Chennai urologist warns ‘never hold your pee for too long’; shares 5 morning habits that could harm your kidneys

Some morning habits could quietly harm your kidneys. Chennai urologist Dr Venkat Subramaniam shares 5 habits to avoid for better kidney health.
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, shares in his October 17 Instagram post 5 common morning habits that can damage your kidneys and how to avoid them. (Also read: Fortis gastronologist says 'sweets are more harmful than you think'; shares the right way to eat them this Diwali )
1. Not drinking water in 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,” says Dr Venkat.
2. Not emptying your bladder in morning
“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 advises.
3. Taking painkillers on 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,” explains Dr Venkat.
4. 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 adds.
5. 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 Venkat notes.
Following these simple tips can help protect your kidneys while keeping your mornings healthy and energetic.
Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
ABOUT THE AUTHORAkanksha AgnihotriAkanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More
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