8 Things You Probably Didn’t Know Could Affect Your Kidney Health

High blood pressure is easy to miss in everyday life unless you check it regularly. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t serious. 

High blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure in the United States–right after diabetes.

That’s because the kidneys contain tiny blood vessels that filter the blood. Over time, high blood pressure damages them, making it harder for the kidneys to work properly. This can create a cycle in which high blood pressure causes more kidney damage, and kidney damage makes blood pressure harder to control.

Take NKF’s one-minute for your kidneys quiz to learn if you’re at risk of CKD.

How many times have you had a headache and reached for a bottle of over-the-counter pain reliever without giving it much thought?

For most of us, the answer is probably–a lot. 

But you may not know that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen, can reduce blood flow to the kidneys. Regular or long-term use can damage the kidneys. Taking them while dehydrated can increase the risk of acute kidney injury.

This doesn’t mean you need to avoid NSAIDs completely. 

Your risk depends on many different factors, including: 

• Kidney function
• Dose
• How often the medicine is taken
• Other health conditions or medicines

Talk with a health care professional or pharmacist about how much over-the-counter pain medication is safe for you. 

Learn more about safe medicine use for kidneys. 

The mouth and kidneys may seem like they have nothing in common. But they are actually connected through the body’s immune and circulatory (blood) systems. And research has found a surprising connection between gum disease (periodontitis) and kidney disease.

The body triggers inflammation to help fight the bacteria that cause gum disease. This is good. However, ongoing inflammation can impact the kidneys–particularly in people who have existing kidney disease, are on dialysis, or are taking medicines that weaken the immune system after a transplant.

Dental infections may also make it harder to control blood pressure and can increase the risk of complications around surgery or transplant. 

This does not mean that gum disease directly causes kidney disease or that brushing and flossing will prevent it. But taking care of your mouth is still an important part of taking care of the whole body. 

Learn more about dental health and kidney disease.

Did you know that your kidneys also follow your body’s sleep-wake cycle? So, it makes sense that getting enough sleep can support kidney health. 

NIDDK recommends 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night as part of managing kidney disease and supporting overall health. Sleep helps manage blood pressure and blood glucose (sugar), two important factors in kidney health.

Studies have also found that both unusually short and unusually long sleep may be associated with a higher risk of kidney disease or protein in the urine. However, these studies show an association—they do not prove that sleep duration alone causes CKD.

If you’ve had a urinary tract infection (UTI), you know how uncomfortable they can be. But you may not know that, if left untreated, these infections can spread to one or both kidneys. 

Common UTI symptoms include: 

• A burning feeling when urinating
• Needing to urinate frequently or urgently
• Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen
• Cloudy, bloody, or strong-smelling urine

Kidney infections can cause serious health problems and, in some cases, permanent kidney damage.

Learn more about UTIs.

Your kidneys work around the clock to filter your blood, removing waste and extra fluid. In fact, they filter about 50 gallons every day. Most of that fluid is returned to the body. The toxins and excess fluid leave the body as urine, about half a gallon a day.

When the body loses too much fluid through sweating and doesn’t replace it, blood flow to the kidneys can decrease, making it harder for them to do their job. Severe dehydration can lead to a sudden decrease in kidney function, known as acute kidney injury (AKI).

This is why staying hydrated, especially during hot weather, is so important. But more water isn’t always better. Fluid needs are different for everyone, and some people with kidney disease or kidney failure may need to limit how much they drink.

Learn more about healthy hydration.

Many people think about family history when it comes to conditions like cancer, but it can also tell you something about your risk for kidney disease.

Having a family history of kidney disease does not mean you will develop it. But having a close family member with kidney disease or kidney failure can increase your risk.

Family history can also provide clues about genetic kidney diseases. Some genetic changes can directly cause kidney disease, while others can increase the risk of developing it without making it certain that someone will get the disease.

Knowing your family history can help you and your health care professional better understand your risk. If kidney disease runs in your family, your health care professional may recommend checking your kidney health more regularly with blood and urine tests.

Learn more about family history and genetics.

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) like soda, packaged snacks, and instant foods may be quick and easy, but that doesn’t mean they don’t come with risks. 

UPFs are heavily changed from their original form and often contain added sugar, sodium, refined carbohydrates, saturated or trans fats, and other additives. 

One study found that people who ate more UPFs had a 24% higher risk of developing kidney disease compared with those who ate less. Sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed meats were among the foods most strongly associated with kidney disease risk.

This does not prove that these foods directly cause CKD, but it adds to growing evidence about the relationship between diet and kidney health.

Visit NKF’s Nutrition Hub to learn more and find kidney-friendly recipes.