Apparently, These 7 Habits Can Lower Kidney Function

Illustration of too much salt consumption is risky to the kidneys (Freepik/jcomp)

JAKARTA – The kidneys have a tough task, namely to produce red blood cells, regulate blood pressure, reduce excess water, detoxify internal organs, and control the balance of mineral levels in the blood.

Because there are so many tasks carried out by the kidneys, we need to take care of them and be aware of habits that can reduce kidney function. If you still do the habits below, reduce or stop so that kidney health is maintained.

1. Retaining urination

Holding your urine means giving the urine more time to stay in the bladder. The worst risk that can happen is the rapid growth of bacteria in it. Undesirable effects, can experience kidney infection and urinary incontinence.

2. Too often take painkillers

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, cannot be taken continuously. If you take too much pain reliever. It can cause kidney damage and even kidney failure.

3. Not drinking enough

Drinking water or mineral water in the right amount is not only good for the kidneys but also improves mood and keeps the metabolism working normally. Drinking mineral water at least 1.5 – 2 liters every day can help the kidneys clear sodium.

To detect whether you have had enough to drink, it can be seen from the color of your urine. If the color is clear, it means there is no problem. But if it's dark and cloudy, it could mean you're not drinking enough or you have kidney problems.

4. Disorganized sleep patterns

Regular sleep patterns allow the body to work in a coordinated manner. If sleep patterns are disrupted, the process of all organs can be disrupted. Lack of sleep can also increase the risk of kidney damage.

5. Too much sitting

Normal blood pressure and glucose are the keys to kidney health. If you sit still for a long time, you can be at risk of suffering from kidney disease by up to 30 percent.

If you work for 8 hours in a sitting position, balance it with regular exercise.

6. Excessive consumption of animal protein

Anything in excess will not be good. Including excessive consumption of meat or other animal protein can increase acid in the blood. This can lead to acidosis or the kidneys' guarding against pH balance is getting tighter.

If the treatment lasts a long time, problems with digestion and kidneys can be experienced. Based on the advice of nutritionists, daily protein intake is 1 – 1.6 grams times body weight. For example, if you weigh 60 kilograms, then your protein intake is between 60-96 grams per day.

7. Eating too much salt and sugar

The kidneys process 95 percent of the sodium consumed through food. Eating too much salt or sodium can harden the work of the kidneys. The harder it works, the easier it is to degrade its function. So, reduce the habit of snacking on sweet foods and sprinkled with too much salt.

Daily intake of salt should be no more than 2/3 teaspoon and sugar as much as 6-7 teaspoons.

Do the 7 habits above you often do every day? To keep your kidneys healthy, reduce and stop the habits above.