Ten habits that will seriously hurt your kidneys

Holding back urine

Believe it or not but holding in urine and not going to the bathroom when your system prompts you to, may result in kidney failure. Holding ‘it in’ may also cause kidney stones.

Smoking

Smoking has been identified to cause a few damaging traits to the body. According to the World Kidney Foundation smoking also may be harmful to your kidneys. The foundation says people who smoke are more likely to have protein in their urine which is a sign of kidney damage.

Excess alcohol drinking

Too much of something is never a good idea, just like an increased intake of alcohol may result in kidney disease. Kidney failure often is an accumulative development condition which is often caused by relentless bad habits. Heavy drinking, which can be more than four drinks a day, doubles the risk of chronic kidney disease.

Painkillers

Overusing painkillers can harm kidneys. Over the counter medicines, such as Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may get rid of pain, but may cause more harm than good. A healthy recommended dose is adequate.

Too much meat

The National Kidney Foundation says animal protein generates high amounts of acid in the blood that can be harmful to kidneys and acidosis, which is a condition where the kidneys cannot eliminate acid fast enough. Protein is a need in the body but a well-balanced diet is recommended.

Not enough water

Hydration is paramount to the body’s normal functioning. Hydrating assists kidneys clear sodium from the body. A healthy target for water intake is drinking between 1.5 and two litres of water daily.

Processed foods

Processed foods are fast becoming the cause of most illnesses. They are significant sources of sodium and phosphorus. People with kidney disease need to reduce their intake of processed foods in order to reduce their sodium and phosphorus intake.

Sleep

One of the most effortless things to do for a healthy functioning system is adequate rest. It turns out, kidney function is regulated by the sleep-wake cycle which helps co-ordinate the kidneys’ workload over 24 hours. Lack of sleep may cause kidney failure.

Too much sugar

Too much sugar contributes to obesity, which results in increased risk of blood pressure and diabetes. These two are the leading causes of kidney disease. Pay attention to the ingredients when buying packaged goods to avoid too much sugar.

Sitting still

Sitting still for long periods of time has now been linked to the development of kidney disease. The lack of physical activity directly impacts kidney health. Physical activity helps with improved blood pressure and the filtering of glucose in the system. Constant movement and activity physically contribute to better kidney health.

Click on link to watch video: https://www.facebook.com/groups/716380275128285/permalink/1281953125237661/

Infograhic used under license from shutterstock.com

Source: healthandlovepage.com/10-most-common-habits-that-damage-your-kidney

For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.

Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za

Add us on WhatsApp today! Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.