Your kidneys absorb minerals, eliminate toxins, filter your blood, neutralize acids, and produce hormones and urine. When they become damaged, however, their ability to function properly is compromised. To avoid this damage, there are 10 habits that you should avoid.
1. Drinking Too Much Alcohol
Drinking alcohol puts your liver and kidneys under a lot of stress because they filter out this legal toxin. Don’t drink more than a glass of wine or a beer on occasion to avoid liver and kidney damage.
2. Abusing Painkillers
Taking too many pain pills than recommended can cause significant damage to your liver and kidneys. Try some all-natural remedies for your aches and pains instead.
3. Eating a High Animal Protein Diet
Animal proteins, particularly red meat, make your kidneys work harder. Excessive amounts can cause kidney dysfunction over time. Reduce the amount of protein and increase the amount of complex carbohydrates and vegetable proteins that you eat for meals.
4. Consuming Too Much Salt
You body requires salt or sodium to function property, but an excessive amount of salt can raise your blood pressure and put your kidneys under significant stress. Don’t eat more than 2-4 grams of salt (1500-2000 mg of sodium) every day.
5. Drinking a Lot of Coffee
Excessive amounts of caffeine can also raise blood pressure and make your kidneys work harder. Drink decaffeinated coffee instead to satisfy your craving for the taste, and take vitamin B supplements to increase your energy.
6. Drinking Sugary Beverages
Research shows that protein is more likely to appear in the urine of individuals who drink more than one sugary drink every day. This extra protein is an early indication that your kidneys aren’t functioning properly.
7. Not Drinking Plenty of Water
Your kidneys use water to flush toxins and waste materials from your body. When there isn’t enough water, the toxins and waste build up, potentially causing severe damage. Most people need about eight 8oz glasses of water per day.
8. Not Getting Enough Sleep
Your body repairs damaged kidney tissue as you sleep. Research shows that not getting enough sleep can cause the development of chronic kidney disease. The average adult should be getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep each day.
9. Not Getting Enough Minerals and Vitamins
Many mineral and vitamin deficiencies increase the chance of kidney failure or kidney stones. Magnesium and vitamin B6 are important for reducing the chance of stones, and fresh fruits and vegetables are vital for kidney function. If you’re not sure you’re getting what you need, taking a high-quality multivitamin is always a good idea!
10. Waiting to Urinate
Waiting too long to urinate increases the pressure that urine puts on your kidneys and can lead to incontinence, kidney stones and kidney failure. Don’t let your busy life or fear of public bathrooms damage your kidneys.
