Kidneys perform many functions to keep our body healthy. These remove waste products from the blood and filter excess fluids and toxins from the body. These play an important role in controlling blood pressure, balancing pH levels and producing various hormones for the body. Therefore, we should take special care of kidney health. Here we are telling you about some such habits which can harm kidney health by unknowingly damaging the kidneys.
These 5 habits harm kidneys
The kidneys filter wastes and toxins from the body. For this they require water. Drinking too little water can cause waste products to accumulate in the body, which can increase pressure on the kidneys and increase the risk of kidney stones. According to the National Kidney Foundation of the United States, to maintain kidney health, men should drink about 3.7 liters of water per day and women should drink about 2.5 to 3 liters of water per day.
excessive salt intake
Excessive salt intake is not good for the body and kidneys. Salt increases blood pressure, which can gradually damage the kidneys. Excessive salt intake puts pressure on the kidneys and reduces their efficiency. Adults are generally advised to consume less than 5 grams of salt per day. Consuming more salt than this can increase the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. Most of the salt in our body comes from packaged foods, so when buying foods from outside, prefer low-sodium foods.
alcohol and tobacco consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption increases blood pressure, which causes kidney damage. Smoking damages your red blood cells, causing the blood vessels to narrow. This reduces blood flow to the kidneys, causing them to work harder.
lack of sleep and laziness
Insufficient sleep increases the risk of high blood pressure. Several studies have shown that chronic lack of sleep can increase the risk of high blood pressure in both children and adults. Lack of physical activity increases stress, which leads to problems like diabetes and high blood pressure, both of which can damage the kidneys.
Painkillers are also dangerous
Over-the-counter pain relievers that are used for a long time or repeatedly without a doctor’s advice can cause serious and permanent kidney damage.
