Do you Think you are Taking Good Care of Your Kidneys?

Around 10 percent of the population suffers from chronic kidney disease (CKD), and every year over one lakh cases of renal failure are reported. Our kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining our overall health, and neglecting their well-being can have serious consequences. Here are 7 prominent signs that indicate you may not be taking enough care of your kidneys.

One of the early signs of kidney trouble is a constant feeling of fatigue. When your kidneys are not functioning properly, toxins can accumulate in your body. These accumulated toxins can lead to anemia, a condition characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells or a decrease in hemoglobin. Anemia results in a decreased ability of your blood to carry oxygen to your body’s cells, which in turn leads to weakness, persistent tiredness, and a general feeling of exhaustion.

Healthy kidneys help maintain the balance of fluid and electrolytes in your body. When your kidneys are not at their best, they may not remove excess salt and water effectively, resulting in swelling, particularly in the hands, feet, and ankles. This fluid retention can be uncomfortable.

Kidneys play a significant role in regulating blood pressure. They control blood volume and release the enzyme renin to manage blood pressure levels. When your kidneys are not functioning correctly, it can lead to high blood pressure or hypertension. High blood pressure, in turn, can further damage your kidneys, creating a dangerous cycle of kidney-related problems.

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Kidneys filter waste products from your blood to create urine. So, any changes in your urination patterns can be a strong indicator of kidney issues. If you notice any of the following changes, it’s time to pay attention:
Frequent urination: An increase in urination, especially during the night, may indicate impaired kidney function.
Difficulty in urinating: If you struggle to start urinating, it can be a sign of kidney trouble.
Blood in urine (hematuria): Blood in your urine may signify kidney stones, infection, or injury.
Foamy urine: Excessive foaming may indicate the presence of protein in your urine, which is a sign of kidney damage.

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Persistent, dull pain in your lower back, just above the waist, can be a sign of kidney problems. Kidney stones, urinary tract infections, or inflammation of the kidneys can cause discomfort or pain in this area. The pain may vary in intensity and may radiate to the sides or groin.

Kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin, which stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. When your kidneys are not functioning correctly, they may not produce enough erythropoietin, leading to a reduced red blood cell count, a condition known as anemia. Anemia can result in weakness, fatigue, and a pale complexion.​

A peculiar metallic taste in your mouth or persistent bad breath can also be indicative of kidney problems. The buildup of waste products and toxins in your bloodstream due to insufficient kidney function can affect your sense of taste and lead to unpleasant breath.