"What Are the 12 Warning Signs of Poor Kidney Health That You Should Be Mindful Of?"

In daily life, many people will hold their waist and jokingly say that their kidneys are not in good shape. In reality, few people truly understand the manifestations of kidney diseases. Even many non-nephrologists have limited knowledge about kidney disorders. So, what are the specific symptoms of poor kidney function? Let's take a look.

Symptoms of Poor Kidney Function

1. Fatigue and Lack of Energy
When kidney function declines, it becomes difficult for the body to eliminate waste products through urine, leading to feelings of lethargy, fatigue, and exhaustion. If proteins and other nutrients leak from the kidneys into urine, it can exacerbate these feelings. Some patients might attribute this to overwork or other reasons, overlooking potential kidney issues.

2. Loss of Appetite and Nausea
A lack of desire to eat, anorexia, and even nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of kidney disease. Some patients initially consult gastroenterologists or hepatologists, only to forget about kidney specialists when no gastrointestinal or liver issues are found. This can delay proper diagnosis and treatment.

3. Foamy Urine
Foamy urine can indicate the presence of protein in urine, which may leak from the kidneys. This is a sign that should not be overlooked.

4. Back Pain
Since the kidneys are located on both sides of the spine, back pain can be a symptom of kidney disease.

5. Changes in Urination
Healthy individuals urinate approximately 4-6 times a day, with a urine volume of 800-2000 ml. Any significant deviation from this pattern may indicate kidney problems.

6. Edema
Excessive water intake, prolonged sleep, or obesity can cause mild or temporary edema in areas like the eyelids, face, and calves. However, persistent edema could be a sign of kidney issues.

7. Proteinuria and Occult Blood in Urine
The presence of protein or occult blood in urine is an important indicator of kidney disease. A routine urine test can help clarify this.

8. Anemia
Anemia patients often consult hematologists. However, kidneys also play a role in endocrine function and hematopoiesis. Impaired kidney function can lead to anemia.

9. Frequent Urinary Tract Infections
Recurrent urinary tract infections can eventually lead to renal insufficiency if left untreated.

10. Hypertension
Hypertension can lead to hypertensive nephropathy, also known as hypertensive renal damage. Therefore, hypertensive patients should pay particular attention to their kidney health.

11. Gout and Hyperuricemia
Gout and hyperuricemia are caused by excessive uric acid in the blood. High levels of uric acid can deposit in the kidneys, causing damage.

12. Diabetes and Diabetic Nephropathy
Diabetes can lead to diabetic nephropathy, a complication of diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

These are some of the symptoms associated with poor kidney function. It's important to stay hydrated, as the kidneys require adequate water for proper metabolism and waste elimination. Eating kidney-friendly foods can also help nourish and protect the kidneys.