Kidney failure is often due to the build-up of waste products in the body and early symptoms usually include weakness, shortness of breath, lethargy, and confusion. Inability to remove potassium from the bloodstream may lead to abnormal heart rhythms and sudden death. Initial kidney failure may give no symptoms, though.
Putting a lot of pressure on your kidneys, these 10 common habits can cause serious kidney damage over time.
1. Water deficiency: Insufficient water intake can lead to accumulation of toxins in the body, thus affecting other body functions including kidney function, which is detoxification.
2. Excessive salt intake: Although our bodies are dependent on sodium or salt for proper function, excessive consumption of salt increases blood pressure which consequently puts a lot of pressure on your kidneys. Your daily salt intake shouldn’t exceed 5g a day.
3. Off-putting urination: Urine buildup will not only increase the pressure on your kidneys, but also lead to formation of kidney stones. That’s why restraining from urination can be quite adverse.
4. Excessive sugar intake: Foods and drinks high in sugar increase the protein content in your urine, which is a sign of kidney malfunction.
5. Deficiency in vitamins and minerals: Although vitamin B6 and Magnesium are vital for optimal kidney function, getting enough vitamins and minerals through a healthy dietary regime is also beneficial.
6. Excessive animal protein: Your entire metabolism is burdened with excessive consumption of red meat, and over time, this abundant protein intake can lead to kidney dysfunction or failure.
7. Insufficient Sleep: Chronic sleep deprivation can cause a number of health issues including kidney malfunction. It is during sleep that the body rebuilds damaged kidney tissue, so getting enough sleep is extremely beneficial for your kidney health.
8. Excessive caffeine intake: Similar to salt, large quantities of caffeine not only increase your blood pressure, but also put a lot of strain on your kidneys, and regular consumption can lead to kidney damage.
9. Excessive use of painkillers: Nowadays pain relievers are used to treat almost any kind of pain, and these drugs can cause serious kidney as well as liver damage.
10. Alcohol consumption: As with overconsumption of almost anything, alcohol too can have serious consequences upon your kidney and liver health.
