Watch Out! These Everyday Habits May Be Sneakily Damaging Your Kidneys

1. Use Herbs Instead of Salt

Let's face it, we all love a good sprinkle of salt on our food—but our kidneys? Not so much. Too much salt throws your blood's balance out of whack, making your kidneys work overtime to remove excess water. According to a 2018 study in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension, this constant strain can contribute to kidney disease. And, let's be real, our Western diets tend to go a little overboard with the salty goodness.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture suggests limiting salt to just one teaspoon (about 2,300 mg) a day, which is actually about one-third less than most of us consume. Yikes! So, next time you're cooking, ditch the salt shaker and get creative with herbs. Your kidneys will thank you, and your taste buds won't even miss it. Just be cautious with pre-cooked and processed foods—they're often packed with sodium, and that's where kidney damage can sneak in unnoticed.