Look out for these signs!
Kidneys are the two most important organs of the body, placed on either side of your lower back. They are responsible for filtering blood and eliminating waste materials from the body, which is essential for the proper functioning of our body. With age, our kidneys start working less but at times this can also happen due to certain underlying health conditions. While the only way to know if your kidneys are working fine is by getting it tested, several physical signs can also reveal if you are suffering from any kidney problems.
High blood pressure
Kidneys and blood vessels are closely connected with each other. This
simply means that high blood pressure can have a negative impact on your
kidneys. High blood pressure damages the blood vessels in the kidneys,
which reduces their ability to work properly. The blood vessels get
scarred and weak when they stretch to allow easy blood flow. This
scarring happens in the blood vessels throughout the body, including
those in kidneys. Once the blood vessels of kidneys are damaged, they
may stop removing wastes and extra fluid from the body. As per the
American Heart Association, high blood pressure is the second most
common reason for kidney failure among people.
Frequent urination or less urination
If you feel the need to urinate more than often, it can be a sign of an
underlying kidney problem. Kidneys are responsible for removing toxins
and excess water from the body through the urinary tract. When the
kidney filters are damaged, it may increase the urge to urinate.
Similarly, urinating a few times a day can be a sign of urinary tract
obstruction or kidney stone.
Concentration issue and weakness
As per a study conducted by Temple University, if you are witnessing any
problems like decrease in global cognitive ability or have trouble
memorizing something, it could be a sign of decreased kidney
functioning. A decline in kidney function can lead to the buildup of
toxins and impurities in the blood. This can make you feel tired, weak
and you may also find it difficult to concentrate. Even worse, kidney
failure can also lead to toxin build-up in the brain and can cause major
confusion. So it is best to consult a doctor.
Lower back pain and muscle cramps
If you are consistently witnessing pain in your lower back, typically on
the sides, it could mean that your kidneys are hurting. Generally,
urinary tract infection, kidney stones, and injuries cause such types of
pain. Other than this, electrolyte imbalances in the body like low
calcium levels may cause muscle cramping.
Swollen hands and legs
If your feet and legs are often swollen, you should get your kidneys
examined from a doctor. Disturbance in kidney function can lead to
sodium retention in the body, which in general should have been passed
out through the urinary tract. Sodium retention is responsible for
swelling in your hands and legs.
Blood in your urine
Healthy kidneys also stop the blood cells from flowing out while
filtering waste from the blood. When the kidneys are damaged, these
blood cells start to leak out into the urine. Blood in the urine can
also be due to tumors, kidney stones or an infection.
Trouble in sleeping
If your kidneys are not filtering toxins from the body properly, it may
even disturb your sweet sleep. Sleep apnea is more common in those
suffering from chronic kidney disease.