Be it salad, fruits or pulses and vegetables, most of us have a habit of sprinkling a little more salt on the food. We love this small act for the sake of taste, but do you know that this habit is gradually acting as a ‘silent killer’ for your kidneys? Nowadays, packet chips, instant noodles and canned food have become a part of our lives. We do not pay attention to how much salt (sodium) we are consuming in the name of taste, and its direct impact is on the most hard-working organ of our body – the kidneys. Dr. Venkat Subramaniam, a well-known urologist from Chennai, has explained how excess salt can ruin your kidneys. The biggest enemy of your kidneys: ‘Salt’Dr. According to Venkat, when we continuously consume more salt than required, it puts a huge strain on our kidneys. Gradually, this can cause many serious problems: Kidney stones: Excess salt starts accumulating calcium in the body, due to which stones are formed. High blood pressure: Salt retains water in the body, which increases blood pressure and has a direct effect on the fine veins of the kidneys. Kidney failure: Bearing this pressure for a long time, the kidneys can stop working, which is called kidney failure. For people who already have kidney problems, excess salt is like poison. So why give up the taste? Absolutely not! There are many easy and effective ways to reduce salt without compromising on taste, which doctors themselves suggest: Make small changes in the kitchen: Instead of salt, use things like lemon, black pepper, ginger-garlic paste, oregano or herbs in your food. These things enhance the taste of food naturally and you will not feel the need to add salt on top. Avoid hidden salt: This is the biggest danger. You may add less salt to vegetables, but packaged sauces, chips, pickles, and ready-to-eat foods contain much more salt than necessary. Be sure to read their labels before purchasing them. Eat Fresh Food: Whenever possible, eat fresh fruits and vegetables instead of canned and processed foods. Just these small changes can help keep your kidneys healthy for years. Remember, taste is important, but life is more precious.