What Can Cause Low Kidney Function?

Rahul Kumar January 11, 2021

The kidneys are one important organ that helps the body achieve regulatory functions of the body. In numerous ways, it keeps the body functional by filtering the waste from the blood, keeping the right balance of fluid and electrolytes, producing vitamin D and other hormones that are necessary for well-being.

This super functional organ supplies the heart with nontoxic blood. In case the kidney’s function slows down (which happens often), the function of the heart is also affected at the same time. So, it is important to ensure that your kidneys are working well.

Ayurvedic Treatment to Reduce Protein in Urine

Having low kidney function is termed as kidney disease or even kidney failure in certain cases. A panoply of conditions is responsible for the development of low kidney function, such as:

Diabetes

Diabetes or high blood sugar is the leading cause of kidney disease. Diabetes can impact blood circulation within the glomerulus, a part of the kidney’s blood-filtering systems. In fact, too much sugar in the blood increases the work activity of the kidneys. The risk factors increase even more if you have:

High blood pressure
Poor glucose control
A family history of kidney disease and blood sugar

Changes in kidney function begin within 3 to 5 years after diagnosis of diabetes and within ten years of diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is detected late in life.

High blood pressure

Yet another reason why kidney function deteriorates is high blood pressure. Over time, high blood pressure can alter changes in kidney function by weakening the blood vessels in the kidneys. These weakened the blood vessels to function at their core capacity. When the blood vessels in the kidneys are damaged, they may lose their function, and extra fluid may buildup in the body. Extra fluid raises the blood pressure to an uncontrollable extent and causes kidney failure eventually.

Glomerulonephritis

The glomeruli are the small blood vessels that act as a filter within the kidneys. Damaged glomeruli may not function well, and so the kidneys are not able to filter the waste properly. The inflammation in the glomeruli is termed glomerulonephritis. At this time, protein and blood may seep into the urine. As a result, you may have swelling in the body, particularly in the hands and lower body.

Other less common causes of low kidney function may include:

Low blood flow: Due to a complicated surgery or an accident, the decreased blood flow can affect the kidney’s functions to perform well.
Swelling of the kidney: Any swelling in the kidneys also damages the filters, such as after an infection or due to a drug.
Sudden blockage: Blockage in the parts of the urinary system can also cause kidney disease. Examples may include a kidney stone.
Polycystic kidney disease: Polycystic kidney disease is the development of sac-like membranes over the kidneys. It is an innate condition caused by genetic mutations in one or both the parents.
Kidney infection: An infection in the kidneys, called pyelonephritis, can also affect kidney function. This usually begins with an untreated UTI, or the bacteria may enter the body through our ways and reach your kidneys.

Here are some of the signs you can use to know if your kidney function is accurate or not.