Are you aware that there are certain daily habits that could possibly hurt your kidneys? Though these organs have an important role in our body, they are not given the respect they need. We leave our poor kidneys left to the side as we pay much of our attention on our mental health, heart, and lungs. However, we would not be able to live without our kidneys. These two bean-shaped organs serve as your trash men. They are responsible for removing waste products and excess fluid from your body through urine. Involved in the production of urine are complex steps of excretion and absorption.
These processes are necessary for our survival. That’s why, once our kidneys are damaged, its impossible for our body to clear itself from harmful substances.
Aside from this, our kidneys also play a role in producing hormones that affect the function and performance of other organs.
With these reasons, it is necessary that you practice good lifestyle habits which would keep your kidneys in the best shape.
The following are deadly habits which you must consider breaking:
Not Sleeping Correctly
When we talk about sleeping, two factors are needed to be considered: quality and length. It is not enough for you to get eight hours of sleep. The best type of sleep leaves you feeling refreshed and when you awake.
According to a study of middle-aged people, those who slept less than six hours a night or more than ten hours were at a higher risk of experiencing renal hyperfiltration — an early sign of kidney disease.
Not Drinking Enough Water
Several studies have proven that water is necessary for you to function. Kidney failure can be due to chronic dehydration since the body eliminates toxins through urine. Once our body has an inadequate amount of water, toxin buildup happens and this can further cause kidney overload. This scenario leads to the formation of kidney stones, blood clots within the urinary tract, an enlarged prostate, and damages to the nerves that control the bladder. Expensive dialysis or kidney transplant may be required for those with severe cases of kidney failure.
Kidney failure is fatal. In 2013 alone, more than 47,000 Americans died from kidney disease. Carefully choose your fluids since a lot of sodas and sugary beverages can be tempting to reach. Too much intake of sugar-rich drinks can further damage your kidneys. As several studies have revealed, sweetened soft drinks can increase your risk of chronic kidney disease.
Water is still the best beverage to drink.
Taking Over-The-Counter Medicine
Drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin are associated with an increased risk of kidney damage. These pills have synthetic compounds that can stress organ function and can lead to an excessive accumulation of kidney stones. While some of these stones are small and can pass unnoticed through the urinary tract, there are some that can grow to the size of a golf ball and are incredibly painful.
Smoking
Cigarette smoking can lead to renal failure, according to a new study. Though the exact mechanisms are only partially understood, initial hypotheses assume a cumulative effect – smoking weakens the immune system and damages cells, which in turn stresses all organs. The risk of cardiovascular disease is higher for those with renal failure.
Not Getting Enough Magnesium
Magnesium is needed by your body to function properly. It is essential for proper health and a deficiency contributes to many health challenges, so be sure to incorporate this mineral into your diet.
Exercising Too Much
Healthy habits must be done in moderation. Extreme exercise habits are linked to severe kidney damage. This is attributed to the body not having adequate amounts of rest while continually being exposed to extreme physical stress.
