20 Surprising Things That Are Actually Damaging Your Kidneys

8. Smoking

Did you know that smoking is one of the leading causes of death? Every year, one in five deaths in the US is caused by smoking. And if you thought cigarettes were just packed with tobacco, you can not be more wrong! Each cigarette contains a whopping 4800 chemicals, 69 of which are carcinogens.

This unhealthy habit can cause stroke, lung and heart disease, and a wide range of cancers. And did we mention that smoking can also make your blood vessels narrower, damage your arterioles, and increase your risk of kidney problems?

Unfortunately, it doesn’t just threaten the lives of smokers. About 50,000 people die because of second-hand smoke exposure annually in the United States. So, to protect yourself and those around you, it's best to quit smoking for good. There are many resources available to help you succeed, so why not take the first step today?