It’s never too late to give up bad habits, even if you thought they were harmless. Simple changes in your lifestyle will prevent kidney disease in the future.
Testing the strength of the bladder
To maintain kidney health, it is not recommended to hold back the urge to urinate for a long time. Attempts to delay the inevitable can lead to serious consequences, such as hydronephrosis. This pathology usually occurs due to a violation of the outflow of urine, so it is definitely not worth simulating it with willpower. If untimely treatment is not provided, the disease threatens atrophy of the parenchyma – the main functional layer of the kidneys – and, as a result, renal failure.
Salt all dishes
Most people consume too much salt: 9-12 grams per day, which is about twice the norm. Excess salt, in turn, makes it difficult for the body to remove water – swelling after salty food is just the tip of the iceberg. According to a 2018 study published in the journal Clinical Hypertension, this can lead to kidney disease. Even if you occasionally use a salt shaker, pay attention to the composition of prepared foods – salt can be found even in sweets.
Work while sitting
In a 2018 study in PLoS One, experts found that an extra hour of physical activity per day significantly reduces your chances of kidney failure. However, there is no clear explanation for this effect. Scientists suggest that it is all about lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and therefore the risk of kidney failure. If you have a sedentary job, try to get up more often.
Ignore thirst
One of the main functions of the kidneys is to filter urine. Due to a lack of water in the body, the concentration of minerals in the urine increases, which can first become crystals and then stones. Chronic dehydration only adds fuel to the fire. There is no point in forcing yourself to drink the recommended two liters. The main thing is to listen to your body and never ignore thirst. Keep a bottle of water on hand so you can drink when you want and not suffer from thirst.
Drink energy drinks
A study published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health links energy drink consumption to kidney disease. Taurine, which energy drinks typically contain as a long-acting energizer, directly affects the kidneys and is potentially dangerous for people with chronic kidney disease. In addition, the kidneys suffer from high blood pressure caused by excess caffeine in such drinks.
Eat meat regularly
While red meat consumption is healthy, it’s not a good idea to overindulge in it. Eating too much meat can actually be harmful. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, replacing one serving of red meat per week with plant-based proteins reduces the risk of kidney disease by 62%. This small change in diet can make a big difference in the long run.
Abuse alcohol
Everyone probably knows that alcohol is harmful to the liver. However, the kidneys suffer no less from it: excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages contributes to the deposition of uric acid in the renal tubules, which causes their obstruction. The result is the same – those who like to drink more than teetotalers risk experiencing the terrible symptoms of renal failure. By the way, it is impossible to cure it – patients are forced to carefully monitor their health so that it does not get even worse.