Our kidneys are one of the most significant organs in our body, filtering waste and toxins from our blood, maintaining our blood pressure, and balancing our electrolytes.
The kidneys are hardworking organs that we tend to take for granted until something goes wrong, leading to chronic kidney disease. Unfortunately, there are common everyday practices that we tend to overlook that can do a lot of damage to our kidneys. Here are five everyday practices that can hurt your kidneys:.
1. Overusing painkillers
Many of us experience some aches and pains from time to time, and we often reach for painkillers to alleviate them. However, long-term use or overuse of painkillers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, can lead to kidney damage.
These drugs can reduce blood flow to the kidneys, leading to kidney failure, especially when taken frequently or in large doses. It’s best to consult your doctor if you need to take painkillers regularly and look for kidney-safe alternatives.
2. Consuming too much salt
Our body needs a certain amount of sodium to regulate fluid balance, but consuming too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, causing damage to the kidney’s blood vessels.
Most of the salt we consume comes from processed foods and fast food, so, it’s essential to keep a check on our intake. A healthy adult should have no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, and for those with high blood pressure, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease, the American Heart Association recommends no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day.
3. Drinking too little water
The kidneys require a steady supply of water to remove waste and toxins from the body. When you’re not drinking enough water, your urine becomes concentrated, leading to the formation of kidney stones.
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Lack of water can also cause infection and kidney damage due to the buildup of waste and toxins in the body. The recommended daily intake of water for an adult is 8-10 glasses of water. However, the need for water intake can vary depending on your age, sex, activity level, and climate.
4. Smoking and drinking alcohol
Smoking and drinking alcohol are both harmful practices that lead to kidney damage. Smoking decreases the blood flow to the kidneys, leading to a buildup of toxic waste in the body.
Alcohol is a toxin that increases blood pressure and causes dehydration, leading to a strain on the kidneys. It’s best to quit smoking altogether and drink alcohol in moderation, following the recommended guidelines.
5. Ignoring early signs of a urine infection
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that affects the urinary tract and can quickly spread to the kidneys if left untreated.
It’s crucial to look out for early signs of a UTI, such as frequent urination, painful urination, and cloudy urine. Ignoring a UTI can cause severe damage to the kidney and even kidney failure if the infection spreads. It’s best to visit a doctor immediately if you experience any urinary tract infection symptoms.
Final Thoughts
Our kidneys are vital organs that we should take care of every day. Practicing good habits like drinking enough water and limiting salt intake can help protect the kidneys’ overall health.
Other good habits include not smoking or drinking alcohol excessively, not overusing painkillers, and not ignoring signs of a urine infection. Following these simple steps can go a long way in preventing kidney damage and leading a healthy life.
