Bad habits that damage the kidneys

Taking too many over-the-counter pain relievers, smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating salty foods can affect kidney function, increasing the risk of kidney damage and failure.

The main function of the kidneys is to clean the blood of toxins and convert waste into urine. When the kidneys are not working properly, harmful toxins and excess fluid can build up in the body, leading to kidney failure. Warning signs include high blood pressure, extreme fatigue, persistent headaches, swelling of the face, ankles, and lower back pain. Here are some habits that are harmful to the kidneys.

Eat lots of protein

Protein is essential for growth and repair of body parts. However, eating a lot of animal protein creates high levels of acid in the blood, which can damage the kidneys and cause acidosis - a condition in which the kidneys cannot remove acid quickly enough. Therefore, everyone should eat a balanced diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables every day.

Caffeine abuse

Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, and soda. Drinking a lot of these drinks every day can harm your kidneys because caffeine is a stimulant that increases blood flow and blood pressure. In addition, it has a diuretic effect, causing dehydration.

Drink alcohol, beer

Regular heavy drinking (more than four drinks a day) doubles the risk of chronic kidney disease. Heavy drinkers and smokers are also at increased risk of kidney problems. The risk of chronic kidney disease is five times higher than that of people who do not smoke or drink excessively.

Drinking too much alcohol affects kidney function, increasing the risk of kidney failure. Photo: Freepik

Drink less water

Drinking enough water helps your kidneys remove sodium and toxins from your body. Drinking plenty of water is also one of the best ways to avoid kidney stones. People with kidney problems or kidney failure should limit their water intake as directed by their doctor, but most people should drink 1.5-2 liters of water per day.

Lack of sleep

During sleep, the kidneys repair damaged tissue, and poor sleep-wake cycles can affect the organ, causing high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, which in turn reduces blood flow to the kidneys. Everyone should get enough sleep and practice good sleep hygiene, including limiting device use before bed.

Eat salty

Eating too much salt is bad for your kidneys because it not only creates a lot of sodium but also increases blood pressure. Processed foods also contain a lot of sodium and phosphorus. People should choose fresh, low-sodium foods such as broccoli, blueberries, seafood and healthy grains.

Sweet tooth

Sugary foods contribute to high blood pressure and diabetes, two of the leading causes of kidney disease. To protect your kidneys, everyone should work on cutting down on their sugar intake. Avoid regular consumption of cookies, condiments, cereals, and white bread, as they all contain sugar.

Overtraining

Regular physical activity improves blood pressure and metabolism, which is good for the kidneys. However, overtraining over a long period of time can cause rhabdomyolysis. This condition releases substances into the blood too quickly for the kidneys to process, leading to kidney failure.

It is best to consult a doctor or fitness trainer before gradually increasing the intensity. Do not suddenly increase physical activity and avoid exercising in places with high temperature and humidity.

Self-medication

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and analgesics can relieve pain, but they can be harmful to the kidneys, especially in people with kidney disease. People who have persistent pain and need more than the recommended amount of over-the-counter medications should see a doctor for pain control.

Huyen My (According to Boldsky, Kidney.org )

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