Watch Out For These 10 Habits That Could Damage Your Kidneys

The kidneys are one of the most important organs in our body. A kidney's job is to filter wastes and extra water out of your blood into the urine. It regulates blood pressure and has quite a bit to do with overall bone health. 

Unfortunately, kidney diseases are a fairly common health problem. These kidney problems are caused by long-term bad habits, poor lifestyle choices and improper management of existing conditions. As doctors have probably told you, more bad habits means more organ problems. People with diabetes will have a higher chance of developing kidney problems.

It's always recommended to see your doctor if certain symptoms appear.   

Look out for these 10 habits you may have. These could potentially damage your kidneys:

1. Smoking.

Smoking is the cause of a lot of health concerns for many different areas of the body. It affects blood pressure, increases heart rate and narrows the blood vessels in your kidneys. Smoking can also damage your arteries - cause arteriosclerosis in the renal arteries.Smokers risk losing kidney function faster than non-smokers. Quitting the cigarettes will decrease any further risk.

2. Holding in your urine

Holding in your urine or not urinating enough is very bad for the kidneys. Kidneys filter out the toxins from your blood which are then expelled through urination. Later on, you may develop kidney stones should these waste salts accumulate. 

3. Eating too much junk food

Consuming too many snacks such as desserts, sodas, candies and chips is not good for your kidneys. Researchers have found that consuming too much fructose may cause a rise in uric acid levels. This, in turn, will lead to cardiorenal disease.

4. Eating certain foods/Too much fast food

There are certain foods which may cause problems for the kidney. Some doctors may suggest a change in diet if you notice any kidney damage. Food rich in nutrients like magnesium and vitamin B6 is good for preventing kidney stones.

Here are the food you need to avoid when suffering from kidney problems.

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-Whole-grain foods high on phosphorus

-Phosphorus-rich foods like (oatmeal nuts, lentils, bran cereals, fish, meat, and poultry)

-Certain vegetables and fruits: (tomatoes, potatoes, oranges and bananas)

-Dairy products

Food you can eat

-Plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits (Apples, Peaches, Green beans, and Carrots)

-Corn and rice-based cereals

-Rice milk 

-Less meat and other protein

6. Too much salt

As stated before certain foods and snacks tend to cause a lot of kidney problems, especially if they contain too much salt. High levels of sodium in the food you eat may cause kidney stones to develop.

7. Not checking you blood pressure

Checking your blood pressure regularly is a great way to avoid any further problems with your kidneys. Hypertension is a leading cause of kidney damage. It's always good to keep high blood pressure under control - level is usually set at under 140/90 mm Hg.5.  

8. Not Exercising

Exercise is overall good for your health. A study reports that shedding those extra pounds is beneficial to the renal function of obese individuals.

9. Binge Drinking/Heavy Alcohol Consumption

When you drink heavily, your kidneys are under a tremendous pressure trying to filter the toxins from your body. Alcoholic drinks dehydrate the body very quickly - thus missing with its organs' functions. Speaking of dehydration....

10. Not drinking enough water.

The best way to counteract any problems for kidneys is found in a simple glass of clean water. Kidneys require a constant and adequate flow of liquids in the body. Drinking 8 - 10 glasses of water every day reduces the risks of kidney damage and kidney stones.

Source: TNP, Curejoy

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