Constipation is a health condition that refers to incomplete bowel evacuation; in short, difficulty in passing stools. It is often associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Dietary factors that contribute to constipation are low-fiber diets, restricted fluid intake while other factors include reduced physical activity and medications that contribute to sluggish digestion.
Renal diets are usually low in fiber in order to avoid excess phosphrous as well as potassium. Hence, renal diets may not be able to offer much help in relieving constipation with chronic kidney disease. While medications can help, but yoga is a natural, gentle way to relieve constipation as well as promote gut health.
In this blog, our Renal Dietitian – Dr Rachana Jasani will share some effective yoga poses that can help in alleviating constipation with chronic kidney disease.
How Can Yoga Help if You Have Constipation with CKD?
According to Dr Rachana Jasani, yoga promotes better gut health in CKD by:
- Stimulating bowel movements
- Improving circulation, enhancing nutrient absorption in the gut
- Reducing stress, which can ease digestive discomfort
- Aiding peristalsis (the wave-like motion that moves food through the intestines)
Let’s look at five simple and safe yoga poses that CKD patients can incorporate into their routine.
1. Pawanmuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose)
It helps by stimulating bowel movements and relieving the trapped gases through the rectum. It also helps in reducing bloating which is a common complain among patients with CKD
How to Do It:
1. Lie on your back with legs extended.
2. Bend your right knee and bring it toward your chest.
3. Wrap your arms around the knee and gently pull it in.
4. Hold for 10-15 seconds, then switch sides.
5. Repeat 3-5 times per leg.
Tip: Breathe deeply while holding the pose to enhance relaxation and digestion.
2. Malasana (Garland Pose/Squat Pose)
It actually opens up the hips and lower abdomen and helps in promoting blood flow to the intestines. It also helps in promoting smooth bowel movements
How to Do It:
1. Stand with feet hip-width apart.
2. Squat down, keeping your heels on the floor.
3. Bring your hands together in a prayer position at your chest.
4. Keep your back straight and hold for 20-30 seconds.
5. Slowly return to standing.
Tip: If balancing is difficult, place a yoga block under your heels for support.
3. Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Spinal Twist)
How It Helps:
It helps in improves the spinal flexibility. It also helps in stimulating the gut, relieving bloating and abdominal discomfort
How to Do It:
1. Sit with legs extended in front of you.
2. Bend your right knee and place the foot over the left thigh.
3. Place your right hand behind you for support and twist your torso to the right.
4. Hold for 15-20 seconds, then switch sides.
Tip: Keep your spine straight to maximize the benefits of the twist.
4. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
How It Helps:
It stretches the abdominal muscles and also increases blood flow to the digestive tract. This pose too helps in reducing bloating as well as indigestion
How to Do It:
1. Lie on your stomach with palms under your shoulders.
2. Inhale and gently lift your chest, keeping your elbows slightly bent.
3. Hold for 15-20 seconds, then exhale and lower down.
4. Repeat 3-5 times.
Tip: Avoid excessive arching if you have back pain.
5. Supta Matsyendrasana (Reclining Spinal Twist)
It helps in reducing anxiety as well as reliveing constipation and bloating. It helps in promoting better gut health in presence of CKD.
How to Do It:
1. Lie on your back with arms extended to the sides.
2. Bend your right knee and gently twist it over to the left side.
3. Keep both shoulders on the floor and hold for 15-20 seconds.
4. Return to the center and switch sides.
Tip: Focus on deep breathing to relax the abdomen and enhance digestion.
Yoga offers a natural, safe, and effective way to relieve constipation with chronic kidney disease. These five gentle yoga poses can help stimulate digestion, improve gut health, and ease bloating—without straining the kidneys. By combining yoga with mindful eating and hydration, CKD patients can support their digestive health while protecting their kidneys.
At NutriKonnect, we offer personalized nutrition counseling for patients with chronic kidney disease (early or late stages) as well as for patients undergoing dialysis or who have undergone a renal transplant. To connect with us for a one to one diet consultation, call us on 7208363223.
We also offer easy, quick and healthy recipes for early as well as advanced stage chronic kidney disease. To check out our course, click here
