Top 10 Deadly Habits Seriously Damaging Your Kidneys

Last updated on 11 JUN 2024

Your kidneys are two of the most important organs in your body, and far more important than most people take into account.

This organ duo filters your blood, produces hormones, eliminates toxins, absorbs minerals, produces urine, neutralizes acids, and more. They play vital roles in several of your body’s major functions and if they’re not properly taken care of, they can develop some serious health concerns in the long run.

Top 10 Deadly Habits

Damage and the decline of kidney health can go unnoticed for several years. They’re tough and can weather a lot and are even able to function with as little as 20% of their capacity. Just like most things, however, they do have their breaking points. Because of how long your kidneys can holster disease and decline, kidney diseases are often referred to as “The Silent Diseases.” Because of this “silent” nature, people often won’t realize kidney disease effects them until it’s too late.

That’s why it’s important to do what you can NOW to care for them so that you don’t go to the doctor one day and realize that your kidneys are failing. Here are 10 of the top habits that can put a lot of strain on your kidneys and cause them to decline or develop disease overtime:

#1. Not Drinking Enough Water

Some of your kidneys top functions are filtering blood and eliminating toxins and waste from your body. If you’re frequently dehydrated and aren’t getting enough water, then waste and toxins can start to build up and cause damage to your kidneys.

#2. Too Much Salt In Your Diet

Salt is an important mineral for your health, but people tend to consume too much salt on a daily basis, which causes blood pressure to rise and ultimately puts a lot of stress on the kidneys. The general recommendation for salt consumption is no more than 5 grams a day.

#3. Frequently Delaying The Call Of Nature

Your kidneys play a major role in producing urine and getting it out of your body. If you often resist the urge to urinate because you’re too busy or occupied by other things, then a lot of pressure gets placed on your kidneys and this can ultimately lead to kidney disease, kidney stones, kidney failure, and incontinence.

#4. Kick The Sugar Habit

The over-consumption of sugar can play a big role in the health and functionality of your kidneys. Studies have shown how people who consume 2 or more sugary drinks a day end up having protein in their urine, which is one of the first indicators that your kidneys aren’t working as they should be.

#5. Vitamin And Mineral Deficiencies

Eating a clean, well-rounded, whole foods diet with lots of fruits and vegetables isn’t just for weight loss, it also ensures that you are getting the proper nutrition fueled into your system. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can end up being the underlying causes for several health concerns. For instance, when it comes to your kidneys, being deficient in vitamin B6 and magnesium (one of today’s top nutrient deficiencies) can increase the risk of kidney stones.

#6. Too Much Animal Protein

Eating high amounts of meats, especially red meats, processes a lot of protein into your system, which can increase the metabolic load on your kidneys. The over-consumption of protein tends to overwork your kidneys and this consistent stress can lead to kidney damage and dysfunction.  Try lessening the amount of meat you eat and try getting some of your protein from plant-based sources.

#7. Sleep Deprivation

Sleeping gives your body the chance it needs to recuperate and heal, including any stress or damage done to your kidneys. Chronic sleep deprivation keeps your body from being able to heal properly and can lead to even further stress and damage done to your kidneys.

#8. Caffeine Habit

Just like salt, caffeine can also raise your blood pressure and ultimately place a lot of stress on your kidneys. This can cause damage over time if you consume too much coffee or other highly caffeinated beverages.

#9. Painkiller Abuse

Painkillers can be a major go-to for almost any ache or pain, even the minor stuff. While it may seem harmless, frequently taking painkillers can put a lot of extra tension on your kidneys and cause harm or damage. There are many natural remedies and things for pain available that can help reduce the need for painkillers.

#10. Alcohol Consumption

Though an occasional glass of wine or a drink doesn’t do too much harm to our bodies, most people don’t stop after just one drink. Alcohol is actually a legal toxin and when you consume an excessive amount of it at one time or on a frequent basis, it overworks your kidneys big time and can lead to kidney damage and disease later on.

Conclusion

To take the best care of your kidneys possible, focus on shifting to a clean, whole foods diet. Keep these tips in mind to aid in breaking any habits that have a negative effect on your kidneys. The better you take care of them, the better they can take care of you.

Have any additional questions we can help answer? Let us know, we would love to help support you however we can.

About Sara Ding

Sara Ding is the founder of Juicing-for-Health.com. She is a certified Wellness Health Coach, Nutritional Consultant and a Detox Specialist. She helps busy men and women identify their health issues at the root cause, in order to eliminate the problems for optimum physical/mental health and wellbeing.

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