Five unhealthy habits that can seriously damage your kidneys

Your kidneys are one of the most vital organs performing various bodily functions to keep you fit and healthy. Some of the important works of the kidneys are filtering the blood in order to make urine, removing waste and nitrogen from the body. One of the vital jobs of kidneys is to retain water when the body needs more.

Taking care of the kidneys is extremely important. But, unfortunately, the number of people with kidney problems, including kidney cancer, is rising. While kidney problems are so common, many people with the condition get to know only in later stages, mainly, because signs and symptoms of kidney disease usually don't show in the early stages.

Kidney disease can be caused by several things, but it’s often a combination of different health problems. Learning about the root causes and factors that increase your risk can help you get the correct treatment or even prevent kidney disease.

Here are some unhealthy habits that are harmful for your kidneys:

Alcohol abuse

Excessive consumption of alcohol – more than two drinks a day - seriously distorts the kidneys’ function. It increases your risk of developing high blood pressure, which can put strain on the kidneys.

Smoking

Smoking can damage blood vessels, which interrupts blood flow in the kidneys. Besides increasing your chance of kidney cancer, smoking also puts you at higher risk of developing high blood pressure, which can stop the kidneys from functioning normally.

Holding your urine

Holding you pee may not be dangerous in general, however, it can increase your risk of infection or kidney disease, especially, if you have certain conditions such as enlarged prostate, neurogenic bladder, urinary retention, etc. It can result in extensive kidney damage or possibly kidney stones or failure at worst.

Dehydration

Not drinking enough water on daily basis can hamper kidneys’ performance, disabling them from eliminating waste and toxins from the body.

Overuse of supplements

Overconsumption of certain vitamin supplements and some herbal extracts can create health risks, including your kidneys. Even if you have healthy kidneys, it’s always safe to talk to your doctor before taking any vitamins and herbs.

Making healthy lifestyle changes and ensuring any underlying conditions are controlled can help you prevent kidney disease.