By kkhealthcarecentre 
Kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located at the back of your abdomen. They play a crucial role in the body by filtering blood to remove waste and excess water, forming urine in the process. Additionally, kidneys help produce hormones, absorb minerals, and maintain overall fluid balance. The proper functioning of kidneys is vital for good health.
Here’s a rundown of what our kidneys do:
– Remove waste products from the body
– Maintain the body’s fluid balance
– Regulate blood pressure through hormone release
– Control red blood cell production
– Prevent accumulation of waste and excess fluid in the body
– Keep electrolyte levels stable, such as sodium, potassium, and phosphate
– Produce hormones that help maintain bone strength and red blood cell production
Now, let’s talk about habits that can harm your kidneys:
1. Not Drinking Enough Water: Kidneys need enough water to balance everything properly and flush out waste. If you’re not hydrated, toxins can build up in your blood, signalled by dark urine. Drinking enough water to keep your urine light-colored is essential for kidney health.
2. Holding in Urine: Ignoring the urge to go to the bathroom can damage your bladder and kidneys. It can lead to infections and potentially serious kidney problems. Keeping this habit might cause symptoms like frequent or painful urination.
3. Excessive Alcohol Intake: Drinking too much alcohol can overwork your kidneys with toxins, ultimately harming them. This habit can also impair kidney function and affect their ability to filter blood effectively.
4. Lack of Sleep: Poor sleep affects more than just energy. It interrupts the nightly repair process for tissues, including in your kidneys. This interruption can lead to long-term damage and is linked to conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, both of which are harmful to kidneys.
5. High Caffeine Consumption: Caffeine isn’t just a mild stimulant; it impacts your kidneys too. Regularly choosing caffeinated drinks over water, and consuming large amounts, can raise blood pressure and stress your kidneys.
6. Smoking: Smoking affects nearly every organ, including your kidneys. It can worsen blood pressure and kidney function, especially for individuals with existing kidney conditions.
7. High Salt Intake: Eating too much salt makes your kidneys work harder to eliminate it, which can lead to decreased function, water retention, and high blood pressure—potentially leading to kidney disease. Aim for no more than 5 grams a day.
8. Frequent Use of Painkillers: Regular use of over-the-counter pain relievers can decrease blood flow to your kidneys and worsen their function. Prolonged use risks acute kidney damage or chronic conditions. Consult a doctor before using if you have reduced kidney function and always use as directed.
Awareness of these habits and changes can significantly contribute to maintaining healthy kidneys, which in turn supports overall well-being.