The article lists 10 signs that may indicate kidney problems. These signs include:
1. Trouble sleeping: Toxic buildup in the body can disrupt sleep patterns.
2. Headaches, fatigue, and general weakness: Kidneys produce EPO, a hormone that helps produce red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body.
3. Dry, itchy skin: Kidneys help maintain mineral and nutrient balance in the body.
4. Bad breath and metallic taste: Toxin buildup in the blood can cause these symptoms.
5. Shortness of breath: Excess fluid in the body and anemia can lead to shortness of breath.
6. Swelling in ankles, feet, and hands: Fluid buildup in the body can cause swelling.
7. Back pain: Kidney dysfunction can cause deep, lower back pain.
8. Puffy eyes: Leaked protein in the urine can cause puffiness.
9. High blood pressure: Damaged blood vessels can affect kidney function.
10. Changes in urination: Increased frequency, blood in urine, and foamy urine can indicate kidney problems.
The article emphasizes the importance of consulting a doctor if any of these symptoms persist and suggests maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to support kidney health.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The kidneys are responsible for removing toxins from the body through urine.
2. Kidneys that are not functioning correctly can lead to an accumulation of toxins in the blood.
3. This can cause trouble sleeping, as it's hard to fall asleep with too many toxins in the body.
4. Chronic kidney disease can cause sleep apnea, a disorder that causes people to stop breathing for a few seconds while sleeping.
5. The kidneys produce a hormone called EPO, which produces red blood cells.
6. Healthy kidneys process vitamin D to maintain strong bones and produce EPO.
7. Anemia is common in people with chronic kidney disease, occurring when someone has 20-50% of normal kidney function.
8. Kidneys that are failing to do their job can lead to an accumulation of extra fluid in the body.
9. This fluid buildup can lead to sodium retention, causing swelling in the ankles, feet, and hands.
10. Kidneys that are not functioning correctly can lead to mineral deficiencies, causing dry and itchy skin.
11. The kidneys play a role in regulating the amount of minerals in the body.
12. Mineral deficiencies can result in bone disease.
13. Kidney disease can cause shortness of breath due to extra fluid in the body and anemia.
14. Anemia can deprive the body of oxygen, leading to shortness of breath.
15. Kidney failure can cause swelling in the lower parts of the body.
16. Kidney problems can cause back pain, often deep and located below the ribcage.
17. Kidney cysts can cause back and leg pain.
18. Polycystic kidney disease can cause large fluid-filled sacs to form on the kidneys.
19. Kidney problems can cause puffiness around the eyes due to protein leakage.
20. The kidneys play a role in regulating blood pressure.
21. High blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure.
22. Foods rich in folic acid, such as leafy greens and citrus fruits, can help manage high blood pressure and prevent anemia.
23. Changes in urination, such as frequency, smell, color, and appearance, can be a sign of kidney problems.
24. Healthy kidneys filter waste from the blood to produce urine.
25. Damage to the kidney filter can cause blood cells to leak into the urine.
26. Foamy urine can indicate the presence of unwanted protein in the urine.