March 11th, 2021 is observed as World Kidney Day. Kidneys are essential for the proper functioning of the body. These bean-shaped organs play an important role in the filtering of the blood, aids in eliminating toxins from the body, and also maintains blood pressure. Our kidneys contain millions of tiny blood vessel clusters that filter waste from the blood. There is no life without kidneys literally.
We are usually not aware but many of our daily habits are unhealthy.
Let’s read up some common habits that harm our kidneys:
First and foremost: Not intaking enough water
We keep hearing about how water is important and how we should drink enough every day for our body to function properly. Likewise, our kidneys need to be properly hydrated to perform their functions. When there’s less water, the toxins start to accumulate in the blood as there isn’t enough fluid to drain them through the kidneys. It is suggested to drink at least 10-12 glasses of water every day.
Drinking Carbonated Drinks
Carbonated drinks are generally very harmful to the health of the kidneys but these are highly consumed by a lot of people especially young people. Too much intake of soft drinks can end up producing kidney stones. Simply limit soft drinks or avoid them.
Retaining or delaying Urine
Delaying to urinate is one of the biggest reasons behind kidney damage. When urine is stored in the bladder for a long time, it can cause bacteria in urine to multiply which in turn can cause a UTI (urinary tract infection) or kidney infection. Moreover, holding in urine can increase pressure on the kidneys and often lead to renal failure.
Consuming excessive salt
Basically salt makes your kidneys to work harder. Kidneys in the end have to excrete salt which causes various problems. Either reduce or eliminate salt completely from your meals.
Daily salt intake should be within 5 grams per day.
Self Medication
Popping painkillers or too many supplements can damage your kidneys in the long run.Take only those medicines which are prescribed by your doctor. Self medication should be avoided at any cost.
Smoking
Smoking causes fat deposition within the walls of blood vessels which eventually affects the blood supply to the vital organs including the kidneys. Various studies have suggested that smoking is one of the leading factors behind kidney failure. So quit this habit to save your kidneys!
Eat healthy foods, restrict your salt intake, avoid soft drinks as much as you can, take your vitamin supplements with caution, drink at least 10-12 glasses of water everyday to reduce the risk of stone formation and ofcourse quit smoking!
If you still don’t plan on cutting out the bad habits, you gotta be KIDNEY me!
