4 Habits That Harm Kidneys and Acupoints to Protect Them

Despite the prevalence of kidney disease in the United States, up to 90 percent of adults with chronic kidney disease are unaware of their condition.

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The kidneys are essential organs responsible for eliminating waste and toxins from the body. Gradual deterioration of kidney function can lead to kidney failure and other health issues, such as strokes or heart attacks. Therefore, it’s advisable to change daily habits that harm the kidneys. What’s more, acupressure massage can help protect and strengthen them.

According to the National Institutes of Health, more than one-seventh of American adults suffer from chronic kidney disease, and nearly one-third of diabetes patients and one-fifth of hypertension patients have kidney issues. Despite the prevalence of kidney disease in the United States, up to 90 percent of adults with chronic kidney disease are unaware of their condition. Early-stage kidney disease typically presents without symptoms, and many people discover their condition only in the advanced stages.

4 Kidney-Harming Habits

The following habits harm the kidneys and should be corrected promptly:

1. Holding in Urine Frequently

Some people frequently refrain from urinating because of work or other reasons. When one holds in urine for an extended period, it accumulates in the bladder and may reflux back into the kidneys, causing kidney swelling, also known as hydronephrosis. This can damage kidney function and, in severe cases, lead to kidney failure. Therefore, it’s important to urinate promptly whenever the need arises.

2. Using Salt or Condiments Excessively

Many people enjoy dipping their food in ketchup or other processed condiments to enhance flavor. However, these condiments contain a high amount of salt and additives that must be filtered by the kidneys, thus increasing the kidneys’ workload. It’s recommended to reduce excessive intake of salt or condiments and opt for natural sea salt with lower sodium content as a substitute for highly processed table salt.

3. Drinking Coffee as a Substitute for Water

If you habitually consume coffee or other beverages throughout the day and forget to drink water, it can lead to insufficient hydration and reduced urine output and hinder the removal of toxins and waste from the body, potentially causing kidney damage. If your urine becomes dark yellow or tea-colored, your body is signaling that you need to drink water.