Kidney Disease Symptoms & Causes | What Can I Do To Keep My Kidneys Healthy?

 

Kidney Disease Symptoms & Causes | What Can I Do To Keep My Kidneys Healthy?

Kidney disease, also known as renal disease, can have various symptoms and causes. Here are some of the common symptoms and causes:

Symptoms:

1. Fatigue and weakness

1. Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, and face

1. Decreased urine output or difficulty urinating

1. Blood in urine

1. Foamy urine

1. Shortness of breath

1. High blood pressure

1. Nausea and vomiting

1. Loss of appetite

1. Trouble sleeping

Causes:

1. Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney disease.

2. High blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys and reduce their ability to filter waste and fluids.

3. Infections: Infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) can damage the kidneys if left untreated.

4. Polycystic kidney disease: A genetic disorder that causes the growth of cysts in the kidneys, leading to damage over time.

5. Glomerulonephritis: An inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filters in the kidneys that can cause kidney damage and sometimes kidney failure.

6. Kidney stones: Stones that form in the kidneys or urinary tract can cause damage to the kidneys if not treated.

7. Medications: Certain medications, such as painkillers, antibiotics, and chemotherapy drugs, can damage the kidneys over time.

8. Autoimmune diseases: Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or vasculitis can damage the kidneys by causing inflammation and scarring.

There are several things you can do to keep your kidneys healthy:

1. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps to keep your kidneys healthy and functioning properly.

2. Follow a healthy diet: A balanced and healthy diet with limited amounts of sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats can help to prevent kidney disease.

3. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help to improve your overall health and reduce your risk of developing kidney disease.

4. Don't smoke: Smoking damages your blood vessels and reduces the flow of blood to your kidneys, which can lead to kidney damage.

5. Control your blood sugar: If you have diabetes, controlling your blood sugar levels can help to prevent kidney damage.

6. Manage your blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage your kidneys over time, so it's important to monitor and manage your blood pressure levels.

7. Limit alcohol intake: Drinking alcohol in excess can damage your kidneys, so it's important to limit your intake to moderate levels.

8. Avoid over-the-counter pain medications: Certain pain medications, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can damage your kidneys if taken in excess.

It's also important to get regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor your kidney function and detect any potential issues early on.