Can Yoga Really Help with FSGS? See What the Research Says
Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a chronic kidney disease that can affect kidney function. It can also cause pain, swelling, fatigue, and other symptoms that can impact someone’s health and quality of life.
To learn whether a Mind-Body Intervention can provide health benefits for someone living with a chronic kidney disease (CKD), researchers studied the impact of yoga.
Yoga is an umbrella term for a variety of ancient practices that combine physical poses, concentration, and deep breathing. It typically connects movement with mindfulness for both physical and mental well-being. It is often used as a complementary approach along with traditional treatment for a variety of health conditions because of its many health benefits (and little risk or financial cost).
Yoga and Chronic Kidney Disease
In this study, researchers followed 50 patients with CKD for six months. In this group, 25 patients stayed with conventional treatments, and 25 patients were offered yoga therapy along with conventional treatments.
In the group who practiced yoga, the following benefits were observed:
significant reduction of blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic numbers). This is important because controlling high blood pressure (or hypertension) can help slow disease progression and lower risk for heart disease.
reduction in urea and creatinine in the blood, which can improve kidney function
significant improvement in physical health and mental wellbeing, which can lead to an improved quality of life.
In another study with patients on dialysis, a 3-month yoga intervention was proven to be significantly effective in managing pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance. Patients practicing yoga also experienced significant reduction in creatinine, blood urea, alkaline phosphatase, and cholesterol.
Incorporating Yoga to Help with FSGS
In each of these studies, yoga was practiced five days a week or more for at least four months in a row. If you are new to yoga, this may sound overwhelming. But the reality is that you can practice yoga in your home with relative ease. Let’s review a few details from these studies.
In the first study, patients trained in Asanas. That’s a type of yoga that uses specific body postures that help you stretch and lengthen. Postures incorporate stretching while standing, sitting, or lying down. Patients practiced Asanas for 15-20 minutes.
As part of their daily yoga, they also practiced breathing techniques (called Pranayama) for 10-15 minutes and relaxation techniques with mindfulness for another 20 minutes.
In the second study, participants practiced a style of yoga called Hatha yoga, which is a slow and gentle practice that connects the breath with body and mind.
While these studies prescribed a particular yoga practice with their study participants, it’s likely other styles of yoga deliver benefit as well. You can always explore different practices to see what you like and what works for you.
Tips to Get You Started.
Here are a few tips to get started with a yoga practice:
1.) Talk to your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine.
2.) Do your research. There are so many great ways to learn about yoga. Today, there are great videos on YouTube, you can get a book from the library, or you can ask friends and family what they may recommend. You might also find a local yoga studio or yoga classes offered for free in your community (many libraries, or community or senior centers offer free yoga classes for residents).
3.) Find a comfortable spot in your home that feels tranquil or quiet. You’ll want to wear comfortable clothing and have a non-slip mat.
4.) Begin where you are. Yoga is your own journey with no state of perfection you are striving towards and no competition with others. It’s called a practice, because it’s your practice. It’s your chance to check in with yourself and be mindful of how you are feeling.
5.) Maintain a regular practice. The more you do yoga, the more you’ll want to do yoga! So start off with shorter programs (15-20 minutes) as you develop the habit. Get to know what you like and what makes you feel good. As you begin to get comfortable with yoga and your capabilities, you can expand your practice for continued benefit.
Reference:
RK, Arya TV, Kumar A, Yadav A. Effects of 6 months yoga program on renal functions and quality of life in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease. Int J Yoga 2017;10:3-8.
