerciser, but once I was freed of work I had time to exercise daily instead of 2 or so days a week.

[@naveenkumars587]

How many years you have CKD?

[@jimomalley]

@@naveenkumars587 24 years perhaps a bit longer.

[@arvin3745]

When you detected CKD what's was you creatinine levels and proteinuria

[@Prish_Vlog]

How you cured ckd ,what's all treatment you took

[@jimomalley]

​@@arvin3745 Creatinine has gone up slow over 24 years. I have no proteinuria, well below 300 mg/dl. But it jumped way up when I worked out hard for a year after quitting work. Went to EU for 3 months and it came down some, we will see at 6 months without exercise.

[@hoebeng1]

I am happy to hear that! Takes a load off my mind. Thank you

[@wajahathussain7955]

Important one.... 👍👍

[@Kathy_Is_Blessed]

Yaay!! I was wanting to work with free-weights, so this is great news! Thanks so much.

[@PlantBasedKidneyHealth]

Glad it was helpful!

[@preladogubo7914]

Thanx so much this addresses the question I had asked about the topic

[@jessegentry9699]

Thanks. You relieved my conscious because I've read you must not go dormant.

[@hughie9748]

I love this channel. Thank you both so much for your invaluable advice.

[@PlantBasedKidneyHealth]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching, we're so happy it's helpful!

[@andreawilliams9033]

Thank you for this info 🙏 😊

[@se7ensiinz]

Powerlifter here, I’m over 1 point in the higher end of creatinine but I’m currently taking 5g of creatine daily along with a high protein diet and really heavy weightlifting. Great explanation.

[@UriPinguini]

Imagine deadlifting heavy and you feel something down there running blood

[@mikemike6085]

Great answer... Doctor has already scared me because my creatinine level is 103. But i do sports from my age of 6 so thats what i have assumed exactly. thanks for the confirmation :)

[@ranjitgovindaraj]

Excellent. I’ve been wanting to know the answer for a while.

[@PlantBasedKidneyHealth]

Glad you liked it!

[@noelcamara2632]

I em just about to ask my doctor about if could go on a long ride with my road bile and glad i watched this video, you guys are amazing.❤

[@jimomalley]

Last year I was 65 and did the GAP and C&O trail in 5 days, so ride your bike.

[@markoplo2008]

Great video.I've been trying to get an answer to this question for a while.. 👍

[@PlantBasedKidneyHealth]

Glad we could help. Thanks for tuning in!

[@chiclett]

Yes, Excellent

[@florancetanivill7385]

Waited for the this talk. Thank you

[@PlantBasedKidneyHealth]

We hope you found it helpful!

[@taquilo]

Great advice on exercise. It’s rather hard to find the info on what is the right amount of exercise when you have a kidney concern. All I could have found was “go easy”, but I need high heart rate exercise for other health benefits. The key is to take sufficient rest, I gather.

[@nadirhossainsaifullah2467]

We want this type of short video.

[@flaveboss4029]

Love you both!!

[@PlantBasedKidneyHealth]

Yay! Thanks for supporting our channel :)

[@nehajain54]

Very informative.👍👍

[@PlantBasedKidneyHealth]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mohanprasad2261]

Thanks

[@UCMReckle33]

Ok this makes much more sense now! I recently had a check up with my oncologist and she saw my creatinine went up and the only thing she could say is to drop the whey protein and drink more water. But at the time frame from my last blood test to the recent one I have also been working out 6 times a week lifting weights. Even thought I’m sure maybe the protein has something to do and will stop taking those supplements. It makes much more sense now why my creatinine was so high and why my doctors were worrying. Since it went up from 1.5 to 1.7-1.8 but it elevated at the same time I started working out! I am planning on getting a kidney doctor (not sure what they are called) and ask him more about my protein since I know I wasn’t getting that much protein in my body to do any damage in the first place but this very much makes sense why my creatinine was higher than before at the same time I was working out! Thank you!

[@PlantBasedKidneyHealth]

So glad you found the episode helpful! We also address protein supplements in some of our protein episodes so make sure to check those out!

[@dannyiskandar]

Do you recommend someone in stage 3b and who wants to exercise daily, drinking creatine so he could recover quicker?

