The kidneys perform some of the most important functions in the body, since they filter the blood, detoxify the body, neutralize acids, produce hormones, absorb minerals, and more. Therefore, if we do not take proper care of their function w can develop serious health issues.

The kidney health can be damaged for years before we start experiencing any symptoms. Due to the ability of these organs to holster decline and disease, the diseases of the kidneys are also known as “The Silent Diseases.”

This proves that we need to make sure our kidneys are functioning properly, and lower the risk of any issues linked to them. 

According to Dr.Mercola:

“Poor kidney function is also associated with a number of other serious health problems, including diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Common signs of kidney problems include:

• Frequent urination
• Problems urinating
• Pain or burning sensation during urination
• Constant thirst

Good kidney function1 is essential for maintaining homeostasis in your body, starting with the composition of your blood. For example, your kidneys are responsible for maintaining the proper pH level and electrolyte balance (the ratios of sodium, potassium, and phosphates).

They also produce hormones that make red blood cells and those that help regulate your blood pressure.”

The following 10 habits put a lot of strain on the kidneys and gradually lead to decline or disease:

1. Dehydration

Chronic dehydration of the body leads to the buildup of waste and toxins that the kidneys cannot easily eliminate.

2. Painkiller Abuse

The frequent use of painkillers can cause damage to the kidneys. 

3. Caffeine

Caffeine raises blood pressure and its excessive intake can place a lot of stress on the kidneys. 

4. Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol is actually a legal toxin, so its excessive or frequent consumption overworks the kidneys and leads to damage.

5. Excess Salt Intake

Salt is an important mineral for health, but its excessive consumption elevates blood pressure and puts a lot of pressure on the kidneys.

6. Excessive sugar consumption

The excessive sugar intake endangers the health of the kidneys and reduces their functionality.

7. Too Much Animal Protein

The over-consumption of meats, especially red meats, processes too much protein into the system, boosting the metabolic load on the kidneys, causing dysfunction and kidney damage.

8. Frequent ignoring of the urge to urinate

If you are frequently delaying the trip t the bathroom when you need to urinate you put a lot of pressure on the kidneys, which can eventually cause kidney disease, kidney stones, kidney failure, and incontinence.

9. Sleep Deprivation

During sleep, the body gets the needed time to heal and recover, recuperating the stress and damage done on the kidneys as well, so chronic sleep deprivation elevates the risk of kidney disease.

10. Vitamin And Mineral Deficiencies 

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can lead to damage to the kidneys, so make sure you optimize the levels of important nutrients, such as magnesium, potassium, and magnesium, by eating a diet based on whole foods, and rich in veggies and fruits.

Furthermore, according to The Truth About Cancer website, the following 9 steps will help you protect and improve the health of your kidneys:

• Control your blood sugar and check it regularly – 90% of all diabetes cases are type 2, which is 100 percent preventable and reversible
• Know your blood pressure – 20% of people with high blood pressure don’t know they have it because they exhibit no symptoms
• Exercise at least 20 minutes a day (even low impact exercise)
• Lose weight or maintain a healthy body weight
• Drink ½ ounce of water for each pound of bodyweight daily (eg. 150 lbs = 75 ounces of water daily)
• Avoid refined sugars and flours that induce rampant inflammation
• Eat organic when possible (fewer pesticides and additives that bio-accumulate)
• Quit smoking now
• Avoid use of OTC drugs and unnecessary prescriptions

Source: www.kidney.org