10 Most Common Habits That Damage Your Kidneys

Kidneys are considered to be one of the most important organs in the human body. They are an effective, sophisticated and amazing purification mechanism. Therefore, it is very important to keep them healthy and make sure their condition does not deteriorate over time. In order to prevent problems, you need to have a better understanding of various habits that could harm your kidneys.

Common Symptoms Of Kidney Problem

• Change in the color of urine.
• Vomiting.
• Change in the volume of urine.
• Anemia.
• Shortness of breath.
• Dizziness.
• Fatigue.
• Itchy skin.
• Sudden pain in the body.
• Feeling cold most times.

If you notice any of these symptoms it is advisable that you see your doctor immediately.

Causes Of Kidney Damage

These 10 common habits are known to be responsible for damaged kidneys.

1. Poor Water Intake

Not drinking enough water can lead to damaged kidneys. Water is needed to thin out your blood and not leave it concentrated and unable to flow sufficiently to your kidneys, by so doing your kidneys will be unable to adequately eliminate toxins from your body and as these toxins accumulate it becomes very dangerous to your overall wellbeing.

Hydrate your body and improve blood flow to your kidneys by drinking a minimum of 10 glasses of water daily.

2. Holding Back Urine

If you have to go — go!

Urinate when you have the urge and don’t hold back your urine as the bacteria in your urine can multiply and this can cause urinary tract infections and kidney damage. It can also lead to renal failure and incontinence as pressure is exerted on the kidneys.

3. A Diet High In Protein

Consumption of red meat and other foods high in protein can increase the risk of kidney disease. Protein rich diet increases the glomerular pressure and hyper filtration which raises the metabolic function of the kidneys and therefore increases the risk of kidney failure.

4. Too Much Salt Consumption

Sodium consumed in foods I’d metabolized by the kidneys, too much of it and your kidneys have to work extra hard to get rid of the salt. Its function can be greatly hampered as a result and there is a greater risk of water retention in the body which can lead to high blood pressure as well as kidney disease. Take only 5 grams of salt per day for healthy kidneys.

Note: a teaspoon of table salt is equivalent to 6 grams.

5. Frequent Use Of Analgesics

The frequent use of over-the-counter painkillers can cause kidney damage as they tend to limit the flow of blood to the kidneys and inhibit their function.

6. Excessive Alcohol Drinking

Excessive alcohol drinking will place a lot of strain on the kidneys and liver. The more you drink the more uric acid builds up in your body which gets stored up in your renal tubes and can lead to blockage increasing the risk of kidney failure. If you are a woman then you should consume just one bottle of alcoholic beverage daily while a man can consume a maximum of two bottles daily.

7. Cigarette Smoking

Your kidneys as well as other vital organs suffer tremendously from cigarette smoking. This is because your blood pressure and heart rate is increased when you smoke, blood flow to your kidneys are reduced and the blood vessels in the kidneys are also narrowed. To avoid kidney complications stop smoking.

8. Sleeplessness And Insomnia

Sleep is very important to your health and especially the health of your kidneys. Sleeping for 6 to 8 hours daily will go a long way in boosting your kidney health. Make sure you find time to get proper sleep regardless of your work schedule as a lack of sleep causes your arteries to clog up (atherosclerosis) which raises your blood pressure and increases the risk of kidney failure.

9. High Caffeine Consumption

When you drink too much caffeine as found in coffee or sodas, then you increase your heart rate and blood pressure, while reducing the blood flow to your kidneys and altering it’s proper functioning.

You can drink one to two cups of coffee daily but do not exceed this.

10. Do Not Overlook Infections

Do not overlook common infections such as flu, coughs, cold, pharyngitis and even tonsillitis as they can lead to kidney problems. You need to treat common infections to stop the bacteria and viruses from damaging your kidneys.

Make sure you take medications for these diseases and get plenty of rest as well.