Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the kidneys are the source of life and the foundation of the body’s innate constitution. Their strength is closely related to overall health. As the body’s filtration system, the kidneys filter and cleanse 200 liters of blood each day, allowing waste and toxins to be eliminated from the body.
Additionally, the kidneys are involved in secreting hormones related to the body’s endocrine metabolism, playing a crucial role in maintaining good health. However, many young people today fail to understand the importance of preserving their health, which can lead to increased damage to the kidneys over time. Among the five habits that harm men’s kidneys, smoking ranks the highest, with most individuals engaging in this habit frequently.
Men’s behaviors that harm their kidneys rank smoking at the bottom. To prioritize health, one must even give up their favorite habits.
Having a strong taste preference for salty foods
Many people enjoy consuming heavily salted foods, but indulging in such items is not beneficial for one’s health. Frequently consuming spicy, pungent, or pickled foods can stimulate the appetite but also increase the burden on the kidneys. Excessive salt intake requires the kidneys to eliminate it from the body, placing a significant strain on them. This can elevate blood pressure, disrupt normal kidney function, and lead to kidney diseases.
Therefore, individuals with kidney ailments must strictly monitor their salt intake. Even before kidney damage occurs, it is advisable to limit salt consumption to less than 5 grams per day.
Disliking water consumption but favoring beverages
A significant amount of the body’s metabolic waste is processed by the kidneys. Since the kidneys receive about 1/4 of the body’s cardiac output, they handle a much higher load of waste compared to other organs. Adequate water intake is essential to assist the kidneys in performing these functions. Neglecting to drink water regularly and only doing so when thirsty can potentially strain the kidneys.
Some individuals frequently consume carbonated beverages without realizing that this can harm kidney health. Such habits can reduce urine output, increase waste and toxin concentration in the urine, and gradually impair kidney function.
Prolonged periods of inactivity
Prolonged sitting without physical activity exert significant pressure on the body’s abdominal cavity. This hindrance can disrupt blood circulation in the abdominal cavity and lower body, affecting overall blood and Qi (vital energy) circulation in the body. Furthermore, the kidney and bladder meridians may experience pressure; over time, this can lead to bladder dysfunction and eventually result in kidney diseases.
It is recommended to stand up and stretch every hour, kick your legs, and move around. This practice helps stimulate meridians, improve blood circulation, and alleviate strain on the kidneys.
Chronic sleep deprivation
Chronic sleep deprivation has become a common issue for many people today. However, the harm caused by prolonged sleep deprivation is irreversible. Extended periods of sleep deprivation deplete energy reserves, deteriorate mental well-being, and lead to blood and essence deficiency, affecting kidney health.
Therefore, it is essential to prioritize adequate sleep for good health. Unless absolutely necessary, it is advisable to avoid staying up late. Ideally, aim to enter a deep sleep state before 11 p.m. to replenish kidney Qi and promote kidney health.
Long-term smoking
We are well aware of the harm smoking poses to the body, primarily targeting the lungs. However, prolonged smoking can exacerbate kidney damage as the lungs and kidneys work in tandem. Individuals who smoke long-term have a higher risk of developing lung cancer and may also experience kidney deficiency, compromising kidney health. Excessive smoking can harm the kidneys, so it is crucial to eliminate this habit promptly.
The kidneys are vital organs responsible for eliminating toxins and waste from the body, promoting metabolism. Therefore, it is crucial to learn how to safeguard kidney health in daily life. Additionally, neglecting exercise can impact kidney function negatively. Engaging in physical activity helps enhance kidney function, aids in waste elimination, replenishes kidney Qi, and improves overall mental well-being.
