Did you know that over 10% of the UK population is grappling with some stage of chronic kidney disease? Every year, around 600,000 people experience acute kidney injury — a condition where the kidneys suddenly stop functioning but can bounce back. Your kidneys are crucial players in your overall health, filtering waste and balancing fluids, electrolytes, and blood pressure.

When kidney function falters, waste accumulates, leading to serious issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, and weakened bones. If unchecked, this can spiral into chronic kidney disease or even kidney failure!

Fortunately, simple lifestyle tweaks can help protect these vital organs. Here’s a list of seven surprising habits that could be secretly harming your kidneys!

1. Overusing Painkillers

Those handy over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen and aspirin, can wreak havoc on your kidneys. These medications can damage the kidney tubules, the tiny pipes that recycle nutrients and remove waste. If you have chronic kidney disease, steer clear of these painkillers unless a doctor is keeping an eye on your kidney health.

2. Not Drinking Enough Water

Water is essential for kidney health. Insufficient hydration can lead to concentrated urine, which ups the chances of kidney stones and urinary infections that could harm your kidneys. Aim for 1.5 to 2 litres a day — that’s about six to eight cups.

3. Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Did you know that alcohol can dehydrate you and negatively impact kidney function? It raises blood pressure and stresses your kidneys. The NHS recommends limiting alcohol intake to 14 units a week.

4. Smoking Is a No-Go

We all know smoking is bad for our lungs, but it’s also a direct threat to your kidneys. Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that can cause oxidative stress, narrowing blood vessels and leading to kidney injury. Quitting smoking with help from healthcare professionals can drastically improve your health.

5. Carrying Extra Weight

Being overweight is not just a cosmetic concern. It increases your risk of developing conditions like heart disease and diabetes — both of which can lead to kidney issues. Strive for a healthy weight through balanced eating and exercise to keep your kidneys in top shape.

6. Eating Too Many Processed Foods

Ultra-processed foods, from sugary drinks to packaged meats, can negatively impact your health, including your kidneys. A study revealed that those who indulged in these foods were 24% more likely to develop kidney disease! Be mindful of your diet — limit your intake of salt too, aiming for no more than six grams a day.

7. Skimping on Sleep

Could poor sleep be bad for your kidneys? Research suggests a link between sleep duration and kidney health. Getting less than six hours or more than ten hours of sleep a night may increase your risk of chronic kidney disease. Strive for a restful seven to nine hours per night!

While factors such as age and genetics are out of your control, these habits can be changed to protect your kidneys. By making wise choices today, you can safeguard your kidney health for tomorrow!