Simple habits to keep your kidney healthy

May 09, 2025 Siddhartha Jana

Stay hydrated

Drinking 1.5 to 2 litres of water every day helps the kidneys clear waste. Dehydration can result in infections, kidney stones, and concentrated urine. Source: Canva

Drink in moderation

Too much alcohol causes blood pressure to rise, dehydrates the body, and strains the kidneys. Avoid alcohol on days when you consume less than 14 units per week. Source: Canva

Quit smoking

Smoking damages blood vessels, introduces pollutants like cadmium, and raises the risk of kidney-damaging diseases, including diabetes and high blood pressure. Source: Canva

Manage your weight

Obesity puts a load on your kidneys and increases your risk of diabetes. Exercise on a regular basis and a healthy waist size lower the risk of renal disease. Source: Canva

Pay attention to what you eat

A diet heavy in processed foods and salt raises the risk of renal disease. Eat only whole foods and keep your daily intake of salt to less than 6 grammes. Source: Canva

Make sleep a priority

Sleeping too little or too much each night can increase the risk of renal disease. Regularly aim for 7 to 9 hours of restful sleep. Source: Canva

Limit painkiller use

Frequent use of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can inflame renal tubules and impair kidney function, particularly in older persons or those with pre-existing health conditions. Source: Canva

Hidden dangers of regular paracetamol consumption Hidden dangers of regular paracetamol consumption