Our body is a very complex system of organs which are interconnected and function in harmony. If one of them fails to do its function, our body starts deteriorating and we feel the consequences severely. This is especially true for those organs which have numerous functions, like the kidneys. Even though all organs are important, we can say without a doubt that the kidneys are one of the most important ones. They detoxify the blood and help the body filter out the toxic waste through the urine. They filter out the excess water, or retain it when it’s needed, they regulate the phosphate and calcium levels, and the other minerals as well. One of their functions is regulating the blood pressure, producing red blood cells which is essential for the proper functioning of our organism.
Now that you have a broader picture of the importance of kidneys you can imagine that if they stop working properly you’ll face a number of issues. If your kidneys are damaged you’ll start experiencing the following symptoms: changed quantity and color of the urine, vomiting, dizziness, breathing issues, anemia, fatigue or tiredness, bad breath, feeling cold most of the time, sudden pain in the body, and itchy skin. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above you should visit a doctor and check if your kidneys are responsible. Detecting any kidney problem early is crucial for fast and full recovery.
There are many factors which can cause kidney problems but they are mostly caused by certain bad habits we have, and unknowingly we’re the ones at fault when they occur. Here are the top ten bad habits which can cause damage to our kidneys and should be eliminated:
- Delaying the urge to urinate
Sometimes we’re out and about and we cannot go to the restroom when we need to so we try to hold it. However, this causes severe problems in the urinary tract, especially if the bladder remains full of urine for a long period of time. It can lead to urinary infections and worse. Retaining the urine for longer periods can cause urinary incontinence and renal failure as it increases the pressure on the kidneys. If you have the habit of doing this often you need to stop immediately, even if you don’t experience any kidney problems.
- Insufficient water intake
Many of us do not drink the recommended amount of water daily and that is one of the major factors which influence kidney functioning. Our kidneys actually eliminate the metabolic waste from our bodies and help balance out erythrocytes. When the body is not properly hydrated, blood flow to the renal region decreases and harmful toxins start accumulating in our blood.
Every healthy adult should consume at least 10 to 12 glasses a day minimum. In this way, the body will be well hydrated and the kidneys healthy. But don’t overdo it, because too much liquid can have the opposite effect.
- Too much salt
Our kidneys also metabolize the amount of sodium the body intakes. The majority of sodium comes from food we eat. However, most of the salt must be excreted. Too much sodium overloads the kidneys and makes them work harder than they can handle it. This can impact our kidneys on the long by reducing their function and causing kidney failure.
- Regular use of analgesics
Many people have become addicted to painkillers and the addiction is just one adverse effect of taking these. Not only does this impact a person’s body overall by damaging multiple organs, but studies have concluded that long term use of pain pills reduces the flow of blood to the kidneys and causes the kidneys to not function efficiently.
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