Running a marathon can be a rewarding experience. It’s a test of physical and mental endurance, and participants often feel a sense of accomplishment upon completing the race.

However, a new study shows that running a marathon can put your kidneys at risk.

How the Study Was Conducted

The study, which was published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, involved 22 runners who participated in the 2015 Hartford Marathon. Researchers monitored the participants before and after the race to see how their kidneys were functioning.

During the race, participants ran 26.2 miles, which lasted anywhere from 2.5 to 6.5 hours. Immediately after the race, participants provided urine samples, which were analyzed for biomarkers that indicate kidney injury.

The participants also provided blood samples, which were analyzed for markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.

The Results

The results of the study were surprising. Nearly 82 percent of the runners showed signs of acute kidney injury after the race. Acute kidney injury is a condition in which the kidneys suddenly stop functioning properly.

This can occur as a result of decreased blood flow to the kidneys, which can happen during intense physical activity.

There are several biomarkers that can indicate acute kidney injury. In this study, the researchers looked at two markers: creatinine and cystatin C. Creatinine is a waste product that is produced by the muscles.

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Cystatin C is a protein that is produced by the cells in the body.

Both creatinine and cystatin C levels were significantly higher in the runners after the race compared to before the race. This suggests that the runners had suffered some degree of kidney injury during the race.

Why Running a Marathon Can Put Your Kidneys at Risk

There are several reasons why running a marathon can put your kidneys at risk. First, during intense physical activity, such as running a marathon, blood flow to the kidneys decreases. This can cause damage to the kidneys and impair their function.

Second, running a marathon can cause dehydration. Dehydration can also impair kidney function. When the body is dehydrated, the kidneys have to work harder to filter the blood. This extra workload can cause damage to the kidneys.

Third, during intense physical activity, the body produces more free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that can damage cells and tissues in the body, including the kidneys. This can lead to oxidative stress, which can also impair kidney function.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Kidneys During a Marathon

If you are planning to run a marathon, there are several things you can do to protect your kidneys:.

1. Stay hydrated. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after the race. This will help prevent dehydration and reduce the workload on your kidneys.
2. Train properly. Make sure you train properly for the race. This will help you avoid injury and reduce the risk of kidney damage.
3. Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can damage the kidneys. If you need a pain reliever during the race, choose acetaminophen instead.
4. Listen to your body. If you experience any symptoms during the race, such as nausea, vomiting, or dizziness, stop running and seek medical help immediately. These symptoms could indicate a serious medical condition, such as kidney injury.

The Bottom Line

Running a marathon can be a rewarding experience, but it can also put your kidneys at risk. Be sure to take steps to protect your kidneys before, during, and after the race.