Top Habits to Avoid: Protecting Kidney Health and Preventing Diseases

KOMPAS.com – Paying attention to kidney health is very important to prevent various diseases while keeping them functioning well.

Kidney health can be influenced by lifestyle factors, such as diet and physical activity. Therefore, adopting a healthy lifestyle is one way to maintain kidney health.

Habits that damage the kidneys

While adopting a healthier lifestyle, here are some habits that need to be avoided because they can damage the kidneys.

1. Taking painkillers too often

Over-the-counter pain relievers can relieve aches and pains, but they can harm the kidneys, especially for people who suffer from kidney disease.

Also read: Global Warming Can Threaten Kidney Health

To prevent kidney damage, use pain relievers according to the instructions and never take more than the recommended dose.

2. Eating too much salt

A high-salt diet contains a lot of sodium, which can increase blood pressure which, in turn, harms the kidneys.

Instead of salt, it’s best to use spices to give more flavor to food.

3. Eating too much processed food

Processed foods are a significant source of sodium and phosphorus. Many people who suffer from kidney disease need to limit phosphorus in their diet.

Some studies suggest that high phosphorus intake from processed foods in people without kidney disease may be harmful to kidney and bone health.

Also read: What are the early signs of kidney failure?

4. Drink less water

Staying well hydrated helps the kidneys clear sodium and toxins from the body. Drinking lots of water is also one of the best ways to avoid kidney stones.

However, people who have kidney problems or kidney failure may need to limit their fluid intake to avoid excess.

5. Lack of sleep

Getting a good night’s rest is essential for overall health and, it turns out, is also good for the kidneys. The reason is, kidney function is regulated by the sleep-wake cycle which helps coordinate the kidney’s workload throughout the 24 hours.

6. Eating too much meat

Animal protein produces high amounts of acid in the blood which can harm the kidneys and cause acidosis, a condition where the kidneys cannot eliminate acid quickly enough.

Protein is necessary for growth, maintenance and repair of all parts of the body, but the diet must be balanced with fruits and vegetables.

Also read: Recognizing that kidney failure puts sufferers at risk of dialysis

7. Eating too much sugar

Sugar contributes to obesity which increases the risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes, two main causes of kidney disease.

Apart from sweet foods, sugar is often added to foods and drinks that may not be considered “sweet”.

So, always pay attention to the ingredients when buying packaged foods to avoid added sugar in the food.

8. Smoking

Of course, smoking is very dangerous for the lungs and heart. However, smoking is also not good for the kidneys. People who smoke are more likely to have protein in their urine, which is a sign of kidney damage.

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2023-09-26 14:00:00
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