BIOCHEMISTRY - KSRCAS

8 BAD HABITS THAT CAN DAMAGE YOUR KIDNEYS AND YOU DO THEM EVERY DAY! YOU SHOULD START AVOIDING THEM IMMEDIATELY!

Kidneys are one of the most important organs in the human body. The kidneys perform important functions in the human body, which means that we should take good care of them.  Did you know that the kidneys filter about 120-150 quarts of blood, to produce 1-2 quarts of urine, filtering waste and extra fluid out of the body? As we said, the kidneys perform many vital functions in the human body, such as: prevent the buildup of waste in the body, keep electrolyte levels stable, and make hormones that regulate blood pressure, make blood cells, and maintain strong bones.

Not Emptying Your Bladder: Well, when nature calls, you should listen. Retaining urine in your bladder is a bad idea. If done on regular basis, it can increase the urine pressure in your kidneys and lead to renal failure or incontinence.

Not drinking enough water: Our kidneys need to get properly hydrated to perform their functions. If we don’t drink enough, the toxins can start accumulating in the blood, as there isn’t enough fluid to drain them through the kidneys. The National Kidney Foundation suggests drinking at least 12 glasses of water per day. An easy way to see if you’re drinking enough is to check the color of your urine.

High Salt Consumption: Salt is important for the body, but you should limit your intake. Over consumption can raise your blood pressure and put too much strain on the kidneys. No more than 5.8 grams of salt should be eaten daily, so take it easy with that salt shaker.

Regular Use of Analgesics: Way too often we take medications too fast, in too big doses and not in the right way. When pain occurs, it’s so easy to just swallow the pill. But, you should think twice. All pharmaceutical drugs come with side effects, and many cause damage to the kidneys. Having said that, there are some drugs that you should be taking. See the next point.

High Protein Diet: Protein is good for your health, but excessive consumption of red meat and other protein-based foods can increase the risk of developing kidney disease.A recent study, conducted by group of experts at the Harvard University, has discovered that too much protein in your diet can harm the kidneys. The byproduct of protein digestion is ammonia – a toxin your hard-working kidneys need to neutralize. More protein means more effort for the kidneys, which can, over time, lead to decreased function.

Too much alcohol consumption: The toxins found in alcohol not only damage the liver, but also your kidneys. According to Kidney Health Australia and American Kidney Fund, one way to avoid kidney disease is to drink alcohol in moderation.

Consuming too much caffeine: We often consume more caffeine than we think we do. It features in many soft drinks and sodas, and before you know it, your blood pressure goes through the roof and your kidneys start complaining.

Ignoring Common Infections: Ignoring common infections like colds, the flu, coughs, pharyngitis, tonsillitis and others can also cause huge damage to your kidneys. People who have kidney disease often have a history of not resting when they are sick. Moreover, people with kidney disease are more sensitive to weather changes and often get sick.

BY

Kokilavaani

III B.Sc.,

Department Biochemistry