Some of us may not realize how essential our kidneys are. Most of the time, we would usually take it for granted.
Many people are living their lives not knowing that they have problems with their kidneys. It is because when an individual shows signs of a health condition, it is usually attributed to other types of disease.
Additionally, people who live with kidney disease often do not feel the symptoms until its late stages. This is usually when the kidneys are already on the verge of failing or that excessive amounts of protein are produced in the urine.
Understanding our kidneys
Anatomically, our kidneys are situated near the lower part of our backs on either side of the spine. One of the main functions of our kidneys is to clean out our blood and essentially eliminate toxins inside our body. The toxins are sent to our bladder which is removed through urination.
However, our kidneys fail when it loses their capability to filter the waste in our body efficiently. There are also certain factors that can disrupt the health and function of our kidneys. These factors include:
– Trauma to the kidney typically after surgery
– Certain types of chronic or acute illnesses
– Frequent exposure to toxic pollutants in the environment
– Taking certain medications
When the kidneys cannot properly do its job, our bodies become loaded with harmful toxins. Generally, the best way to know if you have problems with your kidneys is to have yourself tested.
However, there are symptoms that you can look into your body to determine kidney failure. Here are top ten signs that show your kidneys are not working properly.
Ten signs of kidney malfunction:
- You become easily fatigued and tired and have trouble in concentrating
When our kidneys start to malfunction, toxins start to accumulate at alarming levels. When our bodies are loaded with impurities, it causes us to become tired and lethargic.
Not only that, we have difficulty in concentrating and can often experience temporary memory loss. Moreover, you become easily winded even when doing light movements like walking.
- Your skin becomes dry and itchy
As toxins start to build-up because our kidneys are not functioning properly, it mixes with our blood. Additionally, the minerals in our blood become imbalanced, causing our skin to break out and become itchy.
- You’re having a hard time getting a good night’s sleep
Difficulty sleeping would also mean our kidneys are not working properly. When this happens, the toxins remain in our blood instead of being released through urine. As a result, it becomes hard to achieve quality sleep at night.
People with sleep apnea are generally reported to have kidney problems since they find it hard to sleep.
- You find blood in your urine
When our kidneys are healthy, our blood cells remain while it works to filter and eliminate waste through urinating. However, when the kidneys are damaged, some of these blood cells would also leak out along with urine. Blood in the urine can also indicate other serious kidney-related conditions like tumors, infection or kidney stones.
- You find yourself urinating more often
One sign of kidney failure is when you find yourself urinating very frequently, specifically in the evenings. It is because the filtering function of the kidneys is damaged, causing you to urinate more often. Additionally, this can also be a sign of infection or enlargement of the prostate in men.
- Your face and under your eyes become puffy and swollen
When the kidneys are damaged, the production of protein becomes excessive. The excess protein then causes our eyes and faces to swell abnormally.
- You lose your appetite and have stomach problems
Loss of appetite can be a general symptom; however, it can also indicate a damaged kidney. It is because of the accumulation of impurities and toxins that the kidneys are unable to filter and eliminate. Not only that, but the excess waste in the body would also make you feel nauseous.
- Your urine becomes foamy
Excessive production of protein is usually a result of kidney problems. When our kidneys are damaged, our urine would also show foamy deposits. This foam has a similar appearance to egg whites when being scrambled.
- You find your ankles and feet becoming swollen
When our kidneys become damaged, sodium retention would also occur. When this happens, your feet and ankles will become swollen. However, this can also be a sign of a liver or heart disease or even leg problems.
- You feel your muscles cramping
When our kidneys are damaged, there are also imbalances in electrolytes in the body. As a result, when our body is low in calcium and phosphorus, we would experience frequent cramping in our muscles.
It is still necessary to visit your doctor and have yourself checked especially if you experience one or more of the following symptoms.
However, there are natural ways to prevent your kidneys from being damaged further. This includes:
– Limiting your alcohol intake
– Maintain a healthy body weight
– Make sure that you control your blood sugar especially if you have diabetes
– Limit your intake of foods that contain too much salt or sodium and foods that are high in unhealthy fat
– Add in some exercise at least a few days in a week for about 30 minutes
– Make sure to maintain your blood pressure
– Avoid cigarette or tobacco smoking altogether
– Check with your doctor first before taking medications
Having kidney disease can be a burden, and if left untreated, it can become life-threatening. That’s why it is important to keep a healthy lifestyle and always follow your doctor’s advice and recommendations.
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