I have a couple of disagreements to this article…..
Limit your salt intake…..your body will tell you by it’s actions…..fatigue, headaches, lack of focus etc. that it needs more sustainable salt.
Chiropractic adjustments are a must. I, until yesterday had many complaints and figured it was due to the move, packing, unpacking etc., Our new chiropractor addressed everything and all the issues were gone by morning.
The kidneys are vital metabolic organs responsible for removing waste and drugs from the body, balancing the body’s fluids, releasing hormones that regulate blood pressure, and controlling the production of red blood cells. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 37 million American adults suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is often called a “silent killer” because its symptoms typically do not appear until the late stages. However, there are earlier signs that could indicate kidney distress. Dr. He Wenxing, a physician from the People’s Hospital of Yingde City in Guangdong, China, noted during an online program that the following four indicators may signal that the kidneys are in distress.
Changes in urination patterns
Usually, healthy individuals urinate four to six times a day, producing approximately 1,000 to 2,500 milliliters of urine daily. Urine output that is either very limited or excessive, frequent nighttime urination (more than two times per night for several days), or foamy urine should cause concern. A sudden increase in persistent foamy urine indicates increased protein excretion in the urine, which can be a sign of kidney problems.
General weakness
If you are having trouble urinating and feeling mentally and physically fatigued, see your doctor.
Dr. Joseph Vassalotti, Chief Medical Officer of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), stated that a severe decline in kidney function can result in the accumulation of toxins and impurities in the blood, which can lead to feelings of fatigue, weakness, and difficulty concentrating.
Swelling or fluid buildup (edema)
Patients with chronic kidney disease may experience swelling around the eyes and in the lower extremities. This can be caused by water and sodium retention, which are signs of decreased kidney excretion and hormonal imbalance.
Nausea and vomiting
Gastrointestinal symptoms can signify kidney disease, especially when kidney failure occurs and metabolic waste products cannot be properly eliminated from the body. This can lead to elevated blood urea nitrogen levels, which stimulates the gastrointestinal mucosa and causes nausea and vomiting.
A review of CKD symptoms indicated that gastrointestinal issues are common among patients with chronic kidney disease, especially in advanced stages.
Besides the symptoms, Dr. He also shared seven daily habits that can help protect the kidneys and lower the risk of developing kidney diseases.
1. Do not smoke
According to data from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), among the 7,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, at least 250 are harmful, and 69 are carcinogenic. Smoking can impair the cardiovascular system, leading to poor blood flow to the kidneys and resulting in kidney damage. Smoking is also a leading cause of diabetic kidney disease, the most common cause of kidney failure.
Heavy cigarette smoking increases the risk of chronic kidney disease, particularly hypertensive and diabetic nephropathy.
2. Drink plenty of water
Water is essential for kidney health. It can speed up the body’s metabolism, ensure smooth urination, and help eliminate excess toxins and waste from the bladder and kidneys.
According to a brief review published in The Lancet, several observational studies suggest drinking plenty of water may protect the kidneys.
The UK National Health Service (NHS) recommends that women drink eight glasses of 200 milliliters of fluid daily, while men should drink 10 glasses of 200 milliliters of fluid daily.
3. Reduce salt intake
The kidneys are the primary organs responsible for excreting sodium (salt), and consuming too much salt can increase the burden on them. Excessive salt intake can damage the kidneys and make it harder for them to remove fluid, which builds up in the system and increases blood pressure.
A study suggested that high salt intake may have detrimental effects on renal blood flow, thus increasing glomerular pressure, especially for elderly, obese, or diabetic individuals with a high prevalence of salt sensitivity.
4. Do not hold urine
Holding in urine can create excessive pressure on the bladder, resulting in urine buildup in the body. If this continues over time, it can cause vesicoureteral reflux and lead to inflammation of the kidneys.
Bacteria naturally exist in the urinary tract and are normally flushed out of the body with urine. However, when urine is retained in the bladder, bacteria can accumulate, leading to infection in the urinary tract.
5. Exercise regularly but don’t overdo it
A study indicated that exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis can cause acute kidney injury and is mainly seen one to two days after intense exercise. The most common triad of symptoms includes muddy brown urine, myalgias, and decreased urine output.
A case study reported a 26-year-old male patient who developed acute kidney injury from exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis. The patient was taken to the emergency room after exercising at the gym. The study also suggested that professional guidance from a fitness trainer and timely rehydration can help reduce the risk of acute kidney injury.
6. Do not take medication without a prescription
Drug-induced nephrotoxicity is one of the leading causes of acute kidney injury worldwide.
In addition to inducing acute kidney injury, chronic drug toxicity can lead to chronic kidney disease and, in some cases, end-stage renal disease. Moreover, drugs can interfere with the normal transport mechanisms in the kidneys, leading to various electrolyte and acid-base disorders.
7. Avoid staying up late
A study suggested that short sleep duration and poor sleep quality are associated with a more rapid decline in renal function. Short sleep duration is one of the risk factors for chronic kidney disease.
A prospective study of 6,834 Japanese adults showed that individuals who slept six hours or less per night had a 70 percent higher risk of developing proteinuria than those who slept seven hours per night. Hence, getting adequate sleep is one of the keys to maintaining kidney health.