8 Bad Habits That Can Damage The Kidneys

Kidneys are organs that work continuously to filter out the waste products that are in our bloodstream. Through urine, the kidneys can remove much of the toxins that come from food, the environment and pollution. 

Among other tasks, they also play a role in:

• secrete certain hormones
• controlling blood pressure
• balancing electrolyte levels.

However, as is the case with other systems in our body, kidneys can lose their efficiency due to certain diseases.

The problem is that we often don’t pay much attention to it. Unfortunately, sometimes we have some habits that can somehow damage the kidneys prematurely.

Do you know which these are? Try to correct them today!

1. Holding your pee

Some people don’t go to the bathroom when their body asks for it. While it may not seem very important or necessary, it could affect kidney health.

• Holding urine for a long time increases the risk of inflammation in the urinary tract. It can therefore lead to kidney disease.
• This habit puts more pressure on the bladder. It  can complicate the process of eliminating waste material.

2. Not drinking enough water is bad for the kidneys

If we want our kidneys to work properly and have an optimal detoxification process, it is essential to consume enough water and other healthy fluids.

• Fluids keep the body hydrated. They also help collect the metabolic waste that later leaves the body through the urine.
• A dehydrated body can lead to kidney stones, infections and inflammatory diseases. 

3. Smoking

People who smoke are aware of the dangers it poses due to the toxic content of cigarettes.

• These toxins manage to move through the bloodstream. They thus affect not only the lungs but also the kidneys and heart.
• The accumulation of waste complicates the cleaning process of the kidneys. It thereby increases their susceptibility to infections.

4. Choosing the Wrong Types of Liquids

Drinking carbonated drinks, energy drinks, and other commercially produced drinks can be a cause of many diseases related to kidney dysfunction.

• These drinks contain too much sugar and too many additives that can affect the metabolism, which then seriously affects the health of the kidneys.
• Drinking them every day or in large amounts can lead to kidney stones, inflammation and chronic kidney disease.

5. Consuming Too Much Salt

Sodium is not only present in the table salt we use in the kitchen. It is also in many foods that we eat every day.

• This substance, which is not harmful if used in moderation, builds up in the body. As a result , it increases the risk of fluid retention and kidney problems.
• Unlimited sodium consumption, which is common, has been linked to high blood pressure and premature kidney failure.
• Furthermore, since it affects the balance of other minerals, this can lead to an electrolyte imbalance.

6. Using over-the-counter medicines

Over-the-counter medicines are useful for treating common health problems, such as back pain or headaches.

• These drugs, especially pain relievers, can have side effects that can affect the kidneys.
• Our body has to process its chemical compounds. When we take them irresponsibly, they can have serious consequences for our kidneys and liver.
• The overuse of drugs such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen has been linked to kidney damage.

7. Eating Too Much Protein

Proteins are recommended in your diet because of the role they play in building muscle mass and your metabolism.

However, while they are essential, we should not consume them excessively. Especially not if they come from an animal source.

Eating too much protein makes the job harder for the kidneys and can lead to chronic diseases.

8. Having a Sedentary Lifestyle

People with a sedentary lifestyle have a higher risk of suffering from kidney disease compared to people who have an active lifestyle.

• First, people with a sedentary lifestyle often have poor diets. This makes the work of the kidneys more difficult.

• The lack of physical activity affects blood circulation. As a result, it hinders the elimination of retained fluids.
• In addition, this lifestyle increases the risk of high blood pressure. It also affects the health of the immune system, which in turn increases the risk of disease.

Are you concerned about the health of your kidneys? If you are used to one or more of these habits yourself, try to change them so that you will not suffer from the possible consequences later on.