The kidneys are humble but vital organs: they filter about 200 liters of blood a day, remove waste, and regulate many bodily functions. But when they begin to fail, the symptoms often go unnoticed… until it’s too late. In the early stages, kidney disease usually doesn’t cause obvious symptoms. However, your body sends subtle signals that you shouldn’t ignore. Let’s uncover these warning signs together and learn how to take care of our kidney health.
10 Signs Your Kidneys Are Having Problems
Changes in Urination
Urine can reveal a lot about the health of your kidneys. If you notice:
Darker or foamier urine
Sudden increase or decrease in urinary frequency
Blood in the urine
Sensation of incomplete bladder emptying
It’s time to see the doctor.
Unexplained swelling
Swollen ankles? Bags under your eyes in the morning? When your kidneys can no longer expel excess fluid, it builds up in your body, causing swelling.
Frequent shortness of breath.
Weakened kidneys can cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs, making breathing difficult. Additionally, a lack of red blood cells caused by poor blood filtration can cause anemia and unusual shortness of breath.
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Dry, Itchy Skin
If your skin is unusually dry and you experience persistent itching, it could be due to a buildup of toxins in your blood. This is a symptom of kidney failure.
Metallic taste and bad breath
An ammonia-like odor in the mouth and a lingering metallic aftertaste can be caused by the buildup of waste products in the blood. It can also affect appetite and lead to weight loss.
Difficulty concentrating and dizziness
“Brain fog,” memory lapses, or difficulty concentrating could be signs that the kidneys are no longer filtering toxins properly, with consequent repercussions on the brain.
Lower Back Pain
Persistent lower back pain, on one or both sides, may be caused by kidney stones, infections, or kidney cysts.
Constant tiredness
When the kidneys do not produce enough erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells, anemia and excessive fatigue occur.