➡️3. Relying on Over-the-Counter Painkillers
Many people pop nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen, or diclofenac without a second thought for aches and pains. While they can be effective for occasional use, relying on them regularly is a serious threat to your kidneys. These drugs work by constricting the blood vessels, which reduces the blood flow directly to your kidneys. When you reduce blood flow, you’re not just hindering the filtering process; you’re also cutting off the supply of oxygen and nutrients that the kidney tissue needs to repair and maintain itself.
This problem is magnified if you’re also dehydrated. When your overall blood volume is low due to a lack of water, taking an NSAID further squeezes the blood supply to your kidneys, creating a perfect storm for acute kidney injury. Instead of reaching for a pill, focus on reducing the root cause of inflammation. This starts with your diet—swapping inflammatory processed foods for anti-inflammatory whole foods.
