11 New Kidney Research Findings on Diet, Exercise and Stress

Abstracts available on request from the American Physiological Society renal conference.

Renal researchers are discussing the latest science this week in Fontana-on-Geneva Lake, Wisconsin, at the American Physiological Society's 2026 Control of Renal Function in Health and Disease conference. Here are the highlights.  Contact us to request an abstract.

Local media outlets interested in covering the meeting or speaking with researchers can contact the APS Communications Office to arrange interviews or receive additional details about presented research.

Diet

Could Meal Timing Protect the Kidneys?

Limiting the time spent eating salty foods—rather than simply eating less salt—may help manage high blood pressure and protect kidney health. Research in rats finds that time-restricted feeding (often called intermittent fasting) changed metabolic pathways and improved inflammation in the kidneys. Request the abstract.

Salt Cravings May Start in the Kidneys, Not the Brain

Reaching for that French fry may be the kidneys signaling the brain to seek more sodium. Research shows that the kidneys detect when the body’s fluid levels are unbalanced and send messages to the brain for more salt. This interorgan communication may be especially true after a long workout or during illness. Request the abstract.

Protein Choices May Matter During Pregnancy

A new rat study finds that protein type influences immune function and kidney health during pregnancy. Dairy-based protein was more likely to lead to preeclampsia complications than a primarily wheat-based (plant) diet. Request the abstract.

Exercise

Keep Kidneys Happy With Exercise

Regular exercise speeds the healing process after acute kidney injury, possibly by increasing kidney resident macrophages, a type of immune cell that specializes in tissue repair. Request the abstract.

Males and Females Show Distinct Kidney Responses to Exercise

Resistance exercise supports cardiovascular health and may slow the damage from chronic kidney disease. However, it may also reduce blood flow to the kidneys. New research suggests the kidney’s response to resistance exercise differs by sex. Request the abstract.

Stress

Menopause May Alter How the Body Handles Heat

The kidneys of well-hydrated postmenopausal women were less able to adapt to hot conditions compared to cooler temperatures, pointing to a possible increased risk for heat-related illness. Request the abstract.

Childhood Stress Linked to Long-term Changes in Blood Pressure and Body Clock

New findings suggest stressful situations early in life can have lasting effects on how the body regulates blood pressure and the body’s internal clock. Researchers also found sex-specific responses, with males showing higher risk factors associated with cardiovascular and kidney disease. Request the abstract.

Kidney Responses to Stress in Black Adults

Researchers are examining new ways to measure how the kidneys respond to everyday stress. In a study of Black adults, noninvasive handgrip and cold exposure tests showed rapid changes in kidney blood flow. Findings may help improve understanding of vascular health, particularly in populations with genetic risk factors. Request the abstract.

More Findings

GLP-1 Drugs May Protect Kidney Health at a Young Age

Research suggests two GLP-1 drugs may protect the kidneys through multiple pathways even at a young age. In a mouse study, researchers found semaglutide and retatrutide led to weight loss, better blood sugar control and changes in kidney function. Request the abstract.

Men and Women Respond Differently to High Salt Intake

New research found kidney cells contribute to sex-specific patterns in salt-sensitive hypertension, with males showing increased inflammatory signaling and immune response. Findings point to increased awareness of sex differences and personalized treatment approaches. Request the abstract.

Immune Cells May Support Healthy Blood Pressure

Although the immune system can be a driver of salt-sensitive hypertension, a new study suggests this is not always the case. Researchers found myeloid cells help the kidneys remove excess salt from the body and limit the rise in blood pressure. This protective effect may change how scientists think about the immune system in hypertension. Request the abstract.

About the American Physiological Society

Physiology reveals how life works, from cells to body systems, and drives the scientific discoveries that transform health and save lives. It provides the foundation for every medical advancement. The American Physiological Society champions physiology—the science life depends on. It connects a global, multidisciplinary community of more than 10,000 biomedical scientists and educators as part of its mission to advance scientific discovery, understand life and improve health. Learn more about physiology’s crucial role in science through APS’ Physiology: The Science Life Depends On campaign.

Contact Us

For more information about any of the science presented at Control of Renal Function in Health and Disease, contact APS Media Relations or call 301.634.7314. Find additional research in our Newsroom.