What is Harmful for Kidneys: Habits That Damage Kidney Health By Dr. Shilpa, Healu Clinic – Best Kidney Clinic in Zirakpur

Your kidneys are the body’s natural filtration system—removing waste, balancing fluids, and regulating blood pressure. Yet, many of us unknowingly follow habits that gradually harm these vital organs. Dr. Shilpa Bansal, a leading nephrologist at Healu Clinic, Zirakpur’s top kidney care center, highlights the everyday practices that silently damage your kidneys and what you can do to protect them.

Not Drinking Enough Water

Chronic dehydration reduces your kidneys' ability to flush out toxins efficiently. Over time, this increases the risk of kidney stones and urinary tract infections, both of which can lead to kidney damage.

Dr. Shilpa Bansal Tip: Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water daily unless your doctor advises otherwise due to an existing kidney condition.

Excessive Use of Painkillers

Over-the-counter pain medications, especially NSAIDs like ibuprofen and diclofenac, can damage the kidneys when taken frequently or for long periods. These drugs reduce blood flow to the kidneys, leading to kidney stress or even failure.

Tip: Always consult your doctor before using painkillers regularly, especially if you have a history of kidney disease or high blood pressure.

High Salt Intake

A salty diet raises blood pressure, which is a leading cause of kidney damage. Too much salt also makes it harder for the kidneys to eliminate excess sodium, leading to water retention and added stress.

Dr. Shilpa Bansal recommends: Limiting salt to less than 5g per day (about one teaspoon), and avoiding packaged and processed foods.

Uncontrolled Diabetes & Hypertension

Both high blood sugar and high blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels in your kidneys. These are the two most common causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Tip: Regularly monitor your blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and follow your treatment plan strictly.

Eating Too Much Protein

While protein is essential, excessive intake—especially from red meat and supplements—can strain the kidneys. High protein intake increases the load on the kidneys to eliminate nitrogen waste.

Advice: Consult a dietician or kidney specialist to determine the right amount of protein for your body, especially if you have early-stage kidney disease.

Smoking & Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Smoking reduces blood flow to the kidneys and accelerates kidney deterioration. Excessive alcohol consumption also dehydrates the body and raises blood pressure, damaging kidney tissues over time.

Dr. Shilpa Bansal says: Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol are crucial for preserving kidney function.

Ignoring Urinary Infections

Repeated or untreated urinary tract infections (UTIs) can travel to the kidneys, causing permanent scarring. Early treatment is essential to avoid long-term complications.

Tip: See a doctor promptly if you have burning during urination, frequent urge to urinate, or lower back pain.

Many kidney-related problems begin with daily habits we don’t even realize are harmful. Dr. Shilpa of Healu Clinic, Zirakpur, urges everyone to be proactive in maintaining kidney health through proper hydration, a balanced diet, and regular medical check-ups. Early awareness and lifestyle changes can go a long way in preventing irreversible kidney damage

Protect your kidneys—your body depends on them every second.

Our Services

• Diabetic Kidney Disease
• Acute Kidney Injury
• Fluid Balance
• Kidney Biopsy
• Dialysis Catheter
• Permanent Catheterisation

Our Treatments

• Diabetes/Sugar
• Hypertension/BP
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Protein in Urine
• Urinary Tract Infection
• Dialysis
• Kidney Transplant
• Kidney Stone
• Electrolyte Disorder
• Polycystic Kidney Disease
• Glomeruldnephritis/AKI