Your kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining the health of your body. Located right under the rib cage, these vital organs filter around 10-150 quarts of blood daily, ensuring that your blood stays healthy and your body functions properly. They are responsible for cleansing and detoxifying, removing excess fluids and waste materials from your body, regulating electrolyte levels, promoting bone health, producing red blood cells, and stabilizing blood pressure.
However, when your kidneys start to fail or function abnormally, it can have a significant impact on your overall health. Recognizing the signs of kidney damage or failure is essential for early prevention and treatment. Here are eight signs that your kidneys might be in danger:
1. Swellings
Kidney dysfunction can result in the body’s reduced ability to eliminate excess fluids. This can lead to swelling in various parts of the body, including the face, joints, and limbs.
2. Urination Changes
Keep an eye out for changes in your urination pattern, as they can be early indicators of kidney problems. These changes may include trouble urinating, feeling pressure while urinating, dark urine, infrequent urination with small amounts, pale-colored urine, frequent urination in large amounts, foamy urine, and an increased urge to urinate during the night.
3. Rash of the Skin
The accumulation of waste products due to kidney failure can lead to rashes and itching on the skin. The build-up of toxins in the blood can cause the skin to appear unhealthy, dry, and irritated. While lotions and creams may provide temporary relief, it is important to address the underlying kidney problem.
4. Fatigue
Healthy kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO), which stimulates the production of red blood cells. Red blood cells transport oxygen to where it is needed in the body. When kidney function is compromised, the production of red blood cells decreases, resulting in fatigue. This can have a significant impact on the brain and muscles and may also indicate severe anemia.
5. Shortness of Breath
Kidney damage can cause a decrease in the number of red blood cells, leading to reduced oxygen supply throughout the body. Insufficient oxygen levels can result in shortness of breath. The presence of accumulated toxins in the lungs can further exacerbate this symptom.
6. Metallic Taste in the Mouth
The accumulation of waste products in the blood can affect your taste buds and give you a constant metallic taste in your mouth. It may also cause bad breath. Changes in taste preferences or poor appetite may also be indicative of kidney damage.
7. Pain
Pain in the upper back, around the area where the kidneys are located, can be a sign of kidney problems. Infections or the presence of kidney stones can intensify this pain.
8. Poor Concentration and Dizziness
When there is inadequate oxygen flow to the brain due to kidney failure or anemia, it can lead to poor concentration, dizziness, and memory difficulties. This can impact your ability to focus and perform daily tasks.
To safeguard your kidneys and promote optimal functioning, incorporate healthier foods into your diet and increase your intake of antioxidant-rich foods or supplements. Taking care of your kidneys will not only help them function at their best but will also ensure proper waste processing in your body. Remember, early detection and preventive measures are key in preserving kidney health.
