We all have a few bad habits because we are imperfect humans.
The best thing we can do is make sure that these habits do not affect our health or lead to something more adverse to our health.
The kidney is responsible for removing waste products from the body.
When it comes to our kidneys, certain habits might affect our kidneys unbeknownst to us and some are so popular it is so important to reiterate them.
Here are some bad habits to avoid;
1. Frequent use of painkillers
Frequent use of painkillers can lead to kidney damage.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen and Tramadol can damage your kidney if you use them for a long time.
Those with arthritis or any illness with constant pain are at risk of developing kidney complications. It was discovered that one to three per cent of people with chronic kidney failure gets it from painkillers.
Painkillers also reduce the amount of blood that flows to the kidney.
2. Excess sugar intake
Sugar damages your kidneys. Excess sugar intake leads to obesity and diabetes and diabetes is directly linked to kidney issues.
If the body does not produce enough insulin, sugar accumulates in the blood and cause kidney disease.
3. Using too much salt
Salty meals and highly processed snacks are bad for your kidneys. Salt and sodium increases water retention and increases blood flow to your kidneys which causes your blood pressure to rise and affect renal function.
Excess salt intake causes hypertrophy (swelling), fibrosis and kidney stones.
4. Excess Alcohol Intake
Alcoholic drinks like whiskey, scotch, rum and so on inhibit the ability of your kidneys to filter blood. Medical studies have shown four drinks increases the risk of kidney disease.
Alcohol disrupts the fluid regulation in the body and causes dehydration that adversely affects the kidney.
5. Holding your pee and not drinking enough water
Your waste can solidify and turn into crystals if you do not pass out waste products frequently. You are most likely to develop kidney stones if you do not pass as urine as much as you should or drink enough water.