The Resilience of the Kidneys: Understanding Function and Care
The kidneys are incredibly resilient organs; even if their functionality declines by over 50%, the body may still not exhibit obvious symptoms. This characteristic often leads to undetected kidney diseases among patients.
Recognizing the Signs of Kidney Issues
Various subtle symptoms can indicate kidney damage, which are often overlooked. Experts highlight several warning signs that the kidneys may be struggling.
Unusual Urine Odor
If you haven’t consumed foods with distