14 Habits That May Cause Kidney Damage

The kidneys are really important organs in your body. They purify your blood, secrete hormones, absorb minerals, remove toxins and neutralize the pH value. Well, as one of the most important organs, your kidneys require special attention. Kidney damage or even a partial disorder can go unnoticed for a long time.

According to the experts, these 10 habits may harm your kidneys function and cause very serious kidney damage:

1.Insufficient Water Intake

The most important function of the kidneys is filtering blood and removing toxins and harmful substances. If you do not drink enough water during the day, toxins will be retained in your body and blood. They can trigger many disorders, slow down the function, and they even can cause serious kidney damage.

2. Consuming Too Much Salt

Your body needs sodium, or salt, to function normally. But according to experts, you should not consume over 5 grams of salt per day. If you intake more salt that necessary, it is important to know that it causes high blood pressure, and can also trigger kidney disorders.

High levels of sodium in your diet, whether in the form of salt in your cooking or more commonly through hidden sources, are potentially problematic, especially if you have a tendency for hypertension. 

Many snacks, junk, canned, and packaged foods contain high amounts of sodium, so cut down on these. Opt for fresh cut fruit, vegetables, nuts, or homemade snacks instead. Limit sodium intake to under 2,300 mg a day.

3. Holding Your Urine For Too Long

Many people ignore the urge to urinate because they are busy or do not want public toilets. If this is one of your habits, you should stop that immediately. Holding your urine increases the pressure of your bladder and kidneys. This may lead to appearance of kidney stones, incontinence, and other kidney problems.

4. Consuming Excess Sugar

It is proven that many people consume 10 times more sugar than the recommended dose. Studies have shown that with only two drinks with added sugar, the concentration of protein in your urine significantly increases. Protein in the urine is a sign that your kidneys do not function properly.

Having excess sweet foods like desserts, candy, and packaged snacks and sodas can be bad for your kidneys. A study confirmed that consuming too much fructose could bring a rise in uric acid levels and ultimately lead to cardiorenal disease.

Those with diabetes are already at high risk of developing renal problems; too much sugar in your diet can worsen this situation. Be sure to read food labels and pick foods that are low in sugar and high in fibre.

5. Lack Of Vitamins And Minerals

The lack of vitamins and minerals in your organism increases the risk of kidney stones and impairment of their function. Vitamin B6 and magnesium are especially important when it comes to protecting your kidneys from damaging.

6. Animal Protein Intake

Excessive protein intake, especially of animal origin, additionally burdens your kidneys. This means that your kidneys must work diligently, leading to their damage or reduced function.

7. Not Enough Sleep

You probably already know how important sleep and rest are for your overall health. The chronic lack of sleep is associated with many diseases, including those of the kidneys. During sleep, your body recovers damaged kidney cells, so it takes enough time to complete the whole process, that is about 6 to 8 hours each night.

8. Drinking Too Much Coffee

Just like the salt, coffee can increases your blood pressure, thus increasing the work of the kidneys. Drinking coffee, over time, can cause more damage to your kidneys.

9. Use Of Painkillers

If you often use commercial pain relief drugs, even when you do not really need them you put your kidneys on very big risk. These drugs can cause real damage to the liver and kidneys.

10. Drinking Alcohol

Alcohol is a toxin that your kidneys have to process and eject. Very often drinking alcohol can be excessive and exaggerated, and this additionally damages your kidneys and liver. Alcohol is like a diuretic that takes water from your body, leaving you dehydrated and in this way affects your kidneys.

11. Smoking

Smoking adversely impacts your blood pressure. You also increase cardiovascular risk since smoking increases your heart rate, narrows the blood vessels in your kidneys, damages arterial branches, and causes arteriosclerosis in the renal arteries. These, in turn, stack the odds against you for kidney damage.

Smoking is deadly for those with diabetes because it increases the chances of kidney problems. Smokers run the risk of losing kidney function faster than non-smokers. But quitting smoking will significantly decrease any future risks.

12. Not Monitoring Your Blood Pressure

It is important to keep track of your blood pressure since hypertension is a leading cause of kidney damage. Keep to the recommended levels set by your doctor and take measures to control any high blood pressure. The level is usually set at under 140/90 mm Hg.

13. Skipping Exercise

Exercise is good for the body’s circulation and can help you manage conditions like blood pressure and diabetes. Overweight or obese people can cut the load on their body by exercising.

As one study showed, weight loss can positively impact renal function in severely obese individuals. For everyone else, exercise helps keep the body and cardiovascular system in good working order.

14. Not Eating Right

Eating healthy may not always mean you’re eating right when you have kidney trouble. If your kidneys are already strained, things change a little. Your doctor may suggest a diet that has less potassium and phosphorus. This means traditionally “bad” foods like white rice, white bread, and pasta suddenly become good for you.

What Shouldn’t You Eat?

Whole-grain versions that are high on phosphorus, phosphorus-rich oatmeal, nuts, lentils, bran cereals, fish, meat, and poultry, colas, vegetables and fruits like tomatoes, potatoes, bananas, and oranges

What Can You Eat?

Plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits (especially apples, peaches, green beans, and carrots), rice milk instead of dairy, corn and rice-based cereals, protein in moderate quantities

Also, plant protein sources and certain animal protein sources like chicken and fish are easier on your kidneys. Heart-healthy foods are a good idea in general because they also help manage your weight, diabetes, and blood pressure. Certain nutrients like magnesium and vitamin B6 are good for preventing kidney stones.