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The kidneys play a fundamental role in maintaining our health. They contribute to the production of red blood cells, regulate blood pressure, detoxify the body, remove excess water and regulate the level of minerals in our body. Therefore it is very important to reduce the likelihood of kidney disease by abandoning certain habits and replacing them with good ones. Let’s look at what they are.
1 – Holding urine
If you often resist the urge, urine remains in the bladder longer and bacteria can multiply there in greater numbers. This can lead to serious infections and incontinence.
2 – Prolonged sitting
Regular physical activity is associated with good blood pressure and proper sugar metabolism. If you sit for long periods, it can increase the risk of developing kidney disease by 30%.
3 – Overtraining
If you train too much, rhabdomyolysis can occur, in which muscle fibers are damaged, break down and the protein myoglobin is released in the urine. This can lead to kidney damage.
4 – Excessive use of painkillers
Although some anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can be taken safely in moderation, regular and excessive use can cause kidney problems and kidney failure.
5 – Insufficient water intake
When you are hydrated, your kidneys are able to produce enough urine to remove toxins and waste from your body. If you do not drink enough water, you increase the likelihood of developing kidney stones.
6 – Lack of sleep
It has been shown that little sleep also has a bad effect on the kidneys, since the organ’s tissues regenerate best during sleep. Sleep-wake cycles best regulate kidney function. If you do not sleep enough, you may develop high blood pressure, which only burdens your kidneys.
7 – Consumption of soft drinks
According to health experts, there is a close link between consumption of soft drinks and the development of kidney problems. A 2009 study examined 3,000 women who drank 2 or more soft drinks (2.5–3 dl) each day. It was shown that they developed a significant decline in kidney function over time.
8 – Excessive meat consumption
Excessive consumption of animal proteins acidifies the blood and makes it more difficult for the kidneys to maintain pH balance. In the long term this can lead to kidney problems. The recommended daily protein intake is 1–1.6 g/kg of body weight.
9 – Too much salt and sugar
95% of consumed salt is processed by the kidneys. If we overdo salt consumption, we place more strain on the kidneys because water retention increases, which raises blood pressure.
High sugar consumption can also contribute to the development of high blood pressure, but it also greatly increases the risk of developing diabetes. In diabetes, small blood vessels, such as those found in the kidneys, are easily damaged, which can lead to kidney failure.
10 – Ignoring common infections
When you are ill, coughing, fever, inflamed tonsils, your body produces antibodies (immune proteins) to fight pathogens. These can get stuck around the kidney’s filtration system and cause inflammation. Always properly treat such seemingly harmless infections. Get plenty of rest.
Conclusion
The kidneys are essential for our health and their proper function is necessary to maintain balance in the body. Avoid these ten bad habits and support your kidney health by following proper hydration, a balanced diet and sufficient rest.
