People often fail to take care properly of their kidneys because they thought it is just a mere organ not as important as the heart and brain. Some of them even sell one of their kidneys for a higher cost to suffice their earnest needs. To those who are not familiar with anatomy and physiology, Kidneys are one of the vital organs in our body system and it has numerous unique functions that other organs can't do.

The following are the risk factors of acquiring Kidney Diseases:

1. INTAKE OF DRUGS

Whenever we get sick, we tend to proceed to pharmacy to buy OTC (Over The Counter Drugs) to alleviate the signs and symptoms such as fever, cough, cold, inflammation etc. And sometimes, we do self-medicate ourselves with Antibiotics if symptoms persist. But you know what, there are certain drugs that are "Nephrotoxic" and are capable of destructing the normal functioning of our kidneys. These are Analgesics, Antibiotics, Antiepileptics, Heavy Metals and Chemotherapeutic Drugs. That is why it is not good to self-medicate because only Doctors know what medication is suitable for us with correct dosage that does not harm our Kidneys.

2. HYPERTENSION (HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE)

If for instance you have Hypertension and when your kidneys are often exposed to it, there will be formation of intrinsic lesions on your Kidneys called Hyaline Arteriosclerosis. These lesions will increase in number as high blood pressure persists. Thus, this will lead to the destruction of Kidney organ and loss of Kidney Function. The resultant signs for this illness is the presence of Red blood cells, proteins and white blood cells in the urine.

3 DIABETES MELLITUS

Just like Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus also leads to formation of lesions in Kidneys and renal arterioles. These lesions would occupy and damage the filters. This disease is often associated with Diabetic Nephropathy and is more fatal and destructive that leads to Renal Failure. This is why we often see diabetic people in Dialysis Unit .

4. EATING ANIMAL MEAT PRODUCTS (ANIMAL PROTEIN DIET)

Too much protein in your diet is bad for your kidneys. How can that be?
Our body cannot store excess protein so such excess is excreted and processed out of the body through our kidneys as waste products. But the thing is, our kidneys are not designed to metabolize or processes these excess amounts of protein. This can be strenuous for this vital organ to take this heavy load of function.
The more protein is released through our kidneys, the more Calcium will also be released which leads to Calcium stone/ kidney stone formation. This is why animal protein intake is associated with Kidney damage.
If you are on to eating meat products frequently every meal, you might put your kidneys at risk of acquiring Kidney Failure.

5. YOU ARE EXPERIENCING CIRCULATORY SHOCK

Circulatory shock is caused by life-threatening numerous factors such as, dehydration, hemorrhage, severe burns, septicemia, allergic reactions and Central Nervous System damage. These factors will result to inadequate supply of blood to the kidneys. If the kidneys are deprived with Oxygen from the blood, the Renal tissues and blood vessels will become necrotic then Renal failure occurs.

6. YOU ARE FOND OF SALTY AND SPICY FOODS

We tend to prefer tasty food choice in order to satiate our “savory” cravings. Some of us would end up munching on Junk foods, savory meals and even instant noodles while ignoring its hidden harmful effects to our health.
Our kidneys has the ability to retain “salt” Sodium in our body according to our physiological needs. But if there is excessive Sodium in our diet, increased Sodium levels will lead to increased blood pressure and Hypervolemia as “salt” retains “water”.
In the other hand, chemical ingredients that might be present on powdered Spices are reported to damage the Kidney filters.

7. DRINKING CANNED/ BOTTLES BEVERAGES TO KICK OFF THIRST

Whenever we are in some kind of a rush and thirsty, we would want to grab bottled beverages to satiate thirst immediately. We would prefer flavored drinks than water because sometimes we would find water boring. These processed beverages contains unpredictable amounts of chemicals such as food coloring, artificial flavoring and preservatives. These ingredients are dangerous to our kidneys.

8. SEVERE MUSCLE INJURIES

When you are experiencing severe muscle injuries for instance from Hazing, vehicular accidents, excessive weight lifting or any blunt trauma, large amounts of Myoglobin (a muscle protein) will be released to blood circulation and then being processed by the kidneys. The aftermath of this injuries is similar as discussed on Number 4.

9. INFECTIONS

There are various kinds of Infections that Kidneys are prone of such as Pyelonephritis and Glomerulonephritis to name a few. The Bacteria present on the urinary tract are often ascending up to the Renal Pelvis then to the Nephrons. Some of the manifestations of such disease are asymptomatic which delay the prompt medical treatment. If these remained unnoticed, further damage will ensue. Eventually, the Kidneys after an episode of inflammatory process would heal because of medications, but there would scar formation on the tissues. If there is recurrence of Urinary tract infection, another set of scars will be formed in the kidneys or ureters which can lead to Acute Renal Failure.

10. INADEQUATE WATER INTAKE

Water is a necessity and it belongs among hierarchy of needs of a humans. Without water, we will die of toxicity and dehydration. Water keeps our body in good homeostasis. It balances the fluids and electrolytes in our body that promotes our body function and it enables to either concentrate and dilute urine.

Reference: . Caring for the filters (1st ed.). Manila, Philippine Pub. House.