[@jimomalley]

Can you talk about working out for older adults. A bit of background, I have always worked out but because of work I was not regular, perhaps a 30 minute mile in the pool once or twice a week and some elliptical 30 minutes strenuously once, twice a week. I did get fat over the last 10+ years, from 200 lbs to a maximum of 250 lbs, 6'-2", I am back down to 210 lbs after a year (my belly is gone 🙂). I quit work and started working out every day 300+ inverted sit-ups, every other day pool laps or elliptical and started adding weight bearing exercises. I see no 66+ year old men doing what I do at any of the YMCAs I attend, I do work out HARD, sweat, force, etc... I have not worked out like that since university days. My creatine went from around 1.5 to 2.2 over a year, it has been very stable rising only slightly over the past 24 years. My nephrologist freaked out, I have had all kinds of test done for inflammatory disease, etc... even a kidney biopsy where the hospital screwed up the biopsy so I got to get that done again, pain!!! I told him I had been busting my a$$ hard in the gym, but he says he did not see the change in mussel mass. By my calculations (data on mussel creatine from the internet) all I had to do to raise my creatine (solute) to the 2.2 level was increase mussel mass by 3-5 kg. My urine flow is still the same 4 liters per day and the creatine solute level is constant in my urine. Simple equations for filtration with filtration being constant, chem E. type guy. I do like to exercise and love the feeling and the added strength. What use to take 4 hours a day of exercise I can now do it in 3 or less hours, and want to increase my workouts even more. So do a video on old people busting a$$ for a year daily and changing creatine levels. Like to hear what you say, also would working out that much be bad for my kidneys? I have been vegan for 2 years. I enjoy your videos, thanks.

[@stefanosxenoudakis8812]

I have a weird thing goin on with my kidnies. My left is like 32% and right 68%. I love weight lifting i cant imagine my lif without deadlifts. I try to not eat a lot of red meat for protein i prefer pea protein isolate and fish sources .the weird thing is a never get sore or most of the times i get over a heavy load training in 2 days. I hope god will give me nore years ti train. Glad to find your channel.

[@AliHussain-rc9iu]

Same issue brother can you tell me what you did for muscle gain?

[@renhan7221]

I just came back from the doctor telling her I take creatine and some other stuff, cause my creatinine was a bit high, but she told me that I should stop taking so much protein, I have an appointment next month so I will stop creatine intake a week before and we see again what is gonna happen , thank you guys sooo much, I love you all

[@cindychristian1700]

How long have you been on dialysis? Are you a candidate for a transplant? If you don't mind me asking?

[@mirkonavarra1517]

doc can I do BJJ after nefrectomy (due to Clear Cell Carcinoma) ?

[@albru521]

Excellent

[@merv893]

What about av fistula, for weights or press ups

[@RodrigoMera]

If I have one kidney can I still run? Jog or jump the rope regularly?

[@edwardwidjaya9730]

Doc..im a body builder and the first time i check my creatinin is 1.4...and my doctor said i should stop my exercise and protein suply..and after 1 week i stop it my creatinin is going down to 1.33..but after 3 week is going up to 1.52 and even i still not doing excercise and eat low protein diet. there is no other symptomps like diabetic.high blood pressure and no protein in my urine.even i doing kidney ultrasonography and all is normal..why my creatinine is going up doc?

[@agustinreyes6111]

My creatinine was high (200 pounds, 15% body fat) so I requested a Cystatin C test and came back solid.

[@luigiporpora8322]

Me too. Creatinine has been anywhere between 1.25 and 1.48 for the last 30 years. Learned about Cystatin C a couple of years ago and have had three tests since then, about a year apart each: 0.93, 0.91 and most recently 0.90. Pretty much in the middle of the good range. So that is reassuring. And I should add I've been weightlifting since I was 17, on and off (because of work) and now I'm 58. No creatine or protein powder supplementation.

[@user-iv9lr7uu3c]

This is very helpful. Thank you Doctor.

[@pamelafp5937]

would u recommend drinking baking soda before exercising?

[@maabdullah9624]

If some is allegedly given slow poising , which tests can be done for kidney health ? kindly recommend .

[@jp7357]

How true. At 65yo I took up CrossFit and started taking 5g/creatine daily, my eGFR/cre dropped from 88 to 46 … luckily eGFR/cys stayed solid at 90. I was told by cardiologist that “he’s never seen that drop and I must have been dehydrated” … I mentioned the the egfr/cys would also be affected by hydration

[@ColdSun87]

