The kidney, as the "purification factory" of the human body, silently filters about 180 liters of blood every day, equivalent to the amount of 90 large bottles of mineral water, and shoulders the important mission of excreting metabolic waste and regulating water-salt balance. However, in daily life, some seemingly ordinary habits may quietly "overdraw" kidney health.
Chen Wen, director of the Nephrology Department at Hainan Chengmei Hospital, stated that many kidney disease patients in clinical practice have their illnesses linked to long-term bad habits. Only by promptly identifying these "kidney-damaging pitfalls" can a protective barrier be built for the kidneys.
1
Improper diet and medication have become an "invisible burden" on the kidneys
Director Chen Wen said that a high-salt diet is one of the most common "invisible killers" of the kidneys. The kidneys are responsible for regulating the balance of sodium in the body. When excessive salt (more than 5 grams per day) is ingested, the kidneys need to work overtime to excrete excess sodium. Long-term overload operation can lead to gradual damage to kidney function. "Many people have a heavy taste in eating, and they cannot do without pickled products, pickled vegetables, processed meat, and even put excessive salt in cooking and still feel that it lacks flavor."
Director Chen Wen stated that a high-salt diet not only exacerbates the burden on the kidneys but also has the potential to induce hypertension, which serves as a significant risk factor for chronic kidney disease, ultimately leading to a vicious cycle of "salt damaging the kidneys — kidney-related hypertension — further damaging the kidneys.".
The abuse of drugs and health products also poses a continuous threat to kidney health. Director Chen Wen explained that the kidney, as the main organ for drug metabolism, is highly sensitive to drug toxicity. Many people self-administer non-steroidal analgesics (such as ibuprofen) when they have a cold or headache, or blindly take so-called "tonification remedies" or "detoxification health products". The ingredients in these drugs may directly damage the renal tubules, and long-term accumulation can lead to drug-induced kidney injury. "We once treated a patient who, for the sake of health preservation, had been taking various traditional Chinese medicine remedies with unknown ingredients for a long time. In the end, he developed acute renal failure and had to rely on dialysis to sustain his life." He emphasized that the use of any drugs and health products should be under the guidance of a doctor, and one should never easily believe in folk remedies.
2
Imbalance between work and rest and fatigue disrupt the metabolic rhythm of the kidneys
Prolonged stay up late and excessive fatigue can similarly "exhaust" the kidneys. Director Chen Wen stated that nighttime is the golden period for kidney repair, and prolonged stay up late can disrupt the metabolic rhythm of the kidneys, affecting their normal detoxification function. At the same time, excessive fatigue and long-term mental stress can lead to decreased immunity, increasing the risk of kidney infection. "Nowadays, many young people are still scrolling through their phones and working overtime at one or two in the morning. Although they may not appear to have any obvious physical discomfort, in fact, their kidneys are quietly sounding the alarm." He mentioned that the proportion of young patients with kidney diseases has been increasing year by year in clinical practice, and most of them have a habit of staying up late for extended periods.
3
Poor drinking and urination habits directly harm kidney health
In addition, inadequate water intake and the habit of holding back urine can also harm the kidneys. Director Chen Wen explained that sufficient water can help the kidneys dilute urine and excrete waste. Long-term inadequate water intake can lead to concentrated urine, making substances such as uric acid and oxalic acid prone to forming crystals in the kidneys, increasing the risk of kidney stones. Holding back urine can allow bacteria in the bladder to infect the kidneys retrogradely, causing pyelonephritis. Repeated infections may lead to irreversible damage to kidney function. "Many office workers hold back urine due to busy work, which is highly undesirable. The kidneys cannot withstand such torture."
Director Chen Wen reminds us that the kidneys possess a robust compensatory function. Early damage often presents no noticeable symptoms. By the time symptoms such as edema, hematuria, and hypertension emerge, kidney function may have been compromised by over 50%. Hence, it is urgent to cultivate kidney-protective habits: adhere to a low-salt, low-fat, and moderate protein diet, and drink 1500-2000 milliliters of water daily; avoid abusing medications and health supplements, and consult a doctor before taking any medication; maintain a regular sleep schedule, try to fall asleep before 23:00, and avoid staying up late for extended periods; urinate promptly when feeling the urge, and do not hold back urine.
"Kidney health requires long-term care. While correcting kidney-damaging habits, high-risk groups should also undergo regular kidney examinations," suggested Director Chen Wen. People with hypertension, diabetes, a family history of kidney disease, and those who take long-term medication should undergo urine routine and renal function tests at least once a year. Early detection and intervention are essential to maintain the "vitality" of the kidneys.
Expert Introduction
Chen Wen, Chief Physician
Director of Nephrology Department
Leading talents in Hainan Province
Outstanding experts with exceptional contributions in Hainan Province
Medical expertise
Specializes in primary glomerular disease, IGA nephropathy, lupus nephritis, hypertensive nephropathy, uric acid nephropathy, and diabetic nephropathy; especially in the diagnosis and treatment of critical and complex diseases in nephrology, as well as clinical pathological diagnosis; proficient in the indications, diagnosis, and treatment of complications of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis; skilled in the establishment of temporary and long-term vascular dialysis access, peritoneal dialysis access, and the management of complications.
Manuscript | Huang Fei