10 Habits That Damage Your Kidneys (Most People Ignore)

In this article we’re going to explore various habits that damage your kidneys. As one of the most important organs in our body, the kidneys deserve our undivided attention. They perform a variety of vital functions. For example, they clean our blood, filter out toxins, absorb important minerals from the food we eat, and keep our fluid levels in check.

However, even with all their important work, we rarely give them the attention they deserve. As a result, they get bashed on a constant basis, leading to potentially life-threatening conditions. The symptoms of kidney damage may not be noticeable right away, but once they do strike, you’ll certainly feel it.

It’s not like we’re trying to harm the kidneys on purpose. However, we do a lot of stuff harm them without being aware of it.

Habits That Damage Your Kidneys

Here are some harmful habits we do that can destroy our kidneys and overall health:

Not Following Pill Recommendations

Every type of pill we’re prescribed comes with a set of ‘rules’. Doctors recommend a daily dose we often ignore, ending up with a lot of meds in our system that must pass through the kidneys. The result? Well, if it happens too often, you’re looking at serious kidney damage.

They do filter our blood, but they can only clean that much of it. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and other medications are quite harmful to our kidneys, especially when taken every day.

So, stick to your doctor’s recommendation and never treat diseases on your own.

Not Drinking Enough Water

In order for the kidneys to work, our body must be properly hydrated. But, ask yourself – do you really drink the amount of water you need?

Dehydration is a serious problem that can harm your kidneys and do a lot of damage to your system. Water is essential for our survival and plays a part in many important processes.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, we need something over 2.2 literes of water per day.

Stick to this or you’re putting your kidney health at serious risk.

Holding Your Pee In

When nature calls, you need to answer as soon as possible. However, most of us hold our pee in for hours thinking it’s nothing bad.

The bladder holds about 2 cups of liquid for about 3-4 hours. Anything more than that and you’re risking its health and the health of your kidneys.

This could lead to complications that can have serious consequences on your health, so whenever you need to go, try to find a bathroom as fast as you can.

Not Knowing Your Blood Pressure

Don’t know your blood pressure? Well, you need to learn about it soon enough. Not being aware of your blood pressure puts you at a heightened risk of high blood pressure, which can destroy your kidneys.

Plus, hypertension usually indicates heart problems, so you might want to check that too.

If high blood pressure runs in your family, it’s a good idea to check yours and treat it if need be.

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Drinking and Smoking

Sure, we all need to relax with a cup of brandy or a beer or two. A glass of alcohol per day is completely OK. Anything more than that can be a problem for your kidneys and your overall health as well.

Smoking is even worse. Aside from raising the risk of lung cancer and other diseases, it can raise your blood pressure as well, and that means higher risk of kidney damage.

If you drink and smoke every day, you’re putting your health at an incredible risk. Do you really want that?

Overindulging in Sweets

Sweets are fine as long as you’re not eating too much of them. If you have a sweet tooth and consume too much sugar, you can be sure that your kidneys will suffer.

Sugar may damage your blood vessels and lead to diabetes, putting too much strain on your kidneys.

Even if you switch to artificial sweeteners, it won’t solve the problem. So, consume sugar in limited amounts, and you should be fine.

No Physical Activity

Physical activity is key for perfect health.

Neglecting physical activity poses a significant risk to your health, including your kidney function. If you sit on your chair in front of the computer all day long, you’re risking a whole variety of health problems.

Regular physical activity is essential as it helps improve blood circulation, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce the risk of conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, which can directly impact kidney health.

Engaging in exercise not only supports the kidneys but also enhances overall well-being. So, it’s crucial to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine for the sake of your kidney and general health.

Start being more active – it will do your kidneys and overall health a lot of good.

Too Much Red Meat

Recent studies have linked red meat to a variety of diseases and conditions. Besides the risk of various types of cancer, red meat has been linked to kidney damage as well.

Substances in red meat such as ammonia and nitrogen can overwork your kidneys, resulting in potentially fatal problems.

Instead of getting your protein through red meat, it’s best to switch to plant-based protein sources. They won’t damage your kidneys like red meat will and will reduce the risk of kidney disease.

