The kidneys, which are small in size and shaped like a bean, are powerful organs in the body that filter blood, remove fluid wastes in the form of urine, maintain blood electrolyte balance, and even manufacture some hormones. Yet there are some habits that can slowly ruin the kidneys if not stopped in time, and it’s crucial to know what they are so you can avoid them, along with the foods that can also have a harmful affect on the kidneys, which filter the blood. In this post, I want to briefly educate you according to Healthline, on habits that can slowly destroy your kidneys and foods to avoid consuming or eating in excess.
Intense use of drugs known to be harmful to the kidneys
Prescribed medications should be the only ones taken by patients. While many people do consult their personal physicians before purchasing medication online, this is not the case for everyone. Consistent use of over-the-counter pain relievers and other pharmaceuticals has been related to kidney damage.
Without engaging in any physical activity
Living a sedentary life has been linked to a variety of health problems. Obesity is harmful to your health in general, but especially to your kidneys. It could potentially harm your health in this way. Being overweight is a major risk factor for developing kidney failure, and if the patient does not find time for regular physical activity, their condition may deteriorate. According to Healthline, obesity is one of the leading causes of renal failure.
Thirdly, smoking
Smokers are said to have a lower life expectancy than nonsmokers because of the many risks they face from the habit. Perhaps this is why the topic receives so much attention. Cigarette smoking is linked to a plethora of health problems, including organ damage and an increased risk of cancer. Also, your risk of developing lung cancer will skyrocket. The best thing you can do for your kidneys and your health in general is to give up smoking.
Excess alcohol intake
Limiting alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for males may have positive health effects. But if you drink too much, you risk damaging your kidneys. According to the Kidney Foundation, excessive alcohol consumption increases the workload of the kidneys, making it more difficult for them to filter blood. When a person drinks excessively, they put extra strain on their kidneys.
The foods we eat have both immediate and far-reaching effects on our bodies. As consuming too much of certain foods has been linked to kidney disease, it is wise to cut back or, better yet, cut them out totally.
As recommended by the Kidney Foundation, below are some examples of foods to avoid or limit:
Sweets and fried foods
As eating a lot of sugary foods is linked to putting on extra pounds, cutting back on those types of calories is essential. This includes a lot of people’s favorite breakfast cereals, pastries, chocolates, and sugary drinks.
Processed foods
The high levels of salt and phosphorus in processed foods may be harmful to your kidneys if you eat them on a frequent basis. Consume processed meals such as pizza, lunch meat, quick noodles, and smoked fish in moderation.
A variety of salty munchies
The kidneys may be harmed if you eat a lot of salty foods since this causes your blood pressure to rise, which places further stress on your already overworked kidneys. Avoid eating as much processed meat, especially canned goods, hot dogs, and sausage, because they contain a lot of salt.
