10 daily habits that can harm your kidneys

Kidneys have an important role to play. They help to remove waste and extra fluid from your body and help in removing acid to maintain a healthy balance of water, salts and minerals. Without this healthy balance, your nerves, muscles and other tissues in the body cannot function properly. This makes it important to care of your kidneys.

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The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are available off the counter will help reduce your pain. But these can damage your kidneys, especially if someone already has kidney disease. Thus, reduce your regular use of NSAIDs and do not consume more than what is recommended.

Diets that are high in salt (sodium), can increase blood pressure and thus the risk of kidney diseases. Instead of salt, you can add flavour to your food with herbs and spices. When you start doing it, over time you will start finding it easier to avoid salt.

Processed foods are loaded with sodium and phosphorus. People suffering from kidney disease should avoid having packaged foods. Intake of high phosphorous, processed foods can be harmful for kidneys and bones.

Keeping yourself hydrated helps your kidneys to clear sodium and toxins from the body. Drinking enough water also helps in avoiding painful kidney stones. People with kidney problems are required to have less fluid. But people with healthy kidneys should drink 3-4 litres of water daily.

A good night's sleep is extremely important for maintaining your overall health. The kidney function is regulated by the sleep-wake cycle which helps coordinate the kidney's workload over 24 hours.

Too much sugar consumption can lead to obesity, which increases your risk of high blood pressure and diabetes, both of which can lead to kidney disease. Thus, you should be careful about consuming not just added sugar but also hidden sugars. Avoid biscuits, condiments, cereals and white bread as these all have hidden sugars. Read the packaging carefully before buying any food item.

Smoking is injurious to health. People who smoke are more likely to have protein in their urine, which is a sign of kidney damage.

Heavy drinkers (more than four drinks per day) are found to be double the risk of chronic kidney disease.

Sitting for too long is linked to the development of kidney disease. A sedentary lifestyle can impact kidney health negatively. Regular physical activity is linked with improved blood pressure and better metabolism, which is good for kidney health.

Animal protein generates high amounts of acid in the blood, which can be harmful to the kidneys and cause acidosis.

Acidosis is a condition in which kidneys cannot eliminate acid fast enough.