10 Common Habits That Increase Risk of Kidney Dialysis

The trend of chronic kidney disease has been rising in the 21st century, affecting more than 10 percent of the population. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that one in seven Americans suffered from chronic kidney disease in 2021 (pdf). That same year, a total of 786,000 patients suffered kidney failure. Dr. Hung Yung-hsiang, at the Department of Nephrology of Taiwan’s Tri-Service General Hospital, found that the leading cause of kidney disease is recurring bad daily habits, of which 10 are the most common among kidney disease patients. One study found that people with chronic kidney disease who also contract COVID-19 have a higher risk of severe illnesses and mortality. Another found that COVID-19-positive patients pose a risk of acute kidney dysfunction. Hence, it is even more crucial to maintain kidney health during the pandemic. In an article Hung wrote on social media, he said that human kidney functions would gradually decline after 40 years old. Under normal circumstances, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decreases by 1 to 2 percent per year. Some people’s conditions decline quickly, while other people maintain their kidney functions well. 10 Habits That Lead to Dialysis The expert summarized the 10 most common habits that lead to dialysis. 1. Using the Wrong Food and Drinking Containers Eating from plastic hot soup containers from takeout deliveries, bad quality microwaveable boxes, and colorful plastic kitchenware, bowls, and utensils can cause us to unknowingly swallow a lot of plasticizers and heavy metals. 2. Taking the Wrong Health Supplements and Health Care Products Many patients suffer from kidney failure due to taking the wrong supplement for a prolonged period. Hung suggests that if someone needs to take supplements for more than three months, they should consult a doctor and monitor their kidney functions regularly. 3. Being Sedentary and Inactive Sitting for a long time harms blood circulation and damages the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, immune system, metabolism, brain, nerves, muscles, and bones. Hung says, “Sitting for a long period is harmful to blood circulation. So if possible, stand up and move periodically, and do not stay on the couch for too long after work. Stand up and stretch every 30 minutes.” 4. Holding in Urine The clinician said many Taiwanese girls practice holding in urine because they don’t want to use public toilets when they go out. Additionally, to reduce urination, they refuse to drink water. But the consequences are recurring urinary tract infections, stones, and gout. In the long run, the bad habit of holding in urine can cause the rapid aging of kidneys. Frequent urination, leakage, and urinary incontinence are likely to happen when these people age. 5. Consuming processed foods Many people have been accustomed to drinking processed beverages instead of water since childhood. While it may be tempting, drinking artificial beverages and eating processed food will damage the kidneys. The doctor suggests drinking pure, filtered water and consuming only natural and organic food. 6. Self-Medicating People with migraines, joint pain, or autoimmune diseases take painkillers for many years, leading to acute and chronic kidney damage. Hung warns us not to self-medicate, particularly with antibiotics. Any patients who require relief from pain and inflammation prescribed medicine for more than three days must seek medical consultation. 7. Being Stressed and Staying Up Late High stress and staying up late are the main factors that cause kidney dysfunction and deterioration. It is better to go to sleep and rise early. Go to bed before 11 p.m. Regular exercises and meditation decrease stress and anxiety. 8. Smoking and Breathing Polluted Air Smoking and air pollution hurt the lungs, blood vessels, and metabolism. Glomerulus is a microvascular vessel. Avoid smoking to protect your kidneys. When the air pollution is severe, avoid going outdoors and be sure to close the windows. 9. Eating Foods With High Oil, Salt, and Sugar Content Hung suggests reducing how much you dine out. Use fewer sauces and seasonings. Switch to natural spices and herbs for seasoning, such as spring onion, ginger, garlic, and chili. The doctor also recommends increasing fiber intake in your daily diet. 10. Not Drinking Enough Water Clinical studies have found that many people do not drink water until they feel thirsty and that many have disliked drinking water since childhood. Since the glomerulus is a microvascular vessel, dehydration will directly impact the glomerular filtration rate. It is recommended to hydrate 3 to 4 percent of a person’s body weight.