Why Your Kidneys Are Being Harmed by You

Your kidneys are essential organs that filter waste and excess fluid out of your blood. However, certain habits can harm your kidneys, leading to kidney failure and other health problems. In this article, we’ll discuss 10 common habits that you should avoid to keep your kidneys healthy, the understanding of the kidney functions and some kidney diseases.

Common Habits You Should Avoid To Keep Your Kidney Safe And Healthy

1. Overusing Painkillers

Painkillers like NSAIDs and Analgesics are commonly used to alleviate aches and pains. However, overusing these medicines can harm your kidneys, especially if you already have kidney disease. Therefore, it is essential to reduce your regular use of NSAIDs and never exceed the recommended dosage.

2. Abusing the Salt Shaker

Diets high in salt are high in sodium, which can increase blood pressure and harm your kidneys. It is recommended to flavor your foods with herbs and spices instead of salt. Over time, you may find it easier to avoid using added salt on your food.

3. Eating Processed Foods

Processed foods are significant sources of sodium and phosphorus. High phosphorus intake from processed foods in people without kidney disease can be harmful to their kidneys and bones. Therefore, it is advisable to adopt a balanced diet that is low in processed foods. The DASH diet can be a good guide to healthy eating habits.

4. Not Drinking Enough Water

Staying hydrated helps your kidneys clear sodium and toxins from your body. Drinking plenty of water is also one of the best ways to avoid painful kidney stones. You should aim to drink 1.5 to 2 liters (3 to 4 pints) of water per day to keep your kidneys healthy.

5. Missing Out on Sleep

Sleep is extremely important to your overall well-being and, it turns out, your kidneys. Kidney function is regulated by the sleep-wake cycle, which helps coordinate the kidneys' workload over 24 hours.

6. Eating Too Much Meat

Animal protein generates high amounts of acid in the blood that can be harmful to the kidneys and cause acidosis. Therefore, it is advisable to balance your diet with fruits and vegetables.

7. Eating Too Many Foods High in Sugar

Sugar contributes to obesity, which increases your risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes, two of the leading causes of kidney disease. Therefore, it is essential to avoid added sugar in your diet, including desserts, condiments, breakfast cereals, and white bread.

8. Smoking

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Smoking is not only harmful to your lungs and heart, but it also affects your kidneys. People who smoke are more likely to have protein in their urine, which is a sign of kidney damage.

9. Drinking Alcohol in Excess

Regular heavy drinking - more than four drinks a day - has been found to double the risk of chronic kidney disease. Heavy drinkers who also smoke have an even higher risk of kidney problems.

10. Sitting Still

Sitting for long periods of time has now been linked to the development of kidney disease. Greater physical activity is associated with improved blood pressure and glucose metabolism, both important factors in kidney health.

Understanding Kidney Function

Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs found right below the rib cage, one on each side of the spine, each roughly the size of a hand. The kidneys filter approximately 120 to 150 quarts of blood per day, generating one to two quarts of urine, which is made up of wastes and surplus fluid. When your kidneys lose their ability to filter waste and fluid out of your blood, it can lead to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is when lasting damage to your kidneys causes them to lose their ability to filter waste and fluid out of your blood. Waste can build up in your body and harm your health. CKD can be caused by various factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and genetic disorders like polycystic kidney disease.

Polycystic Kidney Disease

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder that causes cysts (growths filled with fluid) to form on your kidneys and other organs. These cysts can lower your kidney's ability to filter fluid and waste from your blood. Over time, PKD can cause kidney failure.

Pregnancy and Kidney Health

Pregnancy can increase the risk of kidney problems, especially for women with pre-existing kidney disease. Women with PKD, particularly those who also have high blood pressure, should be followed closely during their pregnancy by their doctor. About 40% of pregnant women with PKD, who also have high blood pressure, develop a condition called pre-eclampsia, which is a life-threatening disorder for both the mother and baby.

Other Kidney Diseases

There are other kidney diseases that can damage your kidneys and lower their ability to filter waste and fluid out of your blood. These include Fabry disease, Cystinosis, Glomerulonephritis, IgA Nephropathy, and Lupus Nephritis. These diseases can cause chronic kidney disease or kidney failure and require specialized treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.     Can drinking more water improve kidney health? Yes, staying adequately hydrated by drinking enough water can support kidney health and proper functioning.

2.     Is kidney damage reversible? In some cases, early-stage kidney damage can be reversible with proper medical intervention and lifestyle changes. However, advanced stages of kidney disease may be irreversible.

3.     Does stress affect kidney health? Yes, chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure, which can damage the kidneys over time. Managing stress is important for kidney health.

4.     Are all painkillers harmful to the kidneys? No, not all painkillers are harmful to the kidneys. However, prolonged and excessive use of certain painkillers, such as NSAIDs, can lead to kidney damage.

5.     What are the warning signs of kidney problems? Warning signs of kidney problems include changes in urination patterns, persistent swelling, fatigue, and unusual urine color or volume. It is important to seek medical advice if experiencing these symptoms.

Conclusion

Your kidneys are vital organs that filter out waste and excess fluid from your blood. Habits like overusing painkillers, eating processed foods, and not drinking enough water can harm your kidneys and lead to kidney failure. By avoiding these habits and adopting a healthy lifestyle, you can keep your kidneys healthy and functional for years to come. Remember to follow a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and exercise regularly.