What are the signs of weak kidneys?

Kidneys are one of the important organs we need for our survival but slightly underrated. We think the only function they perform is blood filtration which is not. In laymen language, we can say that kidneys are the filters of the body. But when it comes to keeping the body healthy, the kidneys do most of the work. They help the body in the following terms:

Regulate fluid and electrolyte balance: Whatever food we consume has lots of nutrients including electrolytes, sodium, calcium, potassium, and others. The kidneys help the body by adjusting the level of fluid and electrolyte in the blood. The excess of water and electrolytes if not removed may leak into the cells and tissues causing problems.

Regulate blood pressure rate: By making a healthy balance between the fluid and electrolyte in the blood, they promote a healthy blood pressure rate. They prevent salt from accumulating so that the fluid does not get deposited in the blood.

Make hormones: They help the body get the energy by promoting the production of hormones called erythropoietin. These hormones allow the body to get enough red blood cells and oxygen.

Produce vitamin D: It is the work of the liver to produce vitamin D but when the liver is unable to do so, kidneys come as a rescue.

Keep the bones strong: By regulating the amount of calcium they make the bones stronger.

In the absence of healthy kidneys, the body will feel lethargic because there would not be enough red blood cells. So, keeping the kidney function is vital.

When any kidney disease arises or your kidneys become weak many complications can arise. To prevent these complications, it is always important to jot down what are the signs to help realize that your kidney function is getting low or impaired.

The signs of weak kidneys include:

Changes in the urination: The kidneys are related to the elimination of urine. When any kidney disease occurs or kidneys become weak, the urination pattern changes such as too little or too little urine or pain when passing the urine, etc. Often an individual with weak kidneys may feel the need to empty the bladder but fail to do so.

You are tired most time of the day: You feel sluggish lethargic when the kidney starts losing their function. It is the slow or limited production of erythropoietin that makes you low in energy. Also, anemia is another complication of kidney disease that makes a person feel weak and fatigued.

You cannot sleep well: During kidney disease toxins and waste deposit in the blood rather than leaving the body. This buildup of the waste can problem and make it hard for you to sleep. Sleep apnea is more common in chronic kidney disease patients than others.

Skin seems to be dry and patchy: The kidneys remove excess fluid and electrolyte from the blood. When a kidney becomes weak fluid deposits in the cells along with potassium and phosphorus. This deposition of minerals makes skin dry and patchy even if you apply moisturizer the skin seems irritating.

Blood in the urine: Red blood cells may leak into the urine during chronic kidney disease. This makes the urine dark-colored like it has blood in it. In addition to this, blood in the urine can also signify various severe and chronic conditions such as kidney stones or an infection or tumors.

Frothy urine: Just like red blood cells, a protein called albumin may also leak along with the urine. Albumin gives the urine a frothy and cloudy appearance that looks like a scrambled egg as the common protein. Even after you push the toilet several times, it stays there, it is a sign of weak kidneys.

You may lose interest in food: The fluid and waste buildup in the blood can result in poor appetite but should not be assumed as a standalone sign of kidney damage. A person with kidney disease may not feel like eating anything or even if he does, he may want to vent it out.

Muscles cramp: This is another sign of weak kidneys, in which low calcium and controlled phosphorus can contribute to muscle cramping.

Puffiness around the eyes and face: A patient with kidney disease will help persistent swelling in the legs, feet, ankles, and face or eyes. This swelling could be due to fluid retention and consistently losing protein along with the urine. Swelling in the lower extremities can also be a sign of liver and heart disease.

For more information on kidney disease and ayurvedic remedies to help combat them, consult Karma Ayurveda Hospital.