10 Common Kidney Damaging Habits

Kidneys have a massive effect on the overall health and well-being of your body. These organs filter through between 120-150 quarts of waste, urine, and fluids daily, protecting the body from the build-up of waste.

Your fist-sized, bean-shaped, kidneys can be found just below the rib cage to both sides of the spine. They are needed to regulate electrolyte levels and produce hormones for supporting bone health, as well as hormones for regulating blood pressure and creating red blood cells. There are times when you might not be aware that your kidneys have been damaged, which makes it even more important to learn how to keep them healthy.

The following are the 10 habits that are damaging your kidneys and putting a lot of pressure on them.

1. Drinking Too Much

Consuming more than one drink a day several times a week increases the chance of kidney damage, thanks to all the stress that alcohol places on the kidneys and liver.

2. Holding In Urine

Holding your urine in can increase the pressure on your kidneys, which potentially leads to kidney stones and even kidney failure.

3. Not Getting Enough Water

If you aren’t drinking enough water, it causes all the waste and toxins that the kidneys would normally get rid of to build up and damage the kidneys instead.

4. Overeating Sugar

Research has shown that if someone drinks over two sugary drinks in one day then it increases the chance of having protein in their urine, which is an early warning sign of improper kidney function.

5. Overeating Salt

Consuming too much sodium can cause kidney damage, as it causes pressure on the kidneys and increases blood pressure.

6. Not Getting Enough Sleep

There are a range of health problems caused by chronic sleep deprivation. This includes kidney disease, as the body needs sleep to repair damaged kidney tissue.

7. Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies

Proper diet is essential to proper kidney function. If your body is lacking in vital vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium and vitamin B6, then it could cause improper kidney function.

8. Drinking Too Much Coffee

Caffeine stresses the kidneys and increases blood pressure, drinking it excessively can cause kidney damage in the long term.

9. Abusing Painkillers

Many people purchase prescription drugs and over-the-counter medication to treat their aches and pains. These drugs are full of dangerous chemicals and can cause even more health conditions. One potential side-effect of taking too many painkillers is severe damage to your kidney and liver.

10. Excessive Intake of Animal Protein

Excessively consuming animal protein – red meat in particular – increases the metabolic load on the kidneys. The more protein you eat, the harder you push your kidneys, and the more likely they will be damaged.