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The kidneys (commonly referred to as kidneys) are located just below the ribcage. They are mainly responsible for maintaining the balance of water and minerals and for removing toxins from the body.
During the day they filter 180 to 200 liters of blood plasma, which is enough to maintain the body’s health and the proper performance of its functions.
In addition to their detoxifying function, they also ensure electrolyte balance, keep bones healthy and strong, regulate the production of red blood cells, and stabilize blood pressure.
When the kidneys are damaged and can no longer properly perform their functions, the organism is at great risk. Read on carefully so you can correctly identify the signals your body sends when the kidneys are not working properly.
Ignoring them can lead to further kidney damage and possibly complete failure.
1. Swelling
When the kidneys do not function as they should, they excrete less and less fluid.
This can cause water retention in the body, which manifests as bloating and swelling, most often affecting the limbs and joints.
2. Changes in urine
These most commonly include the following changes:
- problems with urination
- pressure during urination
- dark urine, less frequent urination with small amounts of urine
- very light urine, frequent urination with large amounts of urine
- foamy urine
- frequent waking at night due to the need to urinate
3. Skin rash
During kidney failure toxins accumulate in the body. This then manifests as rashes, acne, redness, dry or irritated skin.
Applying various creams or cosmetics can temporarily relieve the worst symptoms. However, this does not address the cause, only suppresses the symptoms, and therefore any improvement will be only temporary.
4. Fatigue
When the kidneys are healthy, they produce erythropoietin — a hormone involved in the production of red blood cells.
When it is lacking, decreased production of red blood cells follows, leading to increased acidity (acidosis) of the body and resulting fatigue and muscle weakness. Without sufficient oxygenation, brain activity also decreases.
5. Increased shortness of breath
This is a fairly unconventional symptom, where the cause is rarely sought in the kidneys.
Similarly to the previous case, when the body has little oxygen, it tries to compensate by speeding up the breathing rate.
6. Metallic taste in the mouth
Toxins accumulated in the body can change the taste experienced in the mouth, including the possible development of bad breath.
Another sign of diseased kidneys is a strong change in which foods we find appealing, or an increased degree of loss of appetite.
7. Pain
A less common but possible manifestation of damaged kidneys is pain in the middle part of the back in the areas where the kidneys are more or less located.
The pain may also be intensified by infections or by the presence of kidney stones.
8. Poor concentration and dizziness
A weak supply of oxygen to the brain is a sign of severe anemia, but also of kidney failure.
It can affect attention and concentration, cause dizziness or even problems with memory lapses.
Conclusion
General recommendations to improve kidney function include:
- consume a diet higher in antioxidants (fruits and vegetables)
- adequate fluid intake (6 to 8 glasses of plain non-carbonated water per day)
- limit salt consumption
- herbs to support kidney function (teas made from parsley leaves, bay leaf, or green tea)
If you experience any of the listed symptoms, it is advisable to always consult your doctor to be sure.
