The modern ways of living and choices of food are affecting your body organs in multiple ways. Your Kidneys are one such organ which can get affected without you getting any symptoms or signs of damage. So, it is best to take care of your kidneys and stay away from habits that can harm them.
Here are some everyday habits that can increase your risk of kidney damage:
1. Smoking
Smoking disrupts renal function in healthy individuals. Smoking narrows and hardens the blood vessels which supply blood to all major organs in the body including the kidneys. This causes an increase in blood pressure which is a potent cause of kidney failure
2. Eating A Vitamin Deficient Diet
Certain vitamins are helpful for your kidney and the lack of those may lead to damage. Research shows that patients with kidney disease are deficient in Vitamin D. It is also known that Vitamin B6 taken along with other medications may help keep your kidney healthy. You can get Vitamin D from sitting in sunlight for 10-15 minutes daily. Sources of vitamin B6 include fish, chickpeas, potatoes, and starchy vegetables, and non-citrus fruits.
3. Not Getting Enough Sleep
Owing to work pressure and stringent timelines in a workplace, our sleep is hampered. Most of us do not get sufficient night’s sleep and in the process harm our internal organs. Sleep is the time when tissues of the kidney get renewed. Insufficient sleep for a prolonged period of time is linked to chronic kidney disease. Make sure you get at least 7 hours of nighttime sleep.
4. Having Too Much Of Alcohol
Many alcoholics die of kidney failure. Alcohol disrupts the kidney’s ability to filter blood. Both binge drinking and chronic alcohol consumption can harm a healthy kidney. Alcohol induced kidney disease is very common in urban lifestyles. Stop alcohol consumption if you really want to protect your kidneys.
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5. Not Drinking Enough Water
It is important to keep your body well hydrated. Our kidney help to get rid of waste. Excessive waste products in too little fluid may be the cause of kidney stones and other kidney diseases. It is recommended to take 12 glasses of water every day.
6. Having Too Much Of Salt
Although salt (sodium) adds taste in our food and is important for our body but its excess is harmful to kidneys. Overconsumption is known to cause high blood pressure and can even put a lot of strain on your kidneys. Experts recommend cutting down the salt intake to less than 5 grams per day (2 grams of sodium per day).
7. Not Exercising Enough
Those who exercise at least three times a week are at much less risk of developing kidney stones. Walking is recommended among people with weak kidney functions because it can help deal with cardiovascular issues, a major health risk for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and those on dialysis. Make sure you exercise for 30 minutes daily for at least 5 days a week.
8. Eating High Protein Foods
Excess of everything is bad and that holds true for proteins as well. If you take excessive protein than what is recommended for your age and weight, it can put a lot of burden on your kidneys. Also, those who are already suffering from chronic kidney disease or high blood pressure should avoid any kind of high protein diets. Dietary protein intake should be planned based on kidney health. The by-product of protein digestion is ammonia which kidneys need to get rid of. High protein intake puts a lot of pressure on already weak kidneys.
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Kidneys play an important role in your body. They help your body to detoxify and keep the composition of the blood stable. Protect your kidneys from harmful side effects by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Stay Healthy, Stay Happy!