New Delhi: Everyone is fond of eating and drinking, but do you know that your favorite things can silently harm your kidneys? Kidneys are such an organ of our body, which do a great job from cleaning the blood to removing waste. But wrong eating habits and negligence can gradually spoil their health. The biggest concern is that kidney problems are not easily understood in the beginning. By the time the symptoms become severe, it is too late. So let’s know which habits are at risk to your kidneys and how it can be saved.

More protein: less benefit, more harm

Nowadays the trend of high-protein diet has increased. Be it fitness enthusiasts or those who want to gain weight, people are eating protein-rich food. But do you know that it can take a toll on your kidneys? Nephrologist Dr Anil Sharma explains, “Consuming more protein makes the kidneys work extra hard to filter out waste products. This can reduce their efficiency and also increase the risk of kidney stones.” Apart from this, a high-protein diet can also cause problems like dehydration, constipation and bad breath.

Protein is not limited to meat, fish or eggs. Vegetarian food like pulses, black gram, soybean, almonds, chia seeds, curd and spinach are also rich in it. If you are consuming them in excess without thinking, then be careful.

Excess calcium: Cause of stones

Calcium is necessary for strengthening bones, but its excess can be a problem for your kidneys. Many people use calcium supplements or dairy products for a long time without advice to get relief from bone pain. Dr. Sharma says, “Excess calcium in the body can cause kidney stones. It can also lead to a condition called nephrocalcinosis, in which calcium gets deposited in the kidney tissues.”

Apart from dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese, bananas, green leafy vegetables, almonds and soy milk also contain high amounts of calcium. Only limited consumption of these is safe for you.

Rising sodium levels: Attack on the kidneys

If you like salty or spicy food, then this habit can put your kidneys at risk. Consuming too much sodium not only increases the risk of high blood pressure, but also affects kidney health. According to a study, excess sodium increases the amount of protein in the urine, which can cause chronic kidney disease (CKD). Dr. Sharma advises, “Drinking less water makes this problem more serious. Drinking 4 to 6 liters of water daily is essential for the kidneys.”

Everyday mistakes are responsible

These habits that harm the kidneys are often a part of our daily routine. Priya, 35, who works in a corporate job in Delhi, says, “I thought I would stay fit with a high-protein diet. But last month, after stomach pain and fatigue, tests revealed kidney stones. The doctor said that excess protein and less water is the reason for this.” Priya’s story is like that of millions of people who are unknowingly putting their kidneys at risk.

How to take care of kidneys?

To keep the kidneys healthy, it is important to balance your diet and lifestyle. Nutritionist Rekha Verma suggests, “Take protein, calcium and sodium in balanced amounts. Drink plenty of water and avoid processed food. Regular checkups are also important, especially if you notice early symptoms like fatigue, swelling or changes in urine.” She believes that small changes can prevent major damage.

Experts’ warning

Kidney disease specialists say that ignoring these mistakes can be costly. If you notice symptoms like frequent stomach pain, weakness or burning sensation while urinating, contact a doctor immediately. Timely examination and treatment can prevent permanent damage to the kidneys.

Final advice
Your diet determines the health of your kidneys. Stop taking excess protein, calcium or sodium and make water your friend. Kidneys work silently, but do not consider their silence as weakness. What changes will you make in your diet? Share your opinion with us.