Habits that can damage the kidneys

You can live a normal life with only 20% of your kidney's function remaining.

This explains why the gradual decline and damage to the kidneys may go unnoticed for a long time.

Sometimes certain common habits can damage the kidneys. By the time the problem is discovered, it may already be too late.

The kidneys perform many functions such as producing hormones, filtering blood, absorbing minerals, producing urine, and maintaining a healthy acid-alkaline balance. Therefore, humans cannot live without kidneys. If you want your kidneys to develop and serve your health well, you need to eliminate the following harmful habits:

1. Drink sugary soda.

Drinking sugary drinks is one of the main habits that harm the kidneys. One study showed that people who drink more than two glasses of soda a day have a higher risk of kidney disease. Protein will leak into your urine if your kidneys are damaged. Protein in the urine (proteinuria) is an early sign of kidney damage. When detected early, the condition may still be treatable.

Photo: ello.org.

2. Vitamin B6 deficiency

This is also one of the reasons for kidney damage. A healthy diet is important for good kidney function. According to one study, a deficiency in vitamin B6 increases the risk of kidney stones. For optimal kidney function, you should consume at least 1.3 milligrams of vitamin B6 daily. The richest food sources of this vitamin include fish, green beans, beef liver, potatoes, and starchy vegetables.

3. Lack of physical activity

Exercise is a good way to protect your kidneys. One study showed that people who exercise regularly reduce their risk of kidney stones by 31%. Maintaining a healthy weight will also reduce the risk of kidney stones. Not exercising is a habit that damages this vital organ.

4. Magnesium deficiency

Magnesium deficiency can cause kidney problems. If you don't get enough magnesium, calcium can't be properly absorbed and digested. This can lead to excess calcium and the formation of kidney stones. To prevent this, you need to ensure you have enough magnesium in your diet by eating plenty of leafy green vegetables, beans, nuts, and avocados.

5. Lack of sleep

Poor sleep also contributes to kidney damage. Good sleep is crucial for this organ. One study showed that prolonged sleep disruption can cause kidney disease. Kidney tissue is regenerated during the night, so sleep disruption can directly damage it. You need at least 8 hours of sleep each night.

6. Not drinking enough water

You need to drink enough water to maintain kidney function. If you don't drink enough, toxins can start to build up in your blood. Drinking at least 12 glasses of water a day is good for your kidneys. A simple way to see if you're drinking enough water is to check the color of your urine. If you're not drinking enough, your urine will be dark yellow.

7. Hold your urine.

When your body needs it, you should respond. Holding urine in your bladder is not good. Doing so frequently will increase the pressure of urine on the kidneys and lead to kidney failure.

8. Using too much salt

This is one of the causes of kidney failure. Salt is important for the body, but you should limit your intake. Too much salt can increase blood pressure and put extra strain on the kidneys. You shouldn't consume more than 5.8 grams of salt per day.

9. Consuming too much caffeine.

You probably consume more caffeine than you realize. Caffeine is found in many soft drinks and sodas, energy drinks, and coffee. Excessive caffeine can raise blood pressure and damage your kidneys. So, limit your caffeine intake.

10. Abuse of painkillers

Sometimes you take medication too often and in too high a dose. When pain occurs, it can be easily relieved by taking medication. But you should be cautious because all medications have side effects, and many medications can damage the kidneys.

11. Not taking medication as prescribed.

High blood pressure and diabetes are two common diseases caused by unhealthy lifestyles and diets. If you have these conditions, you may experience slow kidney damage. However, if you take your medication regularly, the damage can be prevented. Protect this vital organ by taking your prescribed medication.

12. Eating too much protein

Photo: Sheknows.

According to one study, consuming too much protein in the diet can be harmful to the kidneys. A byproduct of protein digestion is ammonia, a toxin that the kidneys need to neutralize. High protein intake means the kidneys have to work harder, which can lead to kidney dysfunction.

13. Failure to treat common infections promptly and appropriately.

Sometimes you just catch a common cold. You force your body to work and don't get proper rest. This can damage your kidneys. Studies show that people who don't get enough rest and treatment often end up with kidney disease.

14. Drinking too much alcohol

The toxins in alcohol not only damage the liver but also the kidneys. This puts increased pressure on them and causes gradual kidney damage. One way to avoid this disease is to drink alcohol in moderation.

15. Smoking

Smoking is linked to atherosclerosis. The narrowing and hardening of blood vessels affects the blood supply to vital organs, including the kidneys. According to this study, smoking two cigarettes a day can double the number of endothelial cells in the blood, a sign of arterial damage.

According to VnExpress.