Can Pre Workout Cause Kidney Function Issues? How to Prevent it!

You, as a gym buff, athlete, or bodybuilder, are likely no stranger to pre-workout supplements. These power-packed potions promise to turbocharge your performance, stamina, and muscle growth. But have you ever paused to wonder about the potential side effects?

To help you with that, let’s cast a spotlight on certain ingredients hiding in your pre-workout that could play havoc with your kidney health and offer tips on how to mitigate these risks.

Is it possible for pre-workout to cause kidney function issues?

While pre-workout supplements can be safe and effective when used properly, overdoing it or not hydrating enough could potentially impact your kidney health. It’s important to remember that these risks are usually linked to misuse. So, always stick to the suggested dosage for a healthy workout experience.

What are some pre workout ingredients that may cause kidney function issues?

To fully grasp the potential risks, let’s take a closer look at some common pre workout ingredients and how they might affect your kidneys.

Creatine

Creatine has been proven as safe for people with healthy kidneys, as well as for individuals with kidney disease who take it in the short term (1). However, if you have pre existing kidney problems, you should be mindful that long-term data is lacking. Also, it’s worth noting that creatine can increase water retention and it could theoretically adversely affect those receiving diuretics treatment.

Caffeine

Caffeine, a potent stimulant found in many pre-workout supplements, can supercharge your mental and physical workout performance. But remember, too much of a good thing can be harmful. Overindulging in caffeine may lead to dehydration, putting extra stress on your kidneys. As with anything, balance is essential.

Nitric Oxide Boosters

Think of Nitric Oxide Boosters as your muscle’s personal cheerleaders, amplifying blood flow for better performance. But, like all things, they come with a caveat. Certain boosters are laced with arginine, an amino acid with a rather nefarious reputation for inciting kidney inflammation and dysfunction. However, adverse effects are unlikely to occur with the routine doses (from 3 to >100 g/day) (2). Likewise, ornithine, a frequent guest in pre-workouts, can also play foul with your kidney function.

Other factors that can cause kidney function issues

While pre-workout supplements can potentially affect kidney function, it’s important to remember that they aren’t the only risk factor.

Pre-Workout

As you prepare to engage in workouts, certain habits can have negative impacts on your kidney function. For example, excessive use of stimulants such as caffeine can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which can ultimately impact your kidney function. Pre-workout supplements that contain creatine can also have negative impacts on your treatment and reduce its effectiveness if you take diuretics.

During Workout

While engaging in workouts, it is essential to pay attention to the signs that your body is giving you. An important factor to note is the impact of dehydration on kidney function. When your body is dehydrated, your kidneys have to work extra hard to perform their functions, which can result in damage to your kidney. It is essential to remain well hydrated during workouts to ensure that your kidneys are well protected.

Post Workout

After an intense workout session, your body is often in need of recovery, and this is where you can also help protect your kidney function. Protein supplements used after workout programs can be useful, but excessive use can result in an increase in waste products that have to be filtered by the kidneys. use can result in an increase in waste products that have to be filtered by the kidneys. This is not harmful for healthy people, but may increase the strain on individuals with an already compromised kidney function (3). Additionally, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin can have negative impacts on kidney function when overused.

What are some tips for helping prevent kidney function issues while taking pre workout?

So, how can you enjoy the benefits of your pre-workout supplement while minimising the risk to your kidneys? Here are a few tips:

1. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can contribute to developing kidney stones. Given that pre-workout drinks often contain caffeine, which can lead to dehydration, it’s vital to drink plenty of water throughout the day and during your workout.

2. Watch Your Intake of Amino Acids

Pre-workout drinks often contain amino acids, which in excessive amounts, can strain your kidneys if they already have health issues. Be mindful of your intake, especially if you are already consuming a protein-rich diet.

3. Monitor Caffeine and Salt Intake

High levels of caffeine can stress your kidneys. Additionally, excessive salt intake can cause problems with kidney function. Many pre-workout drinks contain these ingredients, so it’s important to consume them in moderation.

