Our kidneys filter approximately 120-150 quarts of blood to produce 1-2 quarts of urine, it’s no wonder the kidneys are vital for survival.
In fact these important organs perform a number of essential functions like preventing waste accumulation in the body, keeping electrolyte levels in check, and secreting hormones that regulate blood pressure, produce blood cells, and help maintain strong bones. In other words, they are in charge of overall health.
Kidney disease and kidney failure generally occur as a result of accumulation of waste products in the body. Early symptoms of kidney disease often include lethargy, weakness, shortness of breath and confusion. Moreover, when kidney function is compromised, potassium remains in the bloodstream, which may lead to abnormal heart rhythms and sudden death. However, initial kidney failure may go without symptoms.
These common habits put a lot of pressure on your kidneys causing serious kidney damage over time.
1. High Salt Consumption
Although our bodies are dependent on sodium or salt for proper function, too much consumption of salt increases blood pressure, which consequently puts a lot of pressure on your kidneys. Your daily salt intake shouldn’t exceed 5g a day.
2. Lack of water
Our kidneys need to get properly hydrated to perform their functions. If we don’t drink enough, the toxins can start accumulating in the blood, as there isn’t enough fluid to drain them through the kidneys. The National Kidney Foundation suggests drinking at least 12 glasses of water per day. An easy way to see if you’re drinking enough is to check the color of your urine.
3. Not Emptying Your Bladder
Retaining the urine in the bladder can seriously affect the kidneys health. It can lead to renal failure or incontinence.
4. Regular Use of Analgesics
People take medications in big doses and even when they don’t need them. These drugs have numerous side-effects and can trigger serious kidney and liver damage, so think twice before popping that pill in your mouth
5. High Protein Diet
Too much consumption of red meat burdens the entire metabolism leading to kidney dysfunction or kidney failure over time. A latest Harvard University study discovered that too much protein in the diet can damage the kidneys because of a protein metabolism byproduct – ammonia, which is a toxin the kidneys must neutralize. In other words, more protein means a greater burden on the kidneys.
6. Excessive alcohol consumption
As with excessive consumption of almost anything, alcohol too can have serious consequences upon your kidney and liver health owing to the toxins it contains. According to Kidney Health Australia and American Kidney Fund, drinking alcohol in moderation is one way to prevent kidney disease.
7. Too much caffeine
Similar to salt, large amounts of caffeine not only raise your blood pressure, but also put a lot of strain on your kidneys, and regular consumption can lead to kidney damage.
8. Ignoring Common Infections
Not treating infections is one of the main reasons of kidney damage. Individuals who suffer from kidney disease are sensitive to weather changes and get sick often, but leaving colds or the flu to go away on their own is dangerous and may damage your kidneys.
Source: healthyfoodteam
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