- EKOHOTBLOG, 6TH DECEMBER, 2020
Over time, If you tend to overlook the following habits, it could be damaging your kidney. it can lead to kidney failure and several severe medical conditions.
- Ignoring your levels of blood sugar
It’s extremely important for you to pay attention to your blood sugar levels. According to kidney.org, roughly 30 percent of individuals with Type 1 diabetes and 10 to 40 percent of individuals with Type 2 diabetes eventually experience kidney failure. However, it is very much possible for you to get your levels checked and get them under control before they start affecting your kidneys. In addition to this, if you know you have diabetes, you can regularly visit your doctor or have tests to keep a check on the health of your kidneys.
- Consuming too much protein
Protein is important for your body and for smooth functioning. But if there’s too much meat in your diet, this could be harmful to your kidneys. Meat in healthy amounts is good for your body, but make sure that you’re having enough vegetables and fruits along with it. If there is too much meat, it can increase the level of acid in your blood and this can overburden your kidneys, according to the National Kidney Foundation.
- Not drinking enough water
Water is extremely important for your body and your kidneys as well. But this does not mean that you need to overdo it and drink more than you have to. It is suggested that drinking about 1.5 to 2 liters, i.e., 3 to 4 pints a day would be ideal, according to World Kidney Day. It helps your kidneys in removing unwanted sodium, urea, and toxins from your body, and possibly reducing the risk of chronic kidney disease.
- Popping too many painkillers
A number of over-the-counter tablets and medicines can damage your kidneys over time, especially if they are taken excessively, according to NIDDK (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases). This would include the painkillers and the medicines for cold that you usually take. If you take too much of them, it can damage your kidneys and cause acute kidney injury, especially if you pop them when your blood pressure is low or when your body is dehydrated.
- Controlling your urge to pee
This is something we’ve all done at some point or the other, if not during an emergency, simply to avoid the possible inconvenience of looking for a washroom. But controlling the urge to pee too often can damage your kidneys. Ignoring or holding your pee can make you experience pain or discomfort in your bladder or kidneys, according to Medical News Today. Your urine also contains minerals such as uric acid and calcium oxalate, and holding it in can even lead to kidney stones, especially if you have had previous experience of it.
- Ignoring your blood pressure
While blood pressure can raise the risk of a number of medical conditions, it can also lead to damage of your kidneys. Keeping your blood pressure levels in check and maintaining them is said to be one of the most important factors in avoiding the risk of kidney diseases. You can get in touch with your doctor to find out what your blood pressure goals are and how you can reach them.
- Adding too much salt to your food
Consuming too much salt on a regular basis can spike up your blood pressure levels and indirectly affect the health of your kidneys. The recommended limit of salt for your everyday consumption is 5-6 grams. It’s also best to avoid having processed food or junk food from joints because they tend to have excessive amounts of salt.
- Having a stressful and unhealthy lifestyle
Stress and an unhealthy lifestyle can put unwanted pressure on your body and take a toll on your kidneys, too. Not having a healthy diet and not having enough physical activity can possibly lead to kidney damage. Make it a part of your routine to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every day, and quit habits like smoking. If you’re consuming alcohol, try to limit your alcohol consumption to one drink (12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor) if you’re a woman and two drinks if you’re a man. Try to find ways to manage the stress in your life and not let it affect you negatively.
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