4. Understand Your Dietary Supplements

Some pre-workout supplements may contain hidden ingredients not listed on the label, which could potentially harm your kidneys. Always research the ingredients in your supplements to ensure they’re safe.

5. Stick to a Healthy Lifestyle

Eating a healthy diet rich in nutrients and antioxidants can help your kidneys function optimally. Such a diet should also be low in sodium and sugar and should consist mostly of whole foods.

6. Avoid Counterfeit Supplements

Fake pre-workout supplements can contain harmful ingredients that can damage your kidneys. Always purchase from reputable sources.

7. Regular Check-ups

Regular health check-ups, including kidney function tests, can help detect any potential issues early on, especially if you are at risk of chronic kidney disease.

8. Listen to Your Body

If you notice unusual symptoms such as pain in your side or lower back, frequent urination, or blood in your urine after taking a pre-workout supplement, stop using it and seek medical advice immediately.

9. Use Pre-Workout Supplements in Moderation

While they can enhance your performance, overuse of pre-workout supplements can harm your kidneys. Always adhere to the recommended dosages and take breaks as needed.

You, as a gym buff, athlete, or bodybuilder, are likely no stranger to pre-workout supplements. These power-packed potions promise to turbocharge your performance, stamina, and muscle growth. But have you ever paused to wonder about the potential side effects?

To help you with that, let’s cast a spotlight on certain ingredients hiding in your pre-workout that could play havoc with your kidney health and offer tips on how to mitigate these risks.

Is it possible for pre-workout to cause kidney function issues?

While pre-workout supplements can be safe and effective when used properly, overdoing it or not hydrating enough could potentially impact your kidney health. It’s important to remember that these risks are usually linked to misuse. So, always stick to the suggested dosage for a healthy workout experience.

What are some pre workout ingredients that may cause kidney function issues?

To fully grasp the potential risks, let’s take a closer look at some common pre workout ingredients and how they might affect your kidneys.

Creatine

Creatine has been proven as safe for people with healthy kidneys, as well as for individuals with kidney disease who take it in the short term (1). However, if you have pre existing kidney problems, you should be mindful that long-term data is lacking. Also, it’s worth noting that creatine can increase water retention and it could theoretically adversely affect those receiving diuretics treatment.

Caffeine

Caffeine, a potent stimulant found in many pre-workout supplements, can supercharge your mental and physical workout performance. But remember, too much of a good thing can be harmful. Overindulging in caffeine may lead to dehydration, putting extra stress on your kidneys. As with anything, balance is essential.

Nitric Oxide Boosters

Think of Nitric Oxide Boosters as your muscle’s personal cheerleaders, amplifying blood flow for better performance. But, like all things, they come with a caveat. Certain boosters are laced with arginine, an amino acid with a rather nefarious reputation for inciting kidney inflammation and dysfunction. However, adverse effects are unlikely to occur with the routine doses (from 3 to >100 g/day) (2). Likewise, ornithine, a frequent guest in pre-workouts, can also play foul with your kidney function.

Other factors that can cause kidney function issues

While pre-workout supplements can potentially affect kidney function, it’s important to remember that they aren’t the only risk factor.

Pre-Workout

As you prepare to engage in workouts, certain habits can have negative impacts on your kidney function. For example, excessive use of stimulants such as caffeine can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which can ultimately impact your kidney function. Pre-workout supplements that contain creatine can also have negative impacts on your treatment and reduce its effectiveness if you take diuretics.

During Workout

While engaging in workouts, it is essential to pay attention to the signs that your body is giving you. An important factor to note is the impact of dehydration on kidney function. When your body is dehydrated, your kidneys have to work extra hard to perform their functions, which can result in damage to your kidney. It is essential to remain well hydrated during workouts to ensure that your kidneys are well protected.

Post Workout

After an intense workout session, your body is often in need of recovery, and this is where you can also help protect your kidney function. Protein supplements used after workout programs can be useful, but excessive use can result in an increase in waste products that have to be filtered by the kidneys. use can result in an increase in waste products that have to be filtered by the kidneys. This is not harmful for healthy people, but may increase the strain on individuals with an already compromised kidney function (3). Additionally, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin can have negative impacts on kidney function when overused.

