11 Common Habits That Can Damage Your Kidneys

Do you ever think about the things you put into your body? The things you consume and do could have a major effect on your kidneys.

You don’t have to have both kidneys to live a happy and healthy life, but if you want to keep both of your kidneys you might need to change your lifestyle. There are some very common things that a lot of people do and they don’t realize this is damaging their kidneys.

The kidneys are responsible for producing hormones, filtering blood, absorbing mineral, producing urine, and maintaining a healthy acid-alkaline balance. The Chinese view the kidneys as the seat of essential life energy. If you want to keep your kidneys balanced and healthy, try changing these things you do in your life.

1. Smoking: Smoking can lead to atherosclerosis which causes the narrowing and hardening of blood vessels that affects the blood supply to all vital organs, including the kidneys. Two cigarettes a day can double the number of endothelial cells that are present in the blood.

2. Soda: If you drink 2 or more sodas a day that could be connected to a higher risk of kidney disease. People who consumed larger amounts of soda were more likely to have protein in their urine. Protein in the urine is an early sign of kidney damage.

3. Vitamin B6 deficiency: Being deficient in vitamin B6 increases the risk of kidney stones. People should consume at least 1.3 milligrams of vitamin B6 daily.

4. Magnesium deficiency: If the body is deficient in magnesium the calcium in the body doesn’t get properly absorbed and assimilated, which can result in calcium overload and kidney stone formation.

5. No exercise: Postmenopausal women who exercise have a 31 percent lower risk of developing kidney stones.

6. Frequent sleep disruption: Chronic sleep disruption can cause kidney disease because when we sleep the kidney tissues are renewed.

7. Not enough water: The kidneys have to be properly hydrated to perform their daily functions. If there is not enough water in the body, the toxins can start accumulating in the blood. Try drinking at least 12 glasses of water a day.

8. Not emptying your bladder early: Retaining urine in the bladder is a bad idea. If done on a regular basis, it can increase the urine pressure in your kidneys and lead to renal failure.

9. Too much sodium: Over consuming salt can raise the blood pressure and put too much strain on the kidneys. You should consume no more than 5.8 milligrams of salt.

10. Too much caffeine: Caffeine is usually consumed for the energy effects, but it is bad for the kidneys. Caffeine can be found in coffee, sodas, etc. and can raise your blood pressure.

11. Pain-killers: Pretty much everyone has taken a painkiller to relieve a headache, backache, or whatever the cause may be. A lot of painkillers are bad for the kidneys, so think twice before you pop a pill to get rid of a headache.

Sources: www.healthy-holistic-living.com