There is a quiet part of the human body that works tirelessly, never asking for attention. Day and night, it filters our blood, balances fluids, removes toxins, and keeps us alive without applause. That silent hero is the kidney.
Yet, like many good things in life, we often realize its value only when it begins to fail.
Kidney failure is a condition where the kidneys can no longer function properly. When this happens, waste products and excess fluids build up in the body, slowly poisoning it from within. Many people believe kidney failure is a disease of old age. Something distant. Something that happens to “other people.”
Doctors say that belief is dangerously wrong.
Today, kidney failure is increasingly affecting young adults—people in their 20s, 30s, even teenagers. And the reason is not fate. It is habit.
First, Let Us Understand: How Kidney Failure Begins
According to internal medicine specialist Dr. Yunita Indah Dewi, SpPD, kidney failure is divided into two main types: acute kidney failure and chronic kidney failure.
Acute kidney failure occurs suddenly. It can be frightening, but there is hope. If the cause is identified and treated quickly, kidney function may return to normal.
Chronic kidney failure, however, is different. It develops slowly, quietly, over many years. Often caused by long-term conditions like hypertension and diabetes, this type of kidney damage is usually irreversible.
“Chronic kidney failure is a gradual, long-term disruption of kidney function and is difficult to restore,” Dr. Yunita explained in an interview.
This is where habits come into play. Small, repeated choices—made every day without much thought—can slowly destroy kidney function while you still feel “healthy.”
Next, The Hidden Habits Doctors Warn Us About
Doctors have identified several everyday habits that can trigger chronic kidney failure at a young age. These habits are common, socially accepted, and often underestimated.
1. Not Drinking Enough Water
Water is not optional. When the body lacks fluids, the kidneys must work harder to filter waste. Over time, dehydration damages kidney tissue.
2. Smoking
Smoking reduces blood flow to the kidneys and accelerates kidney damage. It also worsens hypertension and diabetes—two major causes of kidney failure.
3. Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol dehydrates the body and interferes with kidney function. Long-term excessive drinking increases the risk of kidney disease dramatically.
4. Overuse of Pain Relievers
Frequent use of NSAIDs and painkillers without medical supervision can slowly poison the kidneys.
5. Eating Too Much Sugar
High sugar intake increases the risk of diabetes, which is one of the leading causes of kidney failure worldwide.
6. Eating Too Much Meat
Excessive protein, especially red and processed meat, increases the kidneys’ workload and accelerates damage.
7. Consuming Processed and Salty Foods
Processed foods are high in sodium. Sodium binds fluid in the bloodstream, increasing blood pressure.
Unchecked high blood pressure damages kidney blood vessels—silently, permanently.
These habits do not destroy the kidneys overnight. They do it patiently, over years.
Then, Listen Carefully: Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
The tragedy of kidney failure is that early symptoms are often subtle. Many people ignore them until the damage is severe.
Acute Kidney Failure Symptoms
Early signs may include:
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Swelling (edema)
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Sudden weight gain
As it progresses:
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Extreme fatigue
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Difficulty concentrating
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Confusion
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Breathing changes
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Seizures
Chronic Kidney Failure Symptoms
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Changes in urine (blood, foamy urine, frequent nighttime urination)
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Persistent fatigue
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Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
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Swollen ankles and feet
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Itchy skin
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Shortness of breath
Advanced stages may cause:
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Muscle cramps
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Fluid buildup in lungs and abdomen
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Severe confusion
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Seizures
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Anemia and unexplained bleeding
These are not “normal” signs of stress or aging. These are warnings.
Finally, The Most Important Question: What Should You Do Now?
Tere Liye once wrote that life often gives warnings in whispers, not screams. Kidney failure is one of those whispers.
If you are young, busy, productive—and reading this—you still have time. Time to change habits. Time to listen to your body. Time to seek help before damage becomes permanent.
This is where professional medical services matter.
A simple kidney function test, blood pressure check, or consultation with an internal medicine specialist can reveal risks long before symptoms appear. Early detection can save not just your kidneys, but your future quality of life.
👉 Do not wait until dialysis becomes your routine.
👉 Do not wait until fatigue steals your productivity.
👉 Do not wait until treatment costs become overwhelming.
Schedule a medical consultation today.
Use trusted healthcare services for kidney screening, nutrition counseling, and lifestyle guidance.
Because health is not an expense—it is an investment.
And your kidneys, though silent, deserve to be protected.