Here are 10 common habits that put a lot of pressure on your kidneys and can cause serious damage over time.


1. Not Drinking Enough Water
Your kidney’s most important function is to filter blood and eliminate toxins and waste materials. When you don’t drink enough plain water during the day toxins and waste material start to accumulate and can cause severe damage to your body.

2. Too Much Salt In Your Diet
Your body needs sodium or salt to work properly. Most people however consume too much salt (sodium chloride) which may raise blood pressure and put a lot of stress on the kidneys. No more than 5 grams of salt should be eaten on a daily basis.

3. Frequently Delaying The Call Of Nature
Many of us ignore the urge to go because they are too busy or want to avoid public bathrooms. Retaining urine on a regular basis increases urine pressure and can lead to kidney failure, kidney stones, and incontinence. So listen to your body when nature calls.

4. Kick The Sugar Habit
Scientific studies show that people who consume 2 or more sugary drinks (12 ounces) a day are more likely to have protein in their urine. Having protein in your urine is an early sign your kidneys are not doing their job as they should.

5. Vitamin And Mineral Deficiencies
Eating a clean, whole food diet full of fresh vegetables and fruits is important for your overall health and a good kidney function. Many deficiencies can increase the risk of kidney stones or kidney failure. Vitamin B6 and magnesium, for instance, are super important to reduce the risk of kidney stones.

Watermelon, kidney beans and beets are especially good for the kidneys!

An estimated 70 to 80% of Americans do not get enough magnesium (and it is rapidly depleted with stress), so there may be a good chance that you are one of them.

6. Too Much Animal Protein
Over consumption of protein, especially red meat, increases the metabolic load on your kidneys. Eating a high protein diet means your kidneys have to work harder and this can lead to kidney damage or dysfunction over time.

7. Sleep Deprivation
Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to many diseases and kidney diseases are also on the list. During the night your body repairs damaged kidney tissue, so give your body the time to heal and repair itself.

8. Coffee Habit
Caffeine can raise blood pressure and put extra stress on your kidneys. Over time excessive consumption of coffee can cause damage to your kidneys.

9. Painkiller Abuse
There are many all-natural, safe remedies available (like MSM and curcumin). Excessive use or painkiller abuse can lead to severe damage of liver and kidneys.

10. Alcohol Consumption
An occcasional glass of wine or beer is OK, but alcohol actually puts a lot of stress on our kidneys and liver.

Additionally...these are not habits, but are common causes of kidney problems --- high blood pressure and high blood sugar. Magnesium can help both of these... as well as a balanced diet high in whole foods, fruits and veggies.

To avoid kidney issues keep the above information in mind and avoid these common habits as much as possible, your kidneys will not be under constant stress and your body will thank you for that.