20 Surprising Factors That Can Harm Your Kidneys

8. Negative Effects of Smoking

Smoking cigarettes is a leading cause of preventable diseases and deaths, contributing to 1 in 5 deaths in the United States each year, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Cigarettes contain over 4800 chemicals, including 69 known carcinogens.

Smoking significantly increases the risk of various types of cancer, including lung, bladder, and mouth cancers. It also raises the chances of developing lung and heart diseases, pregnancy complications, stroke, and kidney problems.

Smoking negatively affects kidney function by increasing blood pressure, heart rate, and stress on the kidneys. It reduces blood flow, constricts blood vessels, and damages delicate branches of the arteries called arterioles. A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that smokers have a higher risk of diabetes compared to non-smokers.

Smoking not only harms the smoker but also poses risks to those exposed to second-hand smoke, causing nearly 50,000 deaths in the US annually. Quitting smoking is crucial for personal well-being and the well-being of those around you.