Kidneys have the main role to remove toxins and waste material from the body. Their essential function is important to your overall health. However, improper kidney function is the root cause of many diseases and toxins remain within the body. Unhealthy lifestyle also affects the function of your kidneys.
Kidneys have many vital functions, and we have covered some of them:
- They balance the water level. Kidneys use different levels of water to breakdown urine. Increased water levels stop kidneys from eliminating water from the body. This creates a perfect soil for the development of many diseases.
- Kidneys remove waste material, including nitrogen waste in the body like urea, salt and toxins.
- They regulate the formation of red blood cells. Insufficient oxygen levels in kidneys affect the production of erythropoietin which enables the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. These increase the oxygen that is further carried to the kidneys.
- Kidneys regulate acid levels. Every cell in your body produces a distinctive acid. Kidneys have the ability to balance the level of these acids.
- Kidneys regulate blood pressure. Healthy kidneys filter blood by maintaining normal blood pressure levels. Whenever your blood pressure drops, your kidneys fail to perform their function properly.
Kidney disease
Kidney diseases are oftentimes triggered by hypertension, infections or diabetes. This requires regular testing of your blood pressure and glucose levels.
Check for any members in your family that could possibly have had a kidney disease, because your genes can bring you this unpleasant heritage. Alcoholism, smoking, unhealthy diet, insufficient physical activity and excessive use of medications cause severe kidney problems.
Early signs of kidney disease
The first symptoms are usually notable when kidneys fail to perform their function and the urine is loaded with protein. Unfortunately, we usually neglect those symptoms that indicate a kidney problem in its early phase. You have to be more careful about your health, and consider taking care of any symptom before your condition gets worse.
Changes in Urination
- Waking up at night to urinate
- Urinating more frequently than usual
- Urine that is foamy or bubbly
- Urinating less often, or in smaller amounts than usual with dark colored urine
- Blood in the urine
- A feeling or pressure while urinating
- Difficulty urinating
Swelling
Failing kidneys don’t remove extra fluid. As a result, the fluid builds up in the body causing swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, face or hands.
Fatigue
When the kidneys are healthy, they make a hormone called erythropoietin that tells the body to make oxygen-carrying red blood cells. As the kidneys fail, they make less erythropoietin. With fewer red blood cells to carry oxygen, the muscles and brain become tired very quickly. This condition is known as anemia.
Feeling Cold
Anemia can make a person feel cold all the time, even in a warm room.
Dizziness and Trouble Concentrating
Anemia related to kidney failure means that the brain is not getting enough oxygen. This can lead to memory problems, trouble with concentration, and dizziness.
Shortness of Breath
When kidney disease is present, extra fluid in the body can build up in the lungs. In addition, anemia can leave the body oxygen-starved and short of breath.