2 min read • October 20, 2022
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By Reuben Varghese
Every individual has two kidneys. They are tucked deep in your abdomen surrounded by other organs such as your stomach, spine, liver and spleen. They help our body with electrolyte/water balance, acid-base issues, blood pressure, removing toxins, red blood cell production and activating Vitamin D. The kidneys filter waste into our urinary tracts and play an essential role maintaining homeostasis within our bodies. Without it, it can lead to major medical conditions associated with anemia, blood clots in the urinary tract, skeletal muscle strain, and reduced cardiac function. Treatment is normally life on dialysis or a kidney transplant.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, if an individual has only a single kidney, your body can still function normally. Your body will use that kidney to help filter waste into your urinary tract to eliminate toxins from the body. Studies have shown that your lone kidney grows larger and can work up to 40% more. That being said, it is important to keep that single kidney safe to prevent further damage.
Individuals with only one kidney can play, but it is recommended that you speak to a doctor. With the kidneys connected to the urinary tract, any collision near our pelvic and lower upper extremities can pose long-term risks. Engaging in contact sports in general are prohibited due to risk of injury. Because individuals with kidney/renal issues are also unable to take in oxygen at a maximal level, engaging in sports can exacerbate fatigue and weakness quicker than if you had two functioning kidneys.
In order to minimize injury, it is recommended by the National Kidney Foundation to participate in limited contact sports such as soccer, football, ice hockey, field hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, boxing, wrestling, snowboarding, and downhill skiing. Sports that are considered non-contact are but not limited to are track & field, golf, volleyball, tennis, and cricket. However, before any sports participation, it is important to check-in with your doctor to truly understand your current renal function.
The Nationwide Children’s Hospital recommends that kids wear custom made kidney shields during sports and activities. These are non-invasive shields that can be used on healthy or transplanted kidneys. Please refer to your doctor for more information.
There is always a risk for injury in contact sports. Making sure you are wearing proper safety equipment and engaging in proper technique when you are tackling, diving, and falling can be vital to protecting renal function
Your health is the most important when it comes to living a long life and so it is important to recognize when you are putting your body at risk. See your doctor regularly and continue to keep up the dialogue with your coaches to help create a plan to keep you safe.
Having only one kidney is not the end of the world. You can still have a normal life. However, engaging in physical activity, especially contact sports, presents an opportunity to affect how our body filters nutrients and creates essential biomolecules. It is important to speak to a medical professional and look at other resources such as the National Kidney foundation for the most up to date information on how to deal with any kidney problems.
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