I have a question regarding a recent urinalysis I did. I am a 36 yo male bodybuilder 5'9 220lbs. I was first referred by my family physician to a nephrologist a few months ago due to high creatinine levels (2.1). At the time I was using creatine and I do very intense sessions, heavy weight high volume... So I retested after stopping the creatine and my creatinine level was 1.3 which is barely above normal. Doc said this was normal due to my muscle mass. But here's the issue... When I did my 24 hour urinalysis my creatine was 3238mg/24hr on a scale of 1000-2000 which he didn't seem concerned about. However, my total urine protein was 636mg/24hr on scale of 42-225mg. He did seem concerned about that number and wants me to do another urinalysis with further testing. During the urinalysis I did a very intense back workout and cardio afterwards (he told me it was okay to lift during the test, so I did). Is it possible because I did heavy lifting during the test that it was the cause of the protein in my urine? I am very worried/concerned after seeing these numbers... Next urinalysis I am gonna stop lifting 2-3 days prior to the test and take the test on the last day before I start the gym again to see of things change. Any help would be greatly appreciated! 🙏

[@PlantBasedKidneyHealth]

Hello! Heavy lifting/intense exercise can potentially increase protein in urine. If you stop the heavy lifting a few days before like you said and ask them to check for microalbumin creatinine ratio in the urine that can better show if it is kidney related!

[@ilsewenzel9424]

I rode my stationary bike a bit too strenuously doing HIIT. Now I think I have a bruised muscle or ev

[@wendycopeland2.0]

Thank you for this information. I am a kidney transplant recipient. I would like to know how safe is to build muscle post kidney transplant.

[@PlantBasedKidneyHealth]

We will have a future episode on building muscle!

[@agentfalafel5059]

I lift heavy 6 days a week. My creatinine level is 92. GFR 66. Doctor started panicking and not taking into consideration my life style. I feel great.

[@dannydasilva1697]

1.92?

[@wread1982]

Your in kidney failure if that’s true

[@agustinreyes6111]

Same here so I got my Cystatin C test done and came back to a gfr of 93

[@AgentGreyFox]

What about plant based protein powder?

[@shankar7435]

If we do exercise, Won't it spike in creatine which strains kidneys?

[@parikhjagdish1443]

I was concerned about how my walking I should restrict my self to in order to keep my creatinine readings in check . I am 75 , have one kidney practically non functioning , walk regularly @ 4 to 5 kms but can walk more too if I am convinced it will not increase my creatinine readings above 1.5which it has remained for last few yrs. I think after watching the video that creatinine reading may go up did higher generation of waste product but it is not to be concerned about as it doesn’t mean that kidney is going bad but it means kidney is not able to handle additional load of waste products generated . In short i understand more walking will not be harmful for kidney but overall it may be more beneficial to my health including kidney . Pl correct me if I am wrong in my understanding . Thanks

[@melissapalomares1528]

Doc you didnt mention here that if you do strenous exercises one should also be eating enough carbs and protein. I am plant based but my creatinine increased from 140 to 214. The only reason I could think of is that my nutrition is not enough? Since I dont eat enough carbs and protein maybe i have muscle wasting hence, increased creatinine? Pls enlighten🙏😿

[@D1amondeyes]

Okay. Im going to the gym right now. I always made it an excuse to not go

[@user-ef8qz2pw6f]

Thank you for what you provide. My question is, can I build bigger muscle in kidney disease, which means protein has to be very restricted, but for someone who wants to build bigger muscle and is a stage 3 kidney patient, what should I do? Does he take plant protein and can he increase the dose to 1.5? Or take Ketoanalogues supplements with increasing dosage?

[@ohkabomb917]

Any update bro?

[@nomorenews]

Yeah

[@gonzalo3670]

Essential aminos are right? Supposedly they do not raise urea levels as they go directly to muscle/organs repair. How is your progresion?

[@rouvyrlo9132]

Hi Doctor if your egfr is low dropping year by year by 8-12 points latest 80 from 108 in a span of 2 years ago but you protein and /nitrite/glucose/ketone and billrubin are negative traces in urine feme- does egfr indication points that yt kidney is early stage of further damage along the years - Is that true the kidney will further detrioriate further even without diabetic or BP ? Thanking you in much advace for your valuable reply

[@HeatherSunseri]

Thank you. Would love for you to do an episode on creatine.

[@PlantBasedKidneyHealth]

We definitely have that on our list to do!

[@TC-vc7oe]

@@PlantBasedKidneyHealth I'd like that too.

[@Gian-ni]

I'm 43, naturally skinny, but I'm fit cause I lift. I also just found out to hae Candida, meaning that I have to cut my carbs and increase my proteins, but I wonder if I should strain less.

