Chronic Kidney Disease

7 Early Signs Your Kidneys May Not Be Working Properly and How To Protect Them

The main job of the kidneys is to filter waste products, toxins, and excess fluids from your blood and remove them through urine. If the kidneys do not function properly, toxins begin to build up in the blood, and the effects can be seen in the entire body. The real problem is that when kidney damage starts, very few symptoms show up and these symptoms are usually ignored or considered to be normal.

By the time we realize, the kidneys are already 70-80% damaged. This is why medically, kidney failure is known to be a silent killer. In the past few years  kidney damage cases have increased rapidly.

According to a major global study published on PubMed cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) have increased significantly over the past few decades. In fact, the total number of cases has nearly doubled in the last 30 years. This rise is mainly linked to increasing diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and an ageing population. 

Being conscious about your kidney health can help you detect early signs. Here are the 6 early signs of kidney malfunction.

1. Changes in Urine

An average person passes urine 6-10 times a day, but if your  frequency has  increased recently, especially during the middle of the night. Then this can be a sign of kidney malfunction.

If you have extremely foamy or smelly urine, then this can be a sign of kidney damage. This can also happen due to protein leak (proteinuria). Protein usually starts leaking in urine 1–2 years before creatinine levels start to increase.

A burning sensation while urinating or passing urine in stops and starts can be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or sometimes a kidney infection. It may also occur due to irritation in the urinary system. If it is accompanied by fever, back pain, or foul-smelling urine, it could indicate a more serious kidney involvement and should be checked by a doctor.

2. Swelling in the Feet, Ankles or Puffy Eyes 

If you notice swelling in your feet or puffiness under your eyes in the morning, do not ignore it.

Kidneys don’t just filter toxins from the blood—they also help remove extra sodium through urine. When the kidneys are not working properly, sodium can start building up in the blood. This excess sodium causes the body to retain more fluid, and that extra fluid often shows up as swelling, especially in the feet, ankles, or around the eyes.

3. Backpain

The kidneys are located in the lower back area, on either side of the spine. If you experience back pain without any specific reason, then this can be a sign of kidney malfunction. Back pain can also be due to several other reasons. It is important to look for symptoms like high fever, vomiting or frequent urination along with back pain which means your kidneys need medical attention.

Pain on one side of the lower back can sometimes be seen in conditions like kidney stones or infections. Never suppress the pain with pain killers or ignore it.

From a medical point of view, frequent or long-term use of painkillers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been linked with kidney damage. Studies show that overuse of these medicines can reduce kidney function over time and increase the risk of kidney injury.

4. Tiredness

Red blood cells present in the blood carry oxygen to different organs which produces energy. Deficiency of red blood cells leads to reduced oxygen to the body organs, due to which a person may feel tired.

To make red blood cells, the body needs a special hormone called erythropoietin (EPO). This hormone is produced by the kidneys.

If the kidneys are not working properly, they may not make enough EPO. As a result, the body may produce fewer red blood cells, which can lead to anemia.

If you often feel tired or weak even after a full night’s sleep, it could be a sign that your body is not making enough red blood cells. A simple blood test can check your red blood cell levels. If they are lower than normal, it is important to seek medical advice.

A kidney friendly drink like beetroot carrot and amla juice can also help increase red blood cells naturally.

5.Itching

The main function of  the kidney  is  to purify blood, but when  the kidneys are unable to purify blood it gives birth to itching. If you feel itchy all day and there are patches on the skin, then this is a sign of toxins in the body which the kidney is not able to filter. In 10 percent of cases kidney damage is diagnosed through a dermatologist.

When skin problems remain undiagnosed doctors recommend getting a Kidney function test, KFT done which helps in understanding the main underlying issue.

If  you are not getting relief from skin disorders such as itchy skin, hives, acne or eczema then the cause can be kidney malfunction.

6.High Blood Pressure and Diabetes

According to a global study published in PubMed, high blood pressure is one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease worldwide  and   according to the National Kidney Foundation, high blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure after diabetes.

Medical science shows that more than one in three people with diabetes develop kidney disease over time. Due to diabetes glucose levels increase and thickens the blood and damages the small blood vessels in the kidney. Kidney damage can be a cause of high blood pressure and high blood pressure can be a sign of kidney damage.

In recent years cases of high blood pressure and diabetes have become the major reasons for kidney failure. Medical science calls it Chronic Kidney Disease or Diabetic Kidney Disease.

Therefore, it is very important to keep blood pressure and diabetes levels stable.

How To Take Care of Kidneys?

To keep your kidneys healthy a few simple steps may be quite helpful.

1. Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking plenty of water can help remove toxins from your blood through urine. Hot water is preferable. Carry a thermosteel bottle with you instead of plastic or enamel bottles.

2. Stop Consumption of Painkillers

Consuming painkillers frequently for every small pain like headache, stomach ache or body ache, stress medicines and allopathic medicines without doctors prescription can be dangerous. Minimal use of these medicines only when prescribed by a doctor or only when it is necessary, can give your kidneys relief.

3. Avoid Salty Food

Eating salty foods can increase blood pressure, hence it is important to avoid consumption of salty, junk and spicy foods. This can to a great extent help the kidneys stay healthy.

4. Manage Creatinine

If your reports reveal high creatinine levels, then reducing protein in your diet is very important. High protein diet along with high creatinine levels can pressure your kidneys and the kidneys might not be able to filter protein which can cause protein leak in urine. A low protein diet can help your kidneys function properly.

5. Kapalbhati

Practice kapalbhati for at least 10-15 mins per day. Kapalbhati can help reduce kidney symptoms very soon. This yoga practice has many health benefits.

The Bottom Line

These symptoms seem to be quite normal and are usually ignored by people. But the tricky part of these kidney diseases is that there are no strong signs of kidney damage, it develops slowly and gradually.

If you experience three or more symptoms at once, then seeking medical advice is the right approach. Kidneys are the most important organ and if damaged kidneys cannot be reversed. Damage once done can only be filtered through dialysis which is for sure an expensive yet painful procedure. Following a few healthy habits can help keep your kidneys stronger, healthier and can prevent dialysis.