Surprising Things That Can Hurt Your Kidneys

We don’t often give our kidneys the credit they are due. After all, they filter toxins from our blood, help remove wastes and keep our bones and organs working the way they should. In these ways, our overall health depends a great deal on kidney health, so it’s important to keep them in tip-top shape.

Avoiding substances that can damage the kidneys is key – but because many of these are likely surprising, we’re sharing so you can make educated choices in the interest of kidney health. Here are some of the culprits.

Salt. With Americans consuming so much salt every day (about one-third more than is recommended), this flavor enhancer can cause kidney stones and accelerate kidney damage caused by high blood pressure. Reading nutrition labels, choosing low-sodium alternatives and cutting back on added salt can help.

Meat and dairy. The kidneys have trouble metabolizing the high protein content of these foods, making it difficult to remove wastes and acids. Balance your protein intake with fruits and vegetables.

Caffeine, alcohol and smoking. Stimulants like the caffeine found in coffee and soda are hard on kidneys, and excessive alcohol intake carries with it the risk of kidney disease, as does smoking. When possible, replace caffeinated beverages with unsweetened flavored water, reduce alcohol consumption, and get help to quit smoking.

Sugar. Yet another reason to cut back on sugar is its damaging effects on kidneys, thanks to its link to obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. Once again, to avoid kidney stones and other kidney damage, read nutrition labels and choose foods and beverages lower in sugar whenever possible.

Both sitting and working out too much. It may come as no surprise that sitting too much throughout the day has been linked to kidney disease – likely due to its relationship with slower metabolism. But working out too hard can also break down muscle tissue too quickly, dumping waste into your bloodstream and overworking your kidneys, leading to kidney failure. With both sitting and working out, the key is moderation.

Medications and drugs. From over-the-counter medications, such as painkillers and heartburn medicines, to steroids and illegal drugs, these substances can harm your kidney health. Get help to rehabilitate from drug addiction if needed – and work with you doctor on ensuring your medications don’t interfere with kidney health.

Processed foods and GMOs. Processed foods come with more than excess salt. They also contain phosphorus, which can lead to or worsen kidney disease. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are linked to a variety of health issues, including kidney disease.

Lack of water and sleep. Hydration helps make it easy for your kidneys to clear wastes and avoid kidney stones. Symptoms of dehydration include dark yellow or even brown urine. If you’re also not getting enough sleep, your kidneys will have a hard time regulating the work they do for your body.

Symptoms of kidney damage

If you experience sharp pain in the side and back, pain while urinating, dark or bloody urine or difficulty urinating, see your doctor right away. If your symptoms are severe, seek emergency treatment. Likewise, if your symptoms include difficulty urinating combined with swelling of extremities, nausea, confusion, shortness of breath, chest pain or seizures, come to Laredo Emergency Room immediately, as these are symptoms of kidney failure, a medical emergency.

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