What are some tips for helping prevent kidney function issues while taking pre workout?

So, how can you enjoy the benefits of your pre-workout supplement while minimising the risk to your kidneys? Here are a few tips:

1. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can contribute to developing kidney stones. Given that pre-workout drinks often contain caffeine, which can lead to dehydration, it’s vital to drink plenty of water throughout the day and during your workout.

2. Watch Your Intake of Amino Acids

Pre-workout drinks often contain amino acids, which in excessive amounts, can strain your kidneys if they already have health issues. Be mindful of your intake, especially if you are already consuming a protein-rich diet.

3. Monitor Caffeine and Salt Intake

High levels of caffeine can stress your kidneys. Additionally, excessive salt intake can cause problems with kidney function. Many pre-workout drinks contain these ingredients, so it’s important to consume them in moderation.

4. Understand Your Dietary Supplements

Some pre-workout supplements may contain hidden ingredients not listed on the label, which could potentially harm your kidneys. Always research the ingredients in your supplements to ensure they’re safe.

5. Stick to a Healthy Lifestyle

Eating a healthy diet rich in nutrients and antioxidants can help your kidneys function optimally. Such a diet should also be low in sodium and sugar and should consist mostly of whole foods.

6. Avoid Counterfeit Supplements

Fake pre-workout supplements can contain harmful ingredients that can damage your kidneys. Always purchase from reputable sources.

7. Regular Check-ups

Regular health check-ups, including kidney function tests, can help detect any potential issues early on, especially if you are at risk of chronic kidney disease.

8. Listen to Your Body

If you notice unusual symptoms such as pain in your side or lower back, frequent urination, or blood in your urine after taking a pre-workout supplement, stop using it and seek medical advice immediately.

9. Use Pre-Workout Supplements in Moderation

While they can enhance your performance, overuse of pre-workout supplements can harm your kidneys. Always adhere to the recommended dosages and take breaks as needed.

Can taking a pre workout supplement cause kidney function issues? Our final wrap up

Pre-workout supplements can provide that extra boost you need to crush your workout. However, it’s crucial to use them responsibly. Certain ingredients may harm your kidneys. Other factors, such as dehydration and overuse of NSAIDs, can also contribute to kidney issues.

By staying hydrated, using supplements in moderation, and getting regular check-ups, you can help protect your kidney health while enjoying the benefits of your pre-workout routine. Remember, your health is your wealth, and nothing beats a balanced diet and a good exercise regimen.

References:

1. Gualano, B., de Salles Painelli, V., Roschel, H., Lugaresi, R., Dorea, E., Artioli, G. G., Lima, F. R., da Silva, M. E., Cunha, M. R., Seguro, A. C., Shimizu, M. H., Otaduy, M. C., Sapienza, M. T., da Costa Leite, C., Bonfá, E., & Lancha Junior, A. H. (2011). Creatine supplementation does not impair kidney function in type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. European journal of applied physiology, 111(5), 749–756. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-010-1676-3
2. Davani-Davari, D., Karimzadeh, I., Sagheb, M. M., & Khalili, H. (2019). The Renal Safety of L-Carnitine, L-Arginine, and Glutamine in Athletes and Bodybuilders. Journal of renal nutrition : the official journal of the Council on Renal Nutrition of the National Kidney Foundation, 29(3), 221–234. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jrn.2018.08.014
3. Jäger, R., Kerksick, C. M., Campbell, B. I., Cribb, P. J., Wells, S. D., Skwiat, T. M., Purpura, M., Ziegenfuss, T. N., Ferrando, A. A., Arent, S. M., Smith-Ryan, A. E., Stout, J. R., Arciero, P. J., Ormsbee, M. J., Taylor, L. W., Wilborn, C. D., Kalman, D. S., Kreider, R. B., Willoughby, D. S., Hoffman, J. R., … Antonio, J. (2017). International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: protein and exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 14, 20. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-017-0177-8