The kidney is one of the most important organs of our body. Apart from filtering the blood, kidneys play an important role in removing waste materials and excess water from the body. It is also an organ that controls blood pressure. To control the pH level, it is important to keep the kidneys healthy.

For example, if you have any kind of kidney problem, it can have harmful effects on the entire body. However, the risk of kidney and related problems has increased in the last few years.

World Kidney Day is a global health awareness campaign that focuses on the importance of kidneys and educates and sensitizes people about the threat of kidney diseases around the world. World Kidney Day is celebrated every year on the second Thursday of March. Let us know in further detail about kidney diseases and their causes.

Risk of kidney diseases
Chronic kidney disease is a serious problem that occurs when kidney function is affected due to some disease or other condition. Health experts say that some problems related to our lifestyle and diet are having a negative impact on kidney health. When it comes to habits that keep kidneys healthy, it is important to keep your daily routine in order.

Let us know about those habits which can cause the greatest damage to kidney health.

Are you not eating too much salt and sugar?
Foods containing too much salt are considered harmful to health. Not only does this pose a risk of increased blood pressure and heart problems, it can also seriously damage kidney health. A diet high in salt contains high amounts of sodium, which can increase blood pressure and cause kidney damage.

Like salt, consuming excessive amounts of sugary foods is also harmful for the kidneys. Eating too much sugar increases the risk of diabetes and this condition can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys as well as the nephrons. Many people with diabetes also develop high blood pressure, which puts them at risk of further kidney damage.

Don't you also drink less water?
The body needs to remain hydrated to keep the kidneys healthy. Staying well hydrated helps your kidneys eliminate sodium and toxins from the body. Due to drinking less water, toxins start accumulating in the kidneys, this can also be a factor in increasing kidney stones. To avoid kidney diseases or reduce the risks of kidney failure, it is advised to drink plenty of water daily. Drinking 2 to 4 liters of water daily is very important to keep the body healthy.

Over-the-counter medicines can be harmful
Health experts say that consumption of over-the-counter medicines is one of the habits that cause the most damage to the kidneys. Excessive consumption of medicines like NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and analgesics can cause kidney damage, especially if you already have kidney disease, which increases the risk of further problems. This is why you should avoid taking any medicine on your own and take medicines only on the advice of a doctor.

(PC: iStock)