Chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs when the kidneys gradually stop working properly and find it difficult to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. It is often caused by complications like high blood pressure and diabetes and progresses with time. If untreated, the condition can cause toxins to accumulate in the body. While there’s no direct cure for chronic kidney disease, individuals can take steps to manage it and ensure their kidneys work better.

Persistent tiredness
The kidneys’ main function is to filter out waste from the blood and excrete it through urine. When they fail to do that, toxins accumulate in the body.  This  often causes one to feel unnaturally tired despite proper sleep and rest.

Urine changes
Another function of the kidneys is to ensure proper urination. So, naturally, one may experience changes in urination patterns when affected by kidney disease. Some may experience an increased frequency of urination, especially at night (also called nocturia), while some may find it difficult or painful to urinate. The urine may even be foamy or bubbly if it has a protein called albumin, or there may be blood in the urine (also called hematuria).

Poor sleep
Research suggests a link between sleep apnea and chronic kidney disease. Sleep apnea may affect one’s kidneys because it significantly reduces oxygen intake. On the other hand, kidney disease could worsen sleep apnea because it accumulates toxins.

Itchy skin
When the kidneys cannot clear toxins, they pile up in the blood, causing a rash or making one feel itchy.  That’s why  itchy skin should be given attention, although it is a common problem. What seems like a minor issue can be a serious case of kidney disease. A person with the condition may feel a burning desire to scratch all over the body constantly. The itching does not go with home remedies like taking a bath with Epsom salt, moisturizing the skin, or other forms of self-care. As time passes, the kidneys might struggle to balance the minerals and nutrients in one’s body, which can even lead to bone disease.

Swollen face and feet
When the kidneys are affected, they cannot remove sodium from the body. Excess sodium leads to water retention, often causing severe swelling. The swelling can start from the feet and hands and gradually spread all over the body, reaching the thighs, back, and even face. In the initial days, one might notice puffiness around the feet and ankles. If protein leaks into one’s urine, it can also cause puffiness around the eyes.

Muscle cramping
Cramping is another common warning sign of kidney disease. The condition often causes an imbalance of electrolytes and nutrients like sodium, calcium, and potassium, leading to muscle cramps. While patients may experience cramps in any part of the body, they often occur in the legs.

Nausea and vomiting
When toxins or waste products build up in the blood, they can irritate the stomach lining and cause nausea, vomiting, and a loss of appetite. People with kidney issues often tend to eat little and develop aversion to certain food types or smells. Persistent nausea and vomiting can also contribute to malnutrition.

Breathlessness
During kidney disease, the organs cannot make enough erythropoietin, a hormone responsible for producing red blood cells. A lack of these cells leads to anemia and shortness of breath. Fluid buildup is another factor that can make breathing difficult for people with kidney problems.

Fogginess
The accumulated toxins often affect all other body functions, including those performed by the brain. So, one may experience brain fog or a general sense of dizziness during the day. One may also become more confused and have issues with performing regular tasks.

Individuals should always seek professional help if they develop the early signs and avoid self-treating. It is important to take proper care, eat recommended foods, exercise regularly, stay hydrated, and manage blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Although these steps may seem overwhelming, they help ensure optimal kidney health. A lack of attention can lead to serious complications. It can harm one’s organs over time and even lead to kidney failure. In such advanced cases, one may require dialysis or a kidney transplant. One should speak to a healthcare professional to learn about kidney disease’s signs and symptoms and how to manage them.