Urologist shares 5 morning habits that could harm your kidneys

Mornings set the tone for your entire day, but some seemingly harmless habits could be quietly harming your kidneys. From what you drink to how you start your routine, small choices matter. Dr Venkat Subramaniam, a transplant and robotic urologist based in Chennai, India, shared in his 17 October Instagram post five common morning habits that can damage your kidneys and how to avoid them.

Not drinking water in the morning

"After an overnight fast, your body and kidneys are mildly dehydrated and craving water. Start your day with at least a glass of water instead of reaching for coffee or tea," said Dr Subramaniam.

Not emptying your bladder 

"After holding your urine overnight, your bladder is already stretched and waiting to be emptied. Never hold your pee for too long in the morning or during the day," he advised.

Taking painkillers on an empty stomach

"Painkillers can harm your kidneys if not taken judiciously, and the risk increases when taken on an empty stomach. Always follow instructions and take them with food or water," explained the doctor. 

Not hydrating after exercise

"Exercising in the morning is a great way to start the day, but it's equally important to hydrate post-workout. Water helps your kidneys flush out toxins and prevents dehydration-related stress," he added.

Skipping breakfast

"Personally, I recommend starting your day with a healthy protein-rich breakfast. Skipping breakfast often leads to snacking on high-salt foods, which can strain your kidneys due to excess sodium," Dr Subramaniam noted.