The Impact of Smoking on Your Kidneys

You must be well aware that smoking is really harmful. It increases the risk of hypertension, cardiac problems, lung cancer, oral cancer, asthma etc. But do you know, smoking impacts the health of your kidneys as well? Then no matter, whether you are an active smoker, passive smoker or a former smoker, your kidneys are likely to get affected.

How smoking can harm your kidneys?

Smoking affects the functioning of kidneys. If you are a current or a former smoker, there is a high possibility that you will have high levels of albumin and decreased levels of creatinine in your urine. This is due to change in the functioning of the kidneys. A few other reasons because of which their functioning is impacted are:

• Increased amount of toxins in blood

• Increased risk of hypertension or blood pressure

• Increased heart rate

• Increased production of kidney hormone

• Increased albumin levels

• Reduced blood flow due to narrowing the blood vessels

Who is at increased risk?

Smoking itself increases the risk of kidney diseases by 50%. Other factors that increase the risk of kidney diseases along with smoking are:

• Hypertension

• Diabetes

• Heart problems

• Being overweight or obese

• Alcohol consumption

• Family history

How to reduce the risk of kidney disorders?

Avoid smoking and consumption of tobacco. It is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of kidney disorders. Quitting smoking can be quite tough, however it is important not to give up. These small steps will help you in reaching your goal:

• Set a goal for yourself, by when you will completely stop smoking

• Consult your doctor about nicotine-replacement therapies

• Throw out all tobacco products

• When craving for a smoke, try to chew some gum or candy

• Eat frequently and especially low-calorie snacks

• Talk to your friends and family, they are your best support

• Practice deep breathing and meditation, they help in building self control

• Join a quit-smoking program

Quitting cigarette smoking is considered one of the best ways to prevent you from many diseases. It helps in maintaining a good health.