Damage to kidneys may result from individual lifestyles and long term habits as well as certain diseased conditions.
Here a list of some common habits that you might not realize are putting pressure on your kidneys.
- Overusing Painkillers. Over the counter pain medicines, such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and Analgesics, may alleviate your aches and pains, but they can harm the kidneys, especially if you already have kidney disease. Reduce your regular use of NSAIDs and never go over the recommended dosage.
- Consuming large quantities of salt. Diets high in salt are high in sodium, which can increase blood pressure and, in turn, harm your kidneys. Flavor your foods with herbs and spices instead of salt. Over time, you may find it easier to avoid using added salt (sodium) on your food.
- Eating Processed Foods. Processed foods are significant sources of sodium and phosphorus. Many people who have kidney disease need to limit phosphorus in their diets. Some studies have shown that high phosphorus intake from processed foods in people without kidney disease may be harmful to their kidneys and bones. Try adopting the DASH diet to guide your healthy eating habits.
- Not Drinking Enough Water. Staying well hydrated helps your kidneys clear sodium and toxins from the body. Drinking plenty of water is also one of the best ways to avoid painful kidney stones. Those with kidney problems or kidney failure may need to restrict their fluid intake, but for most people, drinking 1.5 to 2 liters (3 to 4 pints) of water per day is a healthy target.
- Illegal Drugs. The use of cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine (not a good idea for a host of reasons) can cause kidney damage in different ways. Some of these drugs can lead to high blood pressure, as well — one of the leading causes of kidney disease.
- Missing Out on Sleep. A good night’s rest is extremely important to your overall well-being and, it turns out, your kidneys. Kidney function is regulated by the sleep-wake cycle which helps coordinate the kidneys’ workload over 24 hours.
- Eating Too Much Meat. Animal protein generates high amounts of acid in the blood that can be harmful to the kidneys and cause acidosis – a condition in which kidneys cannot eliminate acid fast enough. Protein is needed for growth, upkeep and repair of all parts of the body but your diet should be well balanced with fruits and vegetables.
- Eating Too Many Foods High in Sugar. Sugar contributes to obesity which increases your risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes, two of the leading causes of kidney disease. In addition to desserts, sugar is often added to foods and drinks that you may not consider “sweet.” Avoid condiments, breakfast cereals, and white bread which are all sneaky sources of processed sugar. Pay attention to the ingredients when buying packaged goods to avoid added sugar in your diet.
- Sodas. If you drink two or more diet sodas — a day, you may be more likely to get kidney disease. In one study, diet soda-drinking women had kidneys that worked 30% less well after 20 years compared with other women. Sugar-sweetened drinks including juice and soda are also associated with a higher incidence of kidney disease.
- Lighting Up. Sure, smoking isn’t good for your lungs or your heart. But did you know that smoking may not be good for your kidneys either? People who smoke are more likely to have protein in the urine – a sign of kidney damage.
- Drinking Alcohol in Excess. Regular heavy drinking – more than four drinks a day – has been found to double the risk chronic kidney disease. Heavy drinkers who also smoke have an even higher risk of kidney problems. Smokers who are heavy drinkers have about five times the chance of developing chronic kidney disease than people who don’t smoke or drink alcohol to excess.
- Sitting Still. Sitting for long periods of time has now been linked to the development of kidney disease. Although researchers don’t know yet why or how sedentary time or physical activity directly impact kidney health, it is known that greater physical activity is associated with improved blood pressure and glucose metabolism, both important factors in kidney health.
- Strep Throat. When you have this infection, your body makes proteins called antibodies to fight it. Extra ones can settle in the filtering parts of your kidneys and make them inflamed. It usually doesn’t last long, but the kidney damage may be permanent for some people. If you think you have strep throat, see your doctor as soon as possible.
- Heartburn Drugs. Drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which cut down on stomach acid, can cause kidney damage if you take them for a long time. Some studies suggest that taking a lot of PPIs can also make you more likely to get long-term kidney disease. If you’re worried, ask your doctor if another kind of heartburn drug, an H2 blocker, might be better for you.
The following conditions may also lead to kidney damage.
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units)
- Polycystic kidney disease (a genetic disorder)
- Obstructions in the urinary tract such as kidney stones or tumors
- Chronic kidney infections
- Lupus and other systemic diseases
- Chronic dehydration
- High levels of certain substances, such as creatinine and uric acid, in the blood
- Genetic predisposition or inherited disorders
- Renal artery stenosis
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Pyelonephritis
- Nephritis
- Kidney injury from trauma or surgery
- Blockage of the urinary tract
- Renal vein thrombosis
- Renal artery embolism
- certain infections and illnesses, such as HIV and malaria.