Kidney trouble stays hidden until it's too late: 7 warning signs to spot now, what you should do next & diet tips to protect them
Yet, despite their importance, most people do not care for their kidneys as they should. As reported in TOI, an estimated 35.5 million adults in the United States may have kidney disease, and in most cases, the signs are silent. Here are seven red flags that could point to kidney damage.
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1. Bubbly urine
One of the simplest warning signs is a change in urination. Urine may look foamy or bubbly, and its frequency, colour, or amount may shift. In some cases, blood may be present.
2. Swelling
As noted by the National Kidney Foundation and quoted in TOI, kidney damage can cause puffiness around the eyes due to large amounts of protein leaking into the urine. Damaged kidneys may also retain sodium, causing swelling in the feet and ankles.
3. Fatigue
When the kidneys lose function, toxins and impurities build up in the blood. This can also lead to anaemia (a drop in red blood cells). Both problems can leave you feeling tired, weak, and drained.
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4. Constant itching (pruritus)
Advanced kidney disease is often linked to mineral and bone disorders. These may show up as dry, itchy skin. Dryness can occur when sweat glands shrink, while itchiness can be triggered by inflammation as the body attacks itself.
5. Uraemia
When kidney function declines, blood is not filtered properly and waste builds up. This can change the way food tastes and cause persistent bad breath.
6. Shortness of breath
Damaged kidneys may fail to remove excess fluid, leading to a build-up in the lungs. Combined with anaemia, this can cause breathlessness.
7. Muscle cramps
Kidney problems can upset the body's electrolyte balance. Low calcium levels and poorly controlled phosphorus may trigger muscle cramps.
What to do if you notice these red flags
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease, you should see a kidney specialist (
nephrologist
) immediately.
As reported in TOI, doctors may recommend blood and urine tests such as creatinine, GFR (glomerular filtration rate), and ACR (albumin-to-creatinine ratio). Imaging scans like ultrasound or CT may also be used to assess kidney health.
A kidney-friendly lifestyle can help protect your health:
Eat a balanced diet
Exercise regularly
Stay well-hydrated
Lesser-known symptoms of kidney damage
Some signs are subtle and easy to overlook:
Persistent metallic taste or bad breath from waste build-up
Itchy, dry skin from mineral imbalance
Puffy eyes in the morning due to protein leakage
Feeling unusually cold and looking pale due to anaemia caused by low kidney hormone production
Recognising these early clues, as reported in TOI, can lead to faster diagnosis and treatment.
Foods to avoid if you have kidney issues
If you have kidney problems, doctors recommend limiting foods high in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus:
Sodium: Avoid processed foods, fast food, salty snacks, canned soups, soy sauce, and pickles.
Potassium: Restrict bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, and spinach.
Phosphorus: Cut back on dairy, nuts, beans, and dark colas. Be cautious with whole grains if phosphorus is high.
Protein: Limit red meat and processed meats, which strain the kidneys.
Choosing fresh, home-cooked meals and reading food labels carefully can make a big difference. Consult a doctor or dietitian for a diet plan tailored to your needs.
FAQs
1.
What do kidneys do
?
Kidneys filter waste and extra water from your blood, making urine.
2. How many kidneys do we have?
Most people have two kidneys, but you can live with one.
3. Where are the kidneys located?
They are on either side of your spine, just below your rib cage.
4. Can kidneys repair themselves?
They can heal from minor injuries, but serious damage may be permanent.
5. What can damage the kidneys?
High blood pressure, diabetes, certain medicines, and dehydration.
6.
How to keep kidneys healthy
?
Drink enough water, eat a balanced diet, and control sugar and salt intake.
7. What are common signs of kidney problems?
Swelling in feet, changes in urine, tiredness, and high blood pressure.
8. Can you survive without kidneys?
No, without functioning kidneys, you need dialysis or a transplant.
9. Does drinking a lot of water clean kidneys?
Water helps, but it can't remove all toxins or reverse kidney disease.
10. How often should kidney health be checked?
Once a year for healthy people; more often if you have risk factors.
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