Introduction
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Kidney damage can be serious and can lead to long-term health problems if left untreated. Eating the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones can help protect your kidneys and keep them functioning properly. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the sure signs that you may have kidney damage and provide some tips on what to eat and what to avoid to keep your kidneys healthy.
Sure Signs You Have Kidney Damage
Kidney damage can be a serious health issue, and it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms that may indicate you have a problem. Here are some of the most common signs that you may have kidney damage:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating
- Blood in the urine
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, and legs
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Itchy skin
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further damage to your kidneys.
Eat This, Not That
If you have kidney damage, it’s important to make sure you’re eating the right foods. Here are some tips for eating to support your kidneys:
- Eat: Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products
- Avoid: Processed foods, high-sodium foods, and foods high in saturated fat
By following these tips, you can help support your kidneys and reduce the risk of further damage.
Kidney health is often overlooked, but it’s vital to your overall well-being because properly functioning kidneys help filter out toxins and restore vitamins to your bloodstream. Unfortunately, kidney damage is common and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 37 million people are living with kidney disease and if left untreated can lead to serious health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and early death. Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with Sean Marchese, MS, RN, a registered nurse at The Mesothelioma Center with a background in oncology clinical trials and over 15 years of direct patient care experience who shares signs of kidney damage to watch out for. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Marchese tells us, “The kidneys help filter out toxins and waste from the blood. When your kidneys are damaged, high levels of dangerous byproducts can poison the blood and begin to affect many other sensitive organs. Kidney failure can develop rapidly and become fatal without immediate and intensive care.”
Marchese says, “Kidney failure can occur after traumatic physical injury to the lower back or if another medical condition blocks the flow to your kidneys. If a blockage in your ureters prevents urination, this can also cause a dangerous build-up in the kidneys. Blood clots and immune infections, such as lupus, are common causes of kidney damage.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Chronic kidney disease occurs when a disease or condition impairs kidney function, causing kidney damage to worsen over several months or years. Diseases and conditions that cause chronic kidney disease include:
- Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Glomerulonephritis (gloe-mer-u-low-nuh-FRY-tis), an inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units (glomeruli)
- Interstitial nephritis (in-tur-STISH-ul nuh-FRY-tis), an inflammation of the kidney’s tubules and surrounding structures
- Polycystic kidney disease or other inherited kidney diseases
- Prolonged obstruction of the urinary tract, from conditions such as enlarged prostate, kidney stones and some cancers
- Vesicoureteral (ves-ih-koe-yoo-REE-tur-ul) reflux, a condition that causes urine to back up into your kidneys
- Recurrent kidney infection, also called pyelonephritis (pie-uh-low-nuh-FRY-tis)”
According to Marchese, “You can reduce your risk of kidney damage by avoiding high levels of over-the-counter medications that damage the kidneys, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and other pain medications. You should also undergo regular diabetes and blood pressure screenings with your primary care doctor and maintain a healthy lifestyle.”
“This sign could indicate a blockage somewhere in the urinary tract,” Marchese says. “If left untreated, urinary waste can back up and create high levels of toxins within the kidneys. Kidney stones, blood clots and an enlarged prostate are common signs of urinary difficulty.”
Marchese explains, “Because the kidneys help filter out toxins from the blood for waste, a regular sign of kidney damage is retaining fluid. The most common sites of fluid retention are in the legs, known as edema. You may also notice fluid retention in the fingers, hands or abdomen. If you notice pressure marks that take time to disappear, you should talk to your doctor about potential signs of kidney damage.”
Marchese says, “Kidney damage can cause issues in the cardiac and respiratory systems when the kidneys cannot regulate blood pressure. High blood pressure can make breathing difficult or cause the heart to work harder, leading to palpitations or an irregular heart rhythm.”
Heather Newgen