The kidneys perform a lot of functions, they release hormones, absorb minerals from the food we consume, and detoxify the body through the urine. Hence, the kidney is known as one of the most vital organs in the body.

With all the work kidneys perform, do people really give the attention they deserve? The answer is rarely. However, it’s extremely crucial to avoid the following 10 habits that may damage your kidneys. Therefore, you need to know how to maintain excellent kidney health.

Here are 10 habits that are killing our kidneys:

1. It’s crucial to hydrate your body properly in order for the kidney organs to function normally. In fact, proper consumption of water helps to flush the harmful toxins from your body. On the other hand, an inadequate water intake will seriously damage the kidneys.

2. If the food you’re consuming on a regular basis is high in sodium, your body increases the risk of high blood pressure, kidney damage, and swellings in the feet, ankles, and hands. Therefore, you should limit the consumption of packed, processed, and canned foods, since they are rich in sodium.

3. The consumption of foods such as red meat makes the kidneys prone to damage, and the substances in red meat such as ammonia and nitrogen can overwork the kidneys. Thus, can result in potentially fatal problems.

4. The habit to hold in the urine for a long time can seriously damage the kidneys. This can lead to urinary tract infection and can make urinating quite painful and unbearable you may even notice blood in your urine.

5. Not being aware of your blood pressure levels puts you at a higher risk of hypertension, since it can destroy your kidneys. Therefore, you should often check your blood pressure, in order to prevent blockages and hardening of the arteries.

6. The excess intake of sugar may damage your blood vessels and lead to diabetes which eventually leads to hardening of the arteries and kidney damage.

7. Smoking and excessive alcohol intake may raise blood pressure levels and dehydrate the body, leading to damage and decline of the kidneys.

8. If we don’t sleep enough, our body isn’t able to renew our cells including the kidneys. In fact, a lack of sleep can increase blood pressure, cause stress, affects kidney function, fatigue, and numerous other health issues.

9. When one does not follow the exact prescription, a number of medications can cause lots of side effects, even damage your kidneys.

10. Physical inactivity has been linked to various chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart attacks, cancer, and has been found to elevate the risk of kidney disease by 30%.

To ensure optimal health of your kidneys you should also implement these beneficial ones:

• Reduce the intake of phosphorous, to avoid buildups in the body, leading to serious conditions, such as bone and heart disorders
• Eat kidney-supportive foods, such as watermelon, parsley, cilantro, blueberries, onions, cranberries, apples, strawberries, peppers, cabbage, garlic, cauliflower, olive oil
• Drop weight. Obesity raises the risk of forming kidney cancer
• Avoid pain killers, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, and acetaminophen
• Use Epsom salts baths. Such a bath detoxifies the body, removes waste, and boosts the kidneys while improving overall health
• Take everyday probiotics, as probiotics help your kidneys process waste materials and improve digestive health
• Sip green juice. Green foods detoxify the whole body