A sedentary lifestyle is one of the most relevant risk factors in current health. Spending many hours sitting and performing little physical activity not only affects general physical condition, but can also negatively influence kidney function, increasing the risk of long-term kidney disease.
Observational studies have identified that prolonged sedentary behaviors are associated with poorer kidney health, especially when combined with other risk factors such as obesity or hypertension.
Why can sitting for many hours affect the kidneys?
Because when the body remains inactive for long periods:
- Metabolic activity is reduced
- Insulin sensitivity decreases
- Vascular stiffness increases
- Blood pressure control deteriorates
Kidneys depend on constant and stable blood flow, so these changes can affect their filtering capacity over time.
What are the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle on kidney function?
1. Increased risk of chronic kidney disease
Physical inactivity is considered a modifiable risk factor for the development of CKD.
2. High blood pressure
Lack of movement promotes an increase in blood pressure, one of the main factors of kidney damage.
3. Metabolic alterations
Sedentary lifestyle is associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, conditions closely related to kidney deterioration.
How to reduce the impact of a sedentary lifestyle and improve kidney health?
Incorporating small daily changes can significantly improve kidney health:
- Stand up every 45–60 minutes
- Walk regularly during the day
- Perform moderate physical activity several times a week
- Reduce total sitting time
The role of prevention and comprehensive care
Kidney health does not depend solely on the level of physical activity, but on a set of habits that include hydration, balanced diet, blood pressure control, and monitoring of risk factors.
In this context, it may sometimes be advisable to complement a healthy lifestyle with specific support solutions, especially for people with risk factors or a history of urinary issues.
Support for urinary health with Devicare
Devicare develops solutions aimed at urinary and kidney health care within a comprehensive approach based on prevention.
Their products and technologies are designed to support people with different needs, from maintaining urinary well-being to providing support in specific situations, always as a complement to healthy habits and under professional recommendation when necessary.
Conclusion
A sedentary lifestyle can have a significant impact on long-term kidney function. Reducing sitting time, increasing daily physical activity, and adopting healthy habits are key to protecting the kidneys.
Prevention and comprehensive care, supported when necessary by specific solutions in the field of urinary health, form the basis of an effective strategy to preserve kidney function.
References:
Zelle, D. M., Klaassen, G., van Adrichem, E., Bakker, S. J. L., Corpeleijn, E., & Navis, G. (2017). Physical inactivity: a risk factor and target for intervention in renal care. Nature Reviews Nephrology, 13(3), 152–168. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneph.2016.187
Kosaki, K., Tanahashi, K., Matsui, M., Akazawa, N., Osuka, Y., Tanaka, K., & Oka, K. (2020). Sedentary behaviour, physical activity, and renal function in older adults. BMC Nephrology, 21, 211. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12882-020-01869-8
