The kidney is a vital part of the body system because of the role it plays. It is majorly known for waste products and excess fluid removal from the body through the urine.
Urine production comprises of highly complex steps of excretion and re-absorption, which is important for maintenance of stable balance of body chemicals.
Aside this, the body’s salt, potassium and acid content are regulated with the help of kidneys. The kidney produces the hormones, which stimulate red blood cell production and regulate blood pressure and control calcium metabolism.
The kidneys also help remove drugs from the body, balance the body fluids and produce an active form of vitamin D that promotes strong, healthy bones
It is however, a pity that the kidney is not given the regard it deserves in our quotidien activities.
This makes it important that we identify what we do to expose the kidney part to harm.
HARMFUL PRACTICES TO THE KIDNEY
- DELAY IN GOING TO THE TOILET
Keeping your urine in your bladder is harmful. A full bladder can cause bladder damage. The urine that store in the bladder multiplies bacteria quickly, which can lead to kidney infection. This happens once the urine reflux back to the ureter and kidneys.
- EATING TOO MUCH SALT AND MEAT
Ammonia produced as a result of excessive protein consumption is harmful to kidney. In addition, it is unhealthy to consume more than 5.8 grams of salt daily.
- EXCESSIVE CONSUMPTION OF CAFFEINE
We love taking carbonated drinks, while we hardly find out what is in it that can be of harm to our system. Caffeine present in our soft drinks increases blood pressure, this affecting kidney’s performance.
- INSUFFICIENT WATER CONSUMPTION
Myths speculate that man can live for more than a week without food, but less than a week without water. This shows the essence of water in the body system, with particular emphasis on the kidney system. Refusal to drink water inadequately often lead to the toxins building up in the blood due to limitation in water supply which can drain such toxins from the body system. Researchers reveal that at least 10 glasses of water should be consumed every day to maintain a healthy living.
Signs and symptoms of acute kidney failure may include:
Decreased urine output, (although occasionally urine output remains normal), Fluid retention causing swelling in your legs, ankles or feet, shortness of breath etc.
Author
Phillip Anjorin is a Student Journalist in Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko in Ondo state who writes for different media outfits. He’s a volunteer, phonetographer and lover of nature.