Five Morning Habits That May Be Hurting Your Kidneys

Your kidneys quietly filter your blood every minute of the day. Some common morning habits can put extra strain on them over time. Here are five worth rethinking, along with what doctors generally advise.

1. Not drinking water after waking up. After hours of sleep, you're a little dehydrated. Regularly low fluid intake raises the risk of kidney stones and can strain the kidneys. A glass or two of water early in the day helps. How much you need varies from person to person, so follow your doctor's advice if you have a medical condition.

2. Holding in your urine. Rushing out without using the toilet, or delaying it for hours, can raise the risk of urinary infections.

3. Reaching for a painkiller first thing. Frequent use of NSAID painkillers such as ibuprofen or diclofenac is linked to kidney damage. Avoid regular self-medication.

4. Starting the day with too much salt, sugar or processed food. Salty breakfasts and sugary drinks add to high blood pressure and diabetes, the two biggest causes of chronic kidney disease.

5. Starting the day with tobacco or skipping movement altogether. Smoking, tobacco and inactivity harm blood vessels, including those inside the kidneys.

Remember: Kidney disease often shows no symptoms until it is advanced. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of kidney disease, or are over 40, ask your doctor about a simple yearly check (blood pressure, blood sugar, creatinine and a urine test).

This article is for general awareness and is not a substitute for medical advice.