How Too Much Exercise Affects Your Kidneys

​Folks I know exercise is great, and people swear up and down that we should work out to feel and look better. However, this can be a bad thing. As much as I hate to say this but if you work out too much, you risk suffering from the Big Rhabdomyolysis.

​Rhabdomyolysis?
Rhabdomyolysis or Rhabdo for short is a disease where the kidneys are overwhelmed by too much myoglobin in the bloodstream. In extreme cases, the kidneys can shut down. Constant exposure to rhabdo can result in chronic kidney disease.
 
Keep in mind that the kidneys filter out waste in the bloodstream. If it goes for whatever reason, you will be in deep trouble.
 
What causes Rhabdo?
The most common way to contract Rhabdo is when you exercise too much. The mechanism for this is a little complicated but has to do with the results of when you work out.
 
When you push your muscles, you are causing muscle damage. Don’t worry that is natural and the muscles will heal. The issue is that the breakdown of muscle tissue releases myoglobin into the bloodstream.
 
The kidneys can filter out this pollutant, but it has a limit. Too much myoglobin can devastate the kidneys and force them to shut down! Think of this as when you fill your mouth with food. At some point, you can no longer chew because it is filled. Naturally, you don’t want this to happen. Ever.
 
So, I Should not Work Out?
Well, you should not overdo it. It seems there is a correlation between the severity of the exercise to the amount of myoglobin released. So, a 10KM run releases less myoglobin than 15 minutes of intense crossfit.

The Problem is Rhabdo can be Fatal
It won’t do to die while trying to get fit. So, look out for the symptoms of Rhabdo as early as possible. Intense muscle pain, spasms, weakness, stiffening, swelling, and dark urine are the symptoms of Rhabdo.
 
If you start experiencing any of these might as well be prudent and consult your doctor.
Like I said a little Rhabdo is tolerable and your kidneys will heal. But if you experience it every time you got to the gym that might not be so great for your kidneys.
 
Remember the list for kidney recipient is very long and dialysis is very uncomfortable. So better play it safe.
 
Also, the possibility of Rhabdo is a good reason to get insurance to limit the cost of treatment in the unfortunate event that it happens. At Rick Case Insurance Agency, we aim to make our client's life easier with policies that are tailored to their needs. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (405) 722-5556. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE.