The kidneys are vital organs responsible for producing urine, excreting waste and toxins, regulating electrolyte concentrations in the body, and maintaining acid-base balance. As we age, kidney function naturally declines, but certain lifestyle habits can accelerate this process, leading to serious health issues such as renal failure and uremia. In this article, we will discuss nine common behaviors that can harm your kidneys.
1. Holding Urine for Long Periods
Holding urine for extended periods can lead to bacterial growth in the bladder, which can ascend to the kidneys via the ureters, causing urinary tract infections and pyelonephritis. Repeated infections can lead to chronic conditions, causing symptoms like back pain, frequent urination, and urgency, and may even progress to acute uremia.
2. Insufficient Water Intake
Drinking too little water leads to concentrated urine, increasing the concentration of waste and toxins. Conditions like kidney stones and hydronephrosis are closely related to dehydration. Adequate hydration dilutes urine, protecting the kidneys and aiding in the efficient removal of waste and toxins.
3. Overeating
Frequent overeating, especially during social gatherings, results in the production of waste products like uric acid and urea nitrogen. These substances are primarily excreted by the kidneys, and excessive consumption increases renal burden.
4. Excessive Consumption of Soft and Sports Drinks
Excessive intake of soft and sports drinks, which are highly acidic, can alter the body’s pH levels. Since the kidneys play a crucial role in regulating pH, long-term consumption of these beverages can strain the kidneys and increase the risk of damage.
5. Consuming Too Much Soft Bread with Food Additives
Some bread contains potassium bromate, a food additive that provides the necessary gluten strength and elasticity for baked goods, making them soft. However, excessive consumption can damage the central nervous system, blood, and kidneys.
6. Salty Diet
A diet high in salt, particularly from snacks like fried potato chips and instant noodles, can lead to an excessive intake of sodium, causing hypertension. This affects normal renal blood flow and can trigger kidney diseases.
7. Misuse of Herbal Medicines that Harm the Kidneys
Certain herbal medicines, including some proprietary Chinese medicines, have been found to cause renal damage. Nephrotoxic herbs include Tripterygium wilfordii, Aristolochia manshuriensis, Coix seed, Xanthium strumarium, Poppy capsule, Radix Arnebiae, Areca seed, Agastache rugosa, and Stephania tetrandra. Among these, Tripterygium wilfordii causes the most significant renal damage, followed by Aristolochia manshuriensis due to its nephrotoxic compound, aristolochic acid.
8. Abuse of Analgesics
Long-term or high-dose use of painkillers like Sumatriptan tablets, Indomethacin, Acetaminophen, and Aspirin can lead to kidney damage. Symptoms may include fatigue, dry mouth, loss of appetite, frequent urination, urgency, pain during urination, and even hematuria and sterile pyuria, along with joint pain. In severe cases, it can lead to acute nephritis or necrosis of the glomeruli, resulting in syndromes like renal failure and potentially death.
9. Drinking Strong Tea After Alcohol Consumption
Some believe that drinking strong tea helps sober up after alcohol consumption, but this is ineffective and can harm the kidneys. The caffeine in tea rapidly affects the kidneys, causing diuresis before the alcohol has been fully metabolized. As a result, the kidneys are exposed to large amounts of ethanol, leading to renal damage.
In conclusion, being aware of these nine habits can help you protect your kidneys and maintain overall health. By making small changes in your lifestyle and being mindful of your choices, you can significantly reduce the risk of kidney damage and promote long-term renal health.