Always feel exhausted after dialysis? These 5 ways to help you regain your energy!

For many patients receiving dialysis treatment, although dialysis is an important means of maintaining life, they often feel exhausted after dialysis, which seriously affects their quality of life and daily activities. The causes of fatigue after dialysis are more complicated, but don't worry, through some scientific and effective methods, patients can relieve this fatigue and regain vitality.

Causes of post-dialysis fatigue

1. Anemia: Dialysis patients often have varying degrees of anemia. Under normal circumstances, the kidneys secrete erythropoietin, which stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. However, the renal function of dialysis patients is impaired, and the secretion of erythropoietin is reduced, resulting in insufficient red blood cell production. In addition, a small amount of blood is lost during dialysis, and the patient may lack hematopoietic raw materials such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, which further aggravates anemia. Anemia prevents the body's tissues and organs from receiving sufficient oxygen supply, causing the patient to feel tired and weak.

2. Nutrition loss and insufficient intake: During dialysis, in addition to removing toxins and excess water from the body, some nutrients such as protein, vitamins, trace elements, etc. will also be lost. At the same time, due to the influence of the disease, the patient may have a poor appetite and insufficient nutrition intake. Long-term nutritional deficiency will lead to physical weakness, decreased muscle strength, and then fatigue. For example, protein is an important component of the body. Lack of protein will cause muscle atrophy, slow down the body's metabolism, and people will easily feel tired.

3. Electrolyte imbalance: The electrolyte balance of dialysis patients is easily affected. During dialysis, if the electrolytes are not removed or supplemented properly, it will lead to electrolyte imbalance, such as hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypocalcemia, etc. These electrolyte abnormalities will affect the normal function of nerves and muscles, causing patients to experience symptoms such as fatigue, tiredness, and muscle soreness. For example, hypokalemia will reduce muscle excitability, and patients will feel weak in their limbs and reduced activity endurance.

4. Sleep disorders: Dialysis patients often have sleep problems, such as insomnia, frequent dreams, and easy awakening. Insufficient sleep or poor quality sleep will affect the body's recovery and repair, causing patients to be more tired after dialysis. The causes of sleep disorders may be related to the disease itself, psychological pressure, dialysis schedule and other factors. For example, patients may be anxious because of their worries about their condition, making it difficult to fall asleep. Long-term lack of sleep will form a vicious cycle and increase fatigue.

5. Psychological factors: Long-term dialysis treatment brings heavy physical and psychological burdens to patients. Patients may experience negative emotions such as depression and anxiety. These psychological factors will cause the body's stress response, affect the body's metabolism and function, and make people feel exhausted. Psychological pressure will also affect the patient's appetite and sleep, further aggravating the physical fatigue.

Ways to relieve fatigue after dialysis

1. Eat a healthy diet:

Protein supplement: Dialysis patients should ensure adequate protein intake to replenish the loss during dialysis and maintain normal body metabolism. High-quality protein such as lean meat, fish, eggs, milk, beans, etc. are good choices. 1.2-1.5 grams of protein should be consumed per kilogram of body weight per day.

Replenish blood-forming raw materials: Eat more foods rich in iron, folic acid and vitamin B12, such as animal liver, red dates, green leafy vegetables, whole wheat bread, etc., which can help improve anemia and relieve fatigue caused by anemia.

Pay attention to electrolyte balance: According to your own electrolyte status, adjust your diet reasonably under the guidance of a doctor. For example, patients with hypokalemia can appropriately increase the intake of potassium-containing foods, such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, etc.; patients with hyperkalemia should avoid eating these high-potassium foods.

2. Get enough rest:

Regular work and rest: Establish a regular sleep schedule, try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day, and ensure 7-8 hours of sleep every day. Good sleep helps the body recover and repair, and reduces fatigue.

Take an appropriate lunch break: If conditions permit, dialysis patients can take a 30-minute to 1-hour lunch break in the afternoon, which can help relieve fatigue after dialysis in the morning and improve mental state in the afternoon.

3. Moderate exercise:

Choose appropriate exercise: According to your physical condition, choose appropriate exercise, such as walking, Tai Chi, yoga, etc. These exercises are moderate in intensity and help to enhance muscle strength, improve physical endurance, improve sleep quality, and relieve fatigue.

Gradual exercise: Exercise should be gradual, starting with low intensity and short time, and gradually increasing the intensity and time of exercise. For example, you can start by walking for 15-20 minutes a day, and gradually increase to 30-60 minutes as your body adapts.

4. Psychological adjustment:

Maintain a positive attitude: Learn to face the disease and maintain an optimistic and positive attitude. You can share your feelings and reduce psychological pressure by communicating with family and friends, participating in dialysis patient mutual aid groups, etc.

Relaxation techniques: Try some relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, listening to music, etc., to help relieve anxiety and depression, improve mental state, and reduce fatigue.

5. Follow the doctor's advice for treatment:

Anemia treatment: Follow the doctor's advice and use erythropoietin, iron and other drugs to treat anemia on time, check blood routine regularly, and adjust the treatment plan according to the test results.

Electrolyte regulation: Check electrolytes regularly and use medications reasonably under the guidance of a doctor based on the test results to regulate electrolyte balance and avoid fatigue caused by electrolyte imbalance.

Post-dialysis fatigue is a problem faced by many patients, but through proper diet, adequate rest, moderate exercise, psychological adjustment and treatment according to doctor's advice, fatigue can be effectively relieved, allowing patients to regain vitality and improve their quality of life. Patients should actively take these measures in their daily lives and maintain close communication with doctors to jointly deal with various problems caused by dialysis.