Practical Stress Management Strategies for Healthy Kidneys

By Michelle Hampson

Everyone who has experienced stress knows that it can be mentally draining, but what’s less talked about are the physical impacts that stress can have on the body. For example, stress can weaken the immune system and slow healing. Therefore, finding ways to reduce stress can be very beneficial for a person’s overall health, and especially for those living with kidney disease who have the added stress of living with a chronic condition.

Dr. Gavril Hercz is a nephrologist and psychotherapist at Humber River Hospital who specializes on the impact of chronic kidney disease on mental health. He notes that, although it is difficult for researchers to study the exact connections between the body and the mind, evidence shows that stress can lead to increased blood pressure, blood sugar levels and inflammation in the body, which are all factors known to exacerbate kidney disease.

“Theoretically, stress can aggravate kidney function because of these changes in the body that stress can bring about,” explains Dr. Hercz. “The more we can manage [stress], the less impactful it will be in the long-term.” A key way to manage stress, he emphasizes, is to “put that stress into words.” This can be done by writing feelings and thoughts down in a journal, consulting a therapist, or talking with family and friends. It may be especially helpful to talk with peers living with kidney disease who are going through similar experiences.

“If you’re meeting with someone else with kidney disease, you can say here’s someone who is doing well and they are going through the same thing that I am – that can be very supportive,” Dr. Hercz explains, noting that the Kidney Foundation offers various programs related to peer support. Dr. Hercz also sees a lot of value in some simple activities that people can engage in that are known to reduce stress, such as mindful meditation, deep breathing and exercise like a walk outdoors. By incorporating mindfulness practices, regular physical activity, and nurturing social connections, individuals can reduce the impact of stress and enjoy not just better mental health, but physical health as well.