Habits that can Damage the Kidneys

Kidneys in humans function to detoxify the blood and help the body filter waste through urine. The kidneys also function to remove excess water in the body, and retain it when needed.

 

Kidneys also help regulate blood pressure because they produce hormones that work in the production of red blood cells which carry important nutrients and oxygen throughout the body.

 

Common symptoms of kidney damage:

- Changes in the quantity and color of urine

This is because the kidneys are damaged so they cannot break down protein and cause protein levels in the urine to increase

- Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting can be triggered by kidney stones that settle in the ureters which prevent urine from coming out, resulting in swelling and pain in the stomach which encourages vomiting.

- Dizzy

Lack of oxygen to the brain can cause dizziness

- Anemia

Anemia occurs due to kidney damage which causes red blood cell production to be hampered

- Fatigue

Low production of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO) causes the brain and muscles to lack red blood cells that carry oxygen

- Bad breath

Because uremia occurs, it causes bad breath.

- Often cold

Unstable changes in body temperature can cause fever. Hot and cold feeling

- Pain that appears suddenly

- Itching

Itching occurs due to waste buildup in the blood or uremia.

 

Habits that can cause kidney damage:

- Delay the urge to urinate.

- Insufficient water intake can cause the body to lack water

- High salt intake causes increased urine protein

- Consumption of analgesics

- Excessive protein intake

- Alcohol consumption

- Smoking

- Consuming too much caffeine

- Ignoring common infections

- Lack of sleep

 

Kidney damage not only occurs in adults, but in children too. It is important to understand food and drink intake so that our kidneys stay healthy. One of the most basic steps in preventing kidney failure is to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to help improve blood circulation, control blood pressure, and reduce risk factors for diseases that can cause kidney damage.