5 Signs your Kidneys are unhealthy

Due to our hectic lifestyles, many of us overlook the subtle signs our bodies are emitting. This can lead to disastrous consequences if we are not careful. It is important for us to pay attention to even the smallest symptoms and signs we experienced so that we can investigate and resolve the problems in their earlier stages.

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Focusing on our kidneys, here are some of the subtle signs of possible kidney problems which you shouldn’t overlook.

1. Urination patterns

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Our kidneys produce and help our bodies eliminate toxin and waste through urine. One of the easiest ways to identify possible kidney dysfunctionalities is by observing our urination patterns – the frequency of your toilet visits, the odor, and colour of your urine. If you find yourself needing to pee for more than 10 times a day, or experiencing frequent urges to pee in the middle of the night, your kidneys may not be healthy. Another obvious sign is when you spot blood in urine, which may be a sign that your kidney is having a problem filtering waste from your blood. In addition, many bubbles in your urine may indicate the existence of unwanted protein in your urine.

2. High blood pressure

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If you have high blood pressure, you run a higher risk of a kidney failure. This is because the nephrons (used to filter waste and unnecessary fluids from the blood) in your kidney cannot receive enough oxygen and nutrients if your blood vessels are damaged. Consume foods that are rich in folic acid, such as spinach, beans and citrus fruits to promote the production of red blood cells to prevent high blood pressure.

3. Puffiness around your eyes

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If you’re well-rested but your eyes are still puffy, do not brush the issue aside and assume it’s a small problem. Early signs of dysfunctional kidney filter system start from the development of puffiness around the eyes, as your kidneys may be releasing a large amount of protein into the urine instead of retaining it for the body.

4. Prolonged backaches

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Normal backaches that are not signs of kidney dysfunctionality usually occur suddenly, without other complications such as fever. However, backaches related to kidney failure are usually accompanied by vomiting, high body temperature and frequent urination. The pain is also deep and usually located below the rib cage, and may spread to the front of the groin or hip. Kidney cysts may cause discomfort in the back and legs. If you’re experiencing any similar discomforts, it’s highly advisable to visit the doctor.

5. Dry and itchy skin

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Besides removing waste and excess fluid from our blood, our kidneys also promote the production of red blood cells and ensure our bodies receive sufficient minerals. An imbalance of minerals and nutrients will cause itchy and dry skin, which signals the failure of kidneys. Try to improve your hydration by drinking more water.

If you’ve been experiencing prolonged discomfort, or you suddenly experience symptoms that did not exist priorly, the best way to find out what’s wrong is to consult your doctor.

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