8 Symptoms of Renal Problems
Many people don’t realise they have kidney problems until the kidney disease becomes chronic. The early signs and symptoms can be very subtle, and easily go unnoticed. Knowledge is power, so let’s empower ourselves with the knowledge needed to avoid kidney damage.
The kidneys quietly work away to keep your blood clean, separating wanted substances from waste, and funnelling the wastes down towards your bladder for expulsion. Getting in the way of their processes by eating too much red meat, or not drinking enough water, can make the kidneys suffer, usually in silence. Let’s look at some of symptoms of kidney issues right now.
Indicators of renal disease
1. Changes in urination
If you have been getting up during the night to go to the toilet a lot recently, this might be an indication that your kidneys are struggling.
Other changes include foam or bubbles in the urine, more frequent urination or there simply might be a lot more of it. In this case, it is likely to be paler than usual. The opposite can also happen, though, and you will go less often, and it will be darker.
If your urine contains blood, you feel pressure or have trouble going, you should also contact your doctor immediately and get some tests done.
2. Exhaustion
Healthy kidneys produce a special hormone called erythropoietin (EPO). EPO lets the body know that it needs to make more red blood cells! If the kidneys start to fail, they begin to produce less of this hormone, causing anaemia, and your brain and muscles may begin to lag behind. If you start looking pale in the face and have a lot less energy than you used to, it’s time to get yourself checked out.
3. Swelling
Since your kidneys are responsible for extracting waste fluids from your blood, then they start to malfunction, you’re likely to see the effects in the form of oedema. Look for changes in the legs, ankles, feet, face and hands. Oedema can also occur when someone is obviously losing weight, so watch out for the signs.
4. Rashes and burning
When the kidneys begin to fail, waste material can start to build up in the body, and the toxins may try and get out of our skin, one of the primary organs responsible for detoxification. If you start to get itchy skin, rashes or other skin irritation, your ears should prick up. Have yourself examined by a doctor.
5. Metallic taste in the mouth
A metallic taste in the mouth and/or “ammonia breath” can indicate kidney problems. This is a pretty obvious symptom, but you might not connect it with the kidneys, of course. Now you will!
6. Nausea and discomfort
Nausea, vomiting, and a lack of appetite may indicate that your kidneys need some attention. You may not be able to keep anything down, dislike the idea of eating anyway, and feel nausea constantly.
7. Cold sensation
The heating might be up high, but you’ll feel cold because of the anaemia. If you can’t seem to warm up even though it’s hot outside and you have some of the other symptoms mentioned, think about your kidneys.
8. Pain on one side of the back, or in one leg
Some people with kidney disease have pain, others don’t. It depends on which problems you have within the kidney. For example, if you have polycystic kidney disease, you may feel pain. Kidney stones can cause severe pain, and spasms. Bladder infections cause burning when you urinate sometimes, and medullary sponge kidney sufferers disclose that they suffer from a lot of pain. Leg, back or other pains may indicate kidney issues, so always pay plenty of attention to what’s going on in your body and get help as soon as you can if you experience a mixture of these symptoms.
There are a number of herbal remedies to support your kidneys. Simply getting enough water can really help, as can drinking cucumber juice with parsley. Treat your kidneys well, and they will respond kindly to the good treatment. Stay well and feel good by taking care of your body. It’s worth it in the long run.