[@mavsduguran]

Hello, y’all. Hopefully someone would help me with my concern. I have stage 3 CKD and my creatinine levels play around 160-180 (a bit higher than normal) and I weigh 190 lbs. I start getting sedentary lifestyle when I learned about my kidney condition 2 years ago. I actually wanted to workout, but was really scared thinking my creatinine levels would shoot up and affects my kidneys? I’m not on dialysis since I still pee regularly and a lot. I still drink plenty of water too. I really wanted to focus in weight (fat and water) loss, so I can be healthier. Is it safe to do weight loss program? I’m also anemic (caused by CKD) but I inject Epoetin 5000 IU once a week. Thanks for answering, and God bless you all. 🥰

[@nabilmuscle3203]

Hello brother i wish u have a great health….in ur case its better to do not go for heavy lifting……ur kidny will be work more hard to flush the extra stuff from body….sty natural the best workout for you is walk..look after ur diet

[@chetanrs]

What about people with blood pressure who want to lift weights ?

[@nomorenews]

Best thing,start with low weights

[@Gian-ni]

An overly intense session causes muscolar damange, kidney tubular injury, suggesting the occurrence of kidney damage. The muscle regenerates, but what about the injury caused to the kidney? Is there a way to measure how bad it is? and how do we reverse it? Do the kidneys regenerate tissues almost like muscles?

[@van3363]

I've been using water weights in the pool during water aerobics, loosing weight. Feeling great. Not building muscle. Just an option.

[@ferricgaming1740]

I had a 4mm kidney stone and took creatine for 7 days, which caused my kidney to start hurting. I stopped taking creatine, but my kidney still hurts. I eat 100g of chicken, oats, and eggs daily to meet my protein needs, and I drink 5-7 liters of water per day. Additionally, I consume apple cider vinegar or lemon juice every day.

[@bifta1427]

Hi there! Could you please make a video about beta blockers non selective, selective and kidney health, high dosages of them/ low dosage, friendly with kidneys, or any other effect that they might have on kidneys health! Thank you!

[@wread1982]

Beta blockers just slow heart rate which is horrible for exercise, ARBs have less side effects and control blood pressure. Also beta blockers lower testosterone and raise blood sugar and blunt lung function

[@nomorenews]

I like ARBs ,fewer side effects. What about ACE inhibitors and diuretics efficacy?

[@akashgajbhiye3767]

Please give me Suggetion

[@nopeno6514]

Good to know that we still can work out and making muscle without further harming our kidneys.

[@taylorphillips5118]

I'm in dialysis 3x per week. I have a graft near my bicep. What's the max I can safely curl?

[@NoName-fx9zi]

Wish i'd known to watch this video beforehand, I've been taking a creatine supplement and my Dr is freaking out wanting me to call them back about my blood test results from a couple days ago, which flagged my bun/creatinine levels as elevated. Guess i'll lay off the powder for a while. Oops. 🙄

[@martinnichols45]

When to stop creatine supplements b4 blood tests ? 2 weeks ?

[@ashleysolomon691]

This is my question as well. Can we get Dr Hashmi to answer this please. Thanks

[@martinnichols45]

@@ashleysolomon691 ive read it was 10 days . 2 weeks to make sure .

[@akashgajbhiye3767]

Can i do boxing with kidney disease It's essential part of my life

[@esgee2464]

What if you do NOT have CKD only have 1 kidney because you donated the other?

[@PlantBasedKidneyHealth]

Check out our videos on solitary kidney! And thanks for donating your kidney! :)

[@DEBTFREEMIKE769]

My gfr is higher with the urine test than the blood test. So, I prefer the urine test lol

[@RonnelCuison]

hi

[@sbattle4787]

Every time I try to work out, it seems as if my kidneys are worsted. I bloat like my body can't rid the toxins so it redeposits back in my body and then I am worse.

[@UriPinguini]

Imagine finishing deadlifting and going to the bathroom and you peeing blood

[@max-nm6qx]

"GODS FARMACY "BY DR THOMAS JACKSON EX PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL PLAYER GREAT HEALTH WATCH ENJOY ❤

[@jd6319]

You probably won’t get this but if you do, I would be highly appreciative. I just had labs yesterday with urine analysis. 24 hrs ago, I was lifting heavy with 70 % of my maximum heart rate in 1 hr. The day of my labs and urine analysis, I was having diarrhea 5-6 times before my lab appointment. My GFR was the best it has been over 100, but my Microalbumin to creat urine ratio was high of 80 compared to 13 6 months ago. Could it be dehydration and intense training obscure my results? Thank you.

[@PlantBasedKidneyHealth]

Both of those things could definitely impact results. For next labs/urinalysis, you can hold off on heavy lifting 24 hours before your test. And hopefully you won't have diarrhea again at that time!