Too Much Sodium

Sodium is the biggest enemy to your kidneys. If you eat foods rich in sodium, you need to change your diet instantly. If you don’t, you’re risking serious kidney damage. The proper sodium intake per day is 2,300 mg.

Anything more than that will damage your kidneys and put your health at risk. Sodium is present in almost any type of food we eat, so the numbers can add up pretty quickly.

The only way to stay in the recommended range is to eat fresh fruit and vegetables and check the labels of every processed food you buy.

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Not Sleeping Well

When we sleep, the body repairs itself. If we don’t sleep enough, it wouldn’t be able to renew its cells. Just like any organ, the kidneys need the sleep to heal.

Lack of sleep also raised the risk of many other diseases and conditions, so if you know what’s good for you, you’ll get proper rest.

Bottom Line

Neglecting your kidney health can have serious consequences for your overall well-being.

Simple yet harmful habits like not following medication recommendations, inadequate hydration, holding in your urine, and ignoring your blood pressure can put your kidneys at risk.

Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking further exacerbate the problem, while overindulging in sweets and consuming too much red meat can add strain to your kidneys.

Watch your sodium intake closely and prioritize quality sleep, as these factors play a pivotal role in kidney health.

Remember, your kidneys are vital organs, so take proactive steps to safeguard their well-being for a healthier life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kidney failure can occur due to various reasons, primarily stemming from damage to the kidney tissues. Common causes include high blood pressure and diabetes, which gradually harm the kidneys over time.

Other factors like infections, kidney stones, autoimmune diseases, and genetic conditions can also lead to kidney failure.

Lifestyle choices such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and an unhealthy diet high in sodium and red meat can contribute to kidney damage.

Additionally, certain medications and toxins can impair kidney function.

The kidneys serve as vital organs responsible for maintaining the body’s internal balance and overall health.

Their primary functions include filtering waste and excess substances from the bloodstream, regulating blood pressure by controlling fluid balance, and producing hormones that stimulate red blood cell production and support bone health.

Kidneys also help maintain electrolyte levels and pH balance in the body.

Yes, we can live with one kidney. The remaining kidney typically compensates for the loss, allowing individuals to lead healthy lives. This is why kidney donation is possible, with donors living with a single functioning kidney.

However, regular health monitoring is essential to ensure the remaining kidney functions properly.

Having two kidneys offers a backup in case one becomes compromised or damaged. Additionally, it allows for efficient filtration and regulation of bodily functions, supporting our overall health and homeostasis.

From a biological standpoint, having two kidneys enhances our chances of survival and maintaining optimal physiological balance.

Kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD), results in the loss of the kidneys’ ability to filter waste and regulate bodily functions.

Without proper treatment like dialysis or kidney transplantation, toxins accumulate in the bloodstream, leading to severe complications, including fluid buildup, electrolyte imbalances, and eventually death.

Signs of kidney problems may include fatigue, swelling in the ankles, frequent urination, blood in urine, foamy urine, high blood pressure, and pain or discomfort in the kidney area. Advanced symptoms can manifest as nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and fluid retention.

Water fasting can put a strain on the kidneys as they are responsible for filtering metabolic waste and maintaining electrolyte balance. Extended water fasting without medical supervision can lead to electrolyte imbalances and kidney stress.

Excessive levels of electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, can potentially damage the kidneys. Elevated levels can disrupt the delicate balance required for kidney function, leading to kidney stress or injury.

Yes, drinking excessive amounts of water in a short period can strain the kidneys. It may lead to water intoxication or hyponatremia, where the blood becomes too diluted, impacting kidney function.

Doctors can assess kidney function through various tests, including blood tests to measure creatinine and urea levels, imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scans, and urinalysis to check for abnormalities like protein or blood in the urine. A decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) also indicates impaired kidney function.

The minimum age to be a kidney donor varies by country and medical guidelines but is typically around 18 to 21 years old. Additionally, potential kidney donors should be in good health and undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure compatibility and minimize risks before kidney donation.

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10 Habits That Damage Your Kidneys (Most People Ignore)