Most of us are born with 2 kidneys, but are we fully aware of how important (and equally how fragile) this organ duo is? Our kidneys filter waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from our blood. As if that job is not demanding enough, they are also responsible for regulating blood pressure, maintaining electrolyte balance, and producing hormones necessary for red blood cell production and calcium absorption.
And this 24/7 and around-the-clock job is bound to take its toll if we do not give your kidneys the TLC they deserve. In fact, it is currently estimated that over 850 million people worldwide have some form of kidney disease. A bit closer to home, around 7.2 million people have chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the UK. This is more than 10% of the UK’s population.
And over 70,000 people in the UK are being treated for kidney failure and around 3,000 people receive a kidney transplant each year. But what causes kidney issues and what are some of the first signs you need to look out for?
What Causes Our Kidney To Surrender?
Kidney failure is not a copy-and-paste situation. Some people are genetically predisposed to developing kidney issues, while others put their kidneys under a bit more strain.
Most kidney problems are due to diabetes. The high blood sugar levels caused by the disease can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys. This damage leads to what is called diabetic nephropathy and is a common cause of kidney disease.
Hypertension (high blood pressure) can also cause damage to the blood vessels in your kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste effectively. Other kidney culprits include glomerulonephritis (an inflammation of the tiny filters in your kidneys, known as glomeruli) and the formation of hard mineral deposits in the kidneys can cause blockages and damage if left untreated.
Not to mention repeated or untreated UTIs can spread to the kidneys, causing infections like pyelonephritis that can wreak havoc and may lead to kidney damage. Prolonged dehydration can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and certain medications (especially pain relievers) alcohol and heavy metals (e.g. lead, mercury, and arsenic) can play a part in damaging your kidneys too.
From the genetic pool, diseases like Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) forms fluid-filled cysts in your kidneys, leading to kidney enlargement and potential kidney failure.
Symptoms To Look Out For
1. Changes In Your Urine Output
A very common early sign of kidney problems is a change in how often you urinate. Remember, healthy kidneys filter waste and extra fluid, creating urine. However, when your kidneys are not working the way they should, you may urinate less or feel the need to urinate more often. Your urine may also look darker, foamy, or even bloody.
2. Swelling Or Puffiness
Swelling, especially in your ankles, legs, or face, is another common sign of kidney problems. This happens when your kidneys cannot filter out extra sodium and fluid, causing fluid retention.
3. Fatigue And Weakness
It goes without saying, if your “bodily filters” are not functioning properly, waste and toxins can build up in your bloodstream. This build up can leave you feeling sluggish, tired, or weak. Your kidneys also produce a hormone called erythropoietin. This hormone helps make red blood cells. If your kidney function drops, your body may not produce enough red blood cells, leading to anaemia which also causes low energy, and weakness.
4. Persistent Itching
Persistent itching (also known as pruritus) can also be an early sign of kidney issues. This is because when the kidneys cannot filter waste properly, the toxins in your blood can begin to irritate your skin.
5. Back Pain
As your kidneys are located at the back of your body (below the rib cage), back pain could signal kidney disease, an infection, or kidney stones. However, not all kidney-related back pain is severe. Sometimes it is just your back, however, if the pain is sharp and constant, best to have it checked out.
6. High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure tends to be a go-to sign that something in your body is out of place. And since your kidneys help control your blood pressure by managing the fluid and sodium levels in your body, it makes hypertension a reg flag to look out for.
7. Nausea, Vomiting, Or A Loss Of Appetite
A build-up of waste products in your blood (known as uremia) can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. While these symptoms can be mild at first, they may worsen as kidney function declines.
Here Is What We Have Learned
Your kidneys matter. Full stop.
If you suspect you have fallen victim to kidney issues, and leave it untreated, it could lead to kidney failure, toxin build-up, high blood pressure, anaemia, and even heart disease. Therefore, if kidney disease runs in your family, or if your lifestyle is not 100% kidney-friendly, it is vital you regularly have your kidney function checked out. It is a straightforward blood test that takes no longer than a few minutes to perform.
If you want to proactively boost your kidneys, staying hydrated to help your kidneys filter waste more effectively and eating foods that are good for your kidneys are never a bad idea. Also, never hesitate to contact a trusted healthcare professional with any health-related questions.
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