The symptoms of kidney failure occur when there’s a build-up of excess fluid and waste products in the body. Apparently, the inability to remove potassium from the bloodstream can lead to abnormal heart rhythms and sudden death.
Initially, kidney failure has no symptoms. Hospitals such as Max Healthcare specialise in offering kidney failure treatment. Here are some harmful lifestyle habits that could be causing damage to your kidneys.
- Consuming Too Many Over-the-Counter Painkillers
Painkillers such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), not only give you relief from pain and discomfort, but they can also harm the kidneys, especially if you already are suffering from a kidney disease. To avoid this, you should cut down on NSAIDs and never surpass the suggested dosage.
- Consuming Too Much Sodium
Diets consisting of a lot of salt are high in sodium, which increases your blood pressure and ends up damaging your kidneys. To make your food taste good, you should flavour it with herbs and spices instead of salt. Over time, you will start finding it easy to eat less or no salt in your food. Approximately 75% of the salt we consume comes from sodium present in processed foods.
- Eating Processed Foods
Processed foods are high in sodium and phosphorus. People suffering from kidney diseases should immediately limit the intake of phosphorus in their diets. As per research, high phosphorus intake from processed foods in people without kidney disease may be harmful to their bones and kidneys.
- Not Drinking Enough Water
Drinking adequate amount of water helps your kidneys to clear sodium and toxins from the body. Drinking a lot of water keeps painful kidney stones at bay. People suffering from kidney problems may need to restrict their fluid intake, but for others, drinking at least 2 litres of water per day will prove highly beneficial for the body.
- You’re Sleep Deprived
A good night’s sleep is essential for the overall well-being of a person and, it also improves the functioning of the kidneys. Apparently, the kidney function controlled by the sleep-wake cycle also helps synchronise the kidneys’ workload over 24 hours.
- Having Too Much Meat
Animal protein is known to generate high amounts of acid in the blood. This acid causes acidosis– a condition in which kidneys can not eliminate acid fast enough. Protein is necessary for growth and for repairing the body parts, but a balanced diet also includes the right amount of fruits and vegetables.
- Consuming Foods High in Sugar
Two of the leading causes of kidney diseases are diabetes and high blood pressure – both of which occur due to excessive intake of sugar. There are many foods that you may not consider ‘sweet’, but they consist of processed sugar, such as white bread, condiments and breakfast cereal.
- Smoking Too Often
Smoking has proved out to be harmful to the kidneys in the long run. Apparently, people who smoke are more likely to have protein in their urine. Having protein in the urine is a major sign of kidney damage.
- Consuming Alcohol in Excess
As per research, consuming more than four drinks a day doubles the risk of a chronic kidney disease. Heavy drinkers who also indulge in smoking have an even greater risk of kidney problems than people who are teetotalers or individuals who smoke or drink rarely.
- Sitting for Long Periods
Being desk-bound for a long time increases the possibility of developing a kidney disease. Even though researchers don’t know how physical activity impacts kidney health, according to studies, greater physical activity leads to improved blood pressure and metabolism of glucose.
It’s essential to keep the kidneys functioning properly to lead a healthy life. Diet is a very crucial consideration for people with impaired kidney function. However, by eliminating the above habits from your lifestyle, you can protect your kidney’s health. Always try to eat healthily, exercise frequently and manage your weight. Healthy kidneys like a healthy body!
