Our kidneys are super important for
our health. They filter our blood, produce hormones, absorb minerals, produce
urine, eliminate toxins, and neutralize acids. So as one of the most important
organs in your body, your kidneys deserve some love.
Damage or steady decline of your
kidneys can often go unnoticed for years as your kidneys can still do their job
with as little as 20% of their capacity. Therefore kidney diseases are often
referred to as “The Silent Diseases”. That’s why it is so important to take
care of them before it is too late.
Here’s a list of 10 common habits
that put a lot of pressure on your kidneys and can cause serious damage over
time.
1.
Not Drinking Enough Water
Your kidney’s most important
function is to filter blood and eliminate toxins and waste materials. When you
don’t drink enough plain water during the day toxins and waste material start
to accumulate and can cause severe damage to your body.
2.
Too Much Salt in Your Diet
Your body needs sodium or salt to
work properly. Most people however consume too much salt which may raise blood
pressure and put a lot of stress on the kidneys. As a good rule of thumb, no
more than 5 grams of salt should be eaten on a daily basis.
3.
Frequently Delaying the Call of Nature
Many of us ignore the urge to go
because they are too busy or want to avoid public bathrooms. Retaining urine on
a regular basis increases urine pressure and can lead to kidney failure, kidney
stones, and incontinence. So listen to your body when nature calls.
4.
Kick the Sugar Habit
Scientific studies show that people
who consume 2 or more sugary drinks a day are more likely to have protein in
their urine. Having protein in your urine is an early sign your kidneys are not
doing their job as they should.
5.
Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies
Eating a clean,whole food diet full
of fresh vegetables and fruits is important for your overall health and a good
kidney function. Many deficiencies can increase the risk of kidney stones or
kidney failure. Vitamin B6 and magnesium, for instance, are super important to
reduce the risk of kidney stones.
An estimated 70 to 80 percent of
Americans isn’t getting enough magnesium, so there may be a good chance that
you are one of them..
6.
Too Much Animal Protein
Over consumption of protein,
especially red meat, increases the metabolic load on your kidneys. So more
protein in your diet means your kidneys have to work harder and this can lead
to kidney damage or dysfunction over time.
7.
Sleep Deprivation
We have all heard how important it
is to get a good night’s rest. Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to many
diseases and kidney diseases are also on the list. During the night your body
repairs damaged kidney tissue, so give your body the time to heal and repair
itself.
8.
Coffee Habit
Just as salt, caffeine can raise
blood pressure and put extra stress on your kidneys. Over time excessive consumption
of coffee can cause damage to your kidneys.
9.
Painkiller Abuse
Way too many people take painkillers
for their small aches and pains, while there are many all-natural, safe
remedies available. Excessive use or painkiller abuse can lead to severe damage
of liver and kidneys.
10.
Alcohol Consumption
Although there is nothing wrong with
enjoying a glass of wine or having a beer once in a while, most of us don’t
stop after just one drink. Alcohol is actually a legal toxin that puts a lot of
stress on our kidneys and liver.
To stay healthy and avoid kidney
issues it is important to eat lots of fresh, whole foods and if you keep the
above information in mind and avoid these common habits as much as possible,
your kidneys will not be under constant stress and your body will thank you for
that.
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