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Kidney failure, once commonly associated with the elderly, is increasingly being diagnosed in younger individuals, according to Dr. Nguyen Quang Huy of the Department of General Internal Medicine at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi. While underlying conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and a family history of kidney disease are key risk factors, Dr. Huy warns that everyday habits can also play a significant role, as outlined below.

1. Unhealthy diets

Frequent consumption of fast food and highly processed meals, often high in sodium, can overwork the kidneys, leading to structural damage over time. Sugary beverages like soft drinks and bubble tea contribute to obesity and raise the risk of type 2 diabetes, one of the leading causes of chronic kidney failure. Additionally, alcohol places additional strain on the kidneys during metabolism and may directly harm kidney cells.

Dr. Huy notes that foods containing unauthorized preservatives may carry heavy metals such as lead or cadmium, which can cause tubulointerstitial nephritis, an inflammatory condition that can lead to kidney atrophy and failure.

2. Inadequate hydration and holding in urine

Drinking too little water leads to concentrated urine, increasing the risk of kidney stones and toxin buildup. Holding in urine allows bacteria to multiply, potentially causing repeated urinary tract infections that impair kidney function over time.

Dr. Huy recommends adults consume 2 to 2.5 liters of water per day and limit sugary drinks, alcohol, tobacco, and stimulants. Smoking and stimulants, he says, can constrict blood vessels, reduce kidney blood flow, and raise the risk of high blood pressure and proteinuria.

3. Misuse of medications

Painkillers and antibiotics are often used without medical guidance for minor ailments like headaches or colds. When taken in excessive doses or over extended periods, these drugs can be toxic to the kidneys.

Self-medicating with supplements or traditional remedies of unclear origin may also expose the body to harmful or unregulated substances.

4. Lack of physical activity

A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension, key contributors to kidney disease. Dr. Huy advises engaging in at least 30 minutes of exercise five days a week to support overall health.

5. Sleep deprivation and stress

Staying up late, chronic sleep deprivation, and prolonged stress can disrupt the body’s biological rhythms and interfere with the kidneys’ natural repair cycles. These conditions may also elevate blood pressure and increase levels of harmful hormones that further damage the kidneys.

Symptoms of early kidney damage can be subtle or mistaken for fatigue from work or school. These include changes in urination (foamy urine, decreased volume, frequent nighttime urination), swelling in the face, hands, or feet, especially in the morning or evening, persistent fatigue or unusual sleepiness, loss of appetite, nausea, unexplained weight loss, itchy, dry, or darkened skin, and high blood pressure.

If left untreated, chronic kidney failure may require dialysis or a kidney transplant. It can also lead to complications in other organs, such as the heart and bones, and cause chronic anemia.

Dr. Huy urges young people not to dismiss these symptoms and to undergo annual health screenings, even if no warning signs are present.