These 5 habits are secretly making your kidneys sick, learn from a nephrologist how to save your kidneys.

News India Live, Digital Desk: In the human body, kidneys work like a filter, which removes toxins from the blood. But there are some of our daily habits which we consider normal, but they are gradually pushing the kidneys towards failure. Famous Nephrologist (Kidney specialist) has warned about habits that can prove to be ‘silent killers’ for your kidneys.

5 deadly habits that harm kidneys (Daily Habits to Avoid)

1. Not drinking enough water (Dehydration)

The main function of the kidneys is to remove sodium and toxins from the body through urine. If you drink less water, the kidneys have to work harder to filter, which increases the risk of kidney stones and infection.

2. Excessive consumption of painkillers

Taking ‘painkillers’ (NSAIDs) without doctor’s advice in case of headache or body ache is like poison for the kidneys. Their continuous consumption reduces kidney function and causes ‘chronic kidney disease’ in the long run.

3. Too much salt in food (High Salt Intake)

Salt contains sodium, which increases blood pressure. High BP puts direct pressure on the blood vessels of the kidneys, due to which the kidneys gradually get damaged. Try not to take more than 5 grams of salt in a day.

4. Holding Urine

Often people hold back urination while being busy with work. This habit puts pressure on the bladder and allows bacteria to grow, which increases the chances of getting UTI and kidney infection manifold.

5. Lack of Sleep

The body’s ‘Sleep-Wake Cycle’ (Circadian Rhythm) is very important to control kidney function. Due to lack of proper sleep at night, the kidney tissues do not get time to repair, due to which the kidneys start aging quickly.

Doctor’s special advice: Tips to keep kidneys healthy

Regular Checkup: If you have diabetes or blood pressure, get a kidney function test (KFT) done at least once a year.

Stay away from processed food: Junk food and packaged items contain high levels of phosphorus and sodium, which are harmful for the kidneys.

Exercise: Walking or doing yoga keeps the blood flow in the body healthy, which keeps the kidneys healthy.

Early signs of kidney failure

Swelling in feet and ankles.

Change in color or foaming of urine.

Feeling tired and weak again and again.

Loss of appetite and sleeplessness.