Too much salt, painkillers or water? Here’s why these habits may be hurting your kidneys

Health risks of painkillers: Regular use of painkillers — especially without a doctor’s advice — can reduce kidney function and cause long-term damage (Image: Pexels)

The kidneys clean our blood balance fluids and help us stay healthy. However, in the humdrum of life, most of us don’t give a second thought to these organs. Some of our most common habits, like taking painkillers for a headache or adding extra salt to our food could be silently damaging them.

It’s not just about big diseases. Even small, daily habits, done too often, can put your kidneys at risk, warns Dr Kshitij Raghuvanshi, a senior Urologist at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune. Painkiller is the first thing that people reach for when in discomfort. But Dr Raghuvanshi explains that common painkillers like ibuprofen or naproxen can affect the kidneys in ways most people don’t realise.

“These medicines reduce blood flow to the kidneys. If you already have health issues, or if you're dehydrated, it can easily turn serious,” he says. Additionally, taking them too often can lead to lasting kidney damage. And mixing different pain medicines or ignoring the dosage, can be riskier.

Also read | Overusing painkillers, sedentary lifestyle and other habits that harm your liver health

Salt too, like painkillers, is a silent killer. Whether it’s white, pink, or sea salt — it’s all the same for your kidneys. “High salt intake raises your blood pressure. And high blood pressure is one of the top causes of kidney damage. Your kidneys have to work extra hard to flush out the extra sodium, which slowly tires them out. Cutting down is the only solution,” says Dr Raghuvanshi.

Everyday things bad for kidney health

The expert lists these habits that could be slowly hurting your kidney health

• Taking painkillers too often: They may seem harmless, but regular use — especially without a doctor’s advice — can reduce kidney function and cause long-term damage.

• Believing some salts are healthier: Don’t fall for marketing. Salt is salt. What matters is how much you’re using, not which kind.

• Drinking too much water: Yes! More isn’t always better. “Drinking 6–7 litres a day isn’t helping your kidneys—it can actually lower sodium in your blood dangerously. Stick to 2–3 litres unless your doctor tells you otherwise,” says Dr Raghuvanshi.

• Mixing multiple painkillers: Taking a medicine for cold, plus a headache tablet, and then an Ayurvedic balm? Be careful. Many contain overlapping ingredients. You could be doubling your dose without realising.

• Trusting anything labelled natural: Herbal or Ayurvedic doesn’t always mean safe. “Some can contain heavy metals or unknown chemicals that are harmful to your kidneys,” Dr Raghuvanshi cautions. Always check with a medical professional.