The rising cases of kidney damage or failure in the society are alarming. While there are many root causes of kidney failure. Most of the common habits of people can also cause serious damage to their kidneys.

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that extract waste and toxins from the blood, balance body fluids. Form urine, and aid other important body functions.

They are located against the back muscles in the upper abdominal cavity just below the rib cage, one on each side of the spine.
Proper care can keep the kidneys functioning well into old age.
Some common symptoms that can indicate kidney problems are a change in colour and quantity of your urine, dizziness, vomiting, anaemia, breathing issues, feeling cold most of the time, tiredness or fatigue, itchy skin, bad breath and sudden pain in the body.

Here are the top 10 common habits that damage your kidneys

1. Not Emptying Your Bladder Timely

The urge to urinate or empty the bladder is not yours to decide. It is a signal from the body to get rid of toxic waste. Delaying the urge to urinate is one of the main reasons behind kidney damage.
When urine remains in the bladder for a long time, it can cause the bacteria breeding in urine to multiply. In turn, these harmful bacteria can cause a urinary tract infection or kidney infection. Moreover, retaining urine increases pressure on the kidneys and can lead to renal failure and incontinence.
For the sake of your kidneys and overall health, you need to empty your bladder no matter how busy you are. Your health comes first.

2. Insufficient Water Intake

You should by now that they are no substitute for water, those over the counter carbonated drinks won’t do the magic. Dehydration is known to be one of the leading causes of kidney failure. Not drinking enough water can also cause huge damage to your kidneys. The main function of the kidneys is to flush out metabolic waste from the body and regulate erythrocyte production.
When the body lacks sufficient water, there is less blood flow to the kidneys because the blood becomes concentrated. This hampers the kidneys’ ability to eliminate toxins from the body, and more toxins in the body mean more health problems.

3. High Salt Consumption

Regularly eating too much salt can also cause huge damage to your kidneys as well as other health problems. The kidneys metabolise 95 percent of the sodium consumed through food.
When salt intake is high, the kidneys need to work harder to excrete the excess salt. This, in turn, can lead to decreased kidney functioning, causing water retention in the body. Water retention can cause a hike in blood pressure and increase the risk of developing kidney disease.

4. Regular Use of Analgesics

Many of us have the habit of taking analgesics (over-the-counter painkillers) to control pain and reduce fever and inflammation. But this can damage different body organs, including the kidneys.
Research shows that analgesics may reduce blood flow to the kidneys and deteriorate kidney functioning. Moreover, heavy or long-term use of over-the-counter analgesics can cause acute renal failure or chronic kidney disease known as chronic interstitial nephritis.


5. High Protein Diet
Protein is good for your health, but excessive consumption of red meat and other protein-based foods can increase the risk of developing kidney disease.
One of the roles of the kidneys is to metabolise and excrete nitrogen bye-products from protein digestion. High protein intake increases the metabolic load of the kidneys by chronically increasing glomerular pressure and hyperfiltration. This, in turn, increases the risk of kidney problems.
So, limit your intake of red meat for the overall health of your kidneys. Moreover, those who have kidney problems must avoid eating red meat as it can worsen the condition.

6. Drinking Excessive Alcohol
Drinking in moderation is fine, but excessive drinking can cause significant damage to your kidneys. Alcohol is a toxin that puts a lot of stress on your kidneys and liver.
When you drink alcoholic beverages in high amounts, it causes uric acid to be deposited in renal tubules, leading to tubular obstruction. Moreover, alcohol causes dehydration and disrupts the normal functioning of the kidneys.
If you like to drink, then do it in moderation. A healthy amount is generally considered 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women and older people.

7. Smoking Cigarettes

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking is bad for almost every organ of the body, including the kidneys. Several studies have shown the connection between smoking and kidney disease.
In fact, smoking is a leading factor in end-stage renal disease (ESRD), according to the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP).
Smoking increases blood pressure and heart rate as well as reduces blood flow and narrows the blood vessels in the kidneys. It can even accelerate the loss of kidney functions and worsen existing kidney diseases.

As smoking is not good for any part of your body, it is time to quit. Take help from friends, family members or professionals to help quit smoking.

8. Consuming Too Much Caffeine[/b]

Too much caffeine consumption can cause high blood pressure, which in turn will put a strain on your kidneys. Over time, this can damage your kidneys.
In fact, according to a 2002 study published in Kidney International, caffeine consumption has a strong connection with kidney stones. Caffeine can increase calcium excretion in urine.
Caffeine in moderate amounts will not cause health problems for most people. You can drink 1 to 2 cups of coffee, 3 cups of tea per day. Also, limit your intake of other sources of caffeine like soft drinks, energy drinks, chocolate, cocoa and some medications.
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9. Ignoring Common Infections

Ignoring common infections like colds, the flu, coughs, pharyngitis, tonsillitis and others can also cause huge damage to your kidneys.
In fact, people who have kidney disease often have a history of not resting when they are sick. Moreover, people with kidney disease are more sensitive to weather changes and often get sick.
The bacteria or viruses that cause common infections can damage your kidneys if treatment is not carried out timely.
Next time you suffer from a common infection, get it treated quickly and properly. Take your antibiotics properly and rest your body until you feel better.

10. Lack of Sleep

Due to busy lifestyles, many people ignore the importance of sleep. Sound sleep of 6 to 8 hours daily is important for your overall health.
During the night when you sleep, renewal of organ tissues occurs. Therefore, when you do not get sound sleep, this interrupts the renewal process, resulting in damage to the kidneys and other organs.
Studies also suggest that sleepless nights may cause high blood pressure and more atherosclerosis (clogging of the arteries). This increases your risk of kidney disease.
Try to adopt healthy sleeping habits and maintain a good balance between work and rest. This will greatly help protect your kidneys from health issues and allow you to live a healthy life.

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cc: Seun

very beneficial news op, front page worthy...

Idydarling:
very beneficial news op, front page worthy...

You are still awake? See point number 10 Ify

Oga oh, Ogun masuu ma too yi wapo ju oh. Nice one though, but na one thing go kill man.

stigmond:
Oga oh, Ogun masuu ma too yi wapo ju oh. Nice one though, but na one thing go kill man.

I love your pix sha. Anywaz all this kidney wahala for naija don too much na

eltalentino:
I love your pix sha. Anywaz all this kidney wahala for naija don too much na

Broad, I tire oh.

good write up

eltalentino:

You are still awake? See point number 10 Ify

speak for yourself pls