The function of the kidneys involves elimination of the accumulated toxins and waste from the body, controlling the blood pressure, balancing the electrolytes and stimulating the production of erythrocytes. If the function of these extremely important organs is impaired, numerous diseases will appear.
According to the American Kidney Fund, kidney issues are the 9th primary cause of death in the U.S.
These are the most common causes of kidney disease:
• Dehydration
• Hypovolemia
• Low water intake
• Certain medications such as diuretics
• Tumors
• Obstructions in the bladder
• Untreated hypertension or diabetes
• Kidney stones
• Prostate diseases
It is crucial to recognize the early signs of toxic kidneys in order to prevent further health complications:
1. Urine frequency
The amount of urine is in correlation with the daily intake of water. If the function of your kidneys is impaired they produce less urine which results in oliguria or polyuria. If you notice any changes in the amount of urine, make sure you visit your doctor.
2. Changes in the urine color
Healthy and well-hydrated individuals have bright and pale yellow urine. Yet, if there is blood present in your urine it will change its color. It may become orange, black, brown or red, which is an indicator of a serious kidney disease.
3. Urine odor
Some factors like hydration, the level of physical activity and nutrition affect the odor of your urine. In case you notice unusual sweet or fishy odor, it could imply that your kidneys don’t function normally.
4. Abdominal pain
If you experience abdominal pain along with the other signs, you probably have a kidney condition which requires suitable medical treatment.
5. Shortness of breath, nausea and swelling
If the function of your kidneys is obstructed, the water cannot be eliminated which leads to swelling caused by water retention. This overburdens the respiratory system, thus causing shortness in breath and nausea.
6. Changes in urine consistency
If you notice pus or froth in your urine, it could mean that you are not well-hydrated or that you have a serious kidney ailment.
7. Constant fatigue
Tiredness, lack of energy and troubles concentrating could indicate that you have impaired kidney function. This is due to the buildup of impurities and toxins in the blood. The most common complication of kidney failure is anemia which leads to fatigue and weakness.
8. Bad taste in your mouth
If your kidneys are unable to eliminate toxins from the blood, they will accumulate in your body. This condition is known as uremia and it usually causes a metallic taste in the mouth. You may also find that food tastes differently.
9. Pain in your legs
If you feel pain in your legs, which migrates to the lower back, it could be linked to a kidney disease. The pain usually appears if you have kidney stones along with bladder or kidney infection.
10. Itchy rashes
Toxin buildup in the body triggers itchy rashes on the skin. Topical treatment doesn’t alleviate this problem since the reason is not dermatological.
All these signs require urgent medical help and proper medical treatment, since untreated kidney disease may have fatal consequences. Therefore, if you have noticed any of the above mentioned signs, consult your doctor on time.