Reduce excessive use of over-the-counter medications without a doctor’s prescription.
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Kidneys have an important role for the body. The kidneys help remove waste and extra fluids from your body.
The kidneys also help eliminate acid to maintain a healthy balance of water, salt and minerals. Without this healthy balance, the nerves, muscles, and other tissues in your body cannot function properly. For that, it is very important to take care of your kidneys.
There are many daily habits that can damage the kidneys. Here are 10 of them, as reported on the page Times of India, Sunday (10/10):
1. Overuse of painkillers
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) available without a prescription will help reduce your pain. But this can damage your kidneys, especially if a person already has kidney disease. So, reduce your regular use of NSAIDs and don’t take more than recommended.
2. Excessive consumption of salt
A diet high in salt (sodium) can increase blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of developing kidney disease. Instead of salt, you can add flavor to your food with herbs and spices. As you begin to do so, you will gradually find it easier to avoid salt.
3. Too often eat processed foods
Processed foods are loaded with sodium and phosphorus. People suffering from kidney disease should avoid packaged foods. Intake of high phosphorus, processed foods can be harmful to the kidneys and bones.
4. Does not keep yourself hydrated
Keeping yourself hydrated can help your kidneys to flush sodium and toxins from the body. Drinking enough water also helps avoid painful kidney stones. People with kidney problems are required to have less fluids. But people with healthy kidneys should drink 3 to 4 liters of water every day.
5. Not getting enough sleep
A good night’s sleep is essential for maintaining your overall health. Kidney function is regulated by a sleep-wake cycle that helps coordinate the kidney’s 24-hour workload.
6. Eat too much sugar
Too much sugar consumption can lead to obesity. It can increase the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes, both of which can lead to kidney disease. So, you have to be careful about consuming not only added sugars but also hidden sugars. Don’t overeat biscuits, condiments, cereals, and white bread because they all contain hidden sugars
7. Smoking
Smoking is harmful to health. People who smoke are more likely to have protein in their urine, which is a sign of kidney damage.
8. Drinking too much alcohol
Heavy drinkers (more than four drinks per day) were found to double the risk of chronic kidney disease.
9. Not moving enough
Sitting for too long is associated with the development of kidney disease. A sedentary lifestyle can have a negative impact on kidney health. Regular physical activity is associated with increased blood pressure and a better metabolism, which is good for kidney health.
10. Eating too much meat
Animal protein produces high amounts of acid in the blood which can be harmful to the kidneys and cause acidosis. Acidosis is a condition in which the kidneys can’t get rid of acid fast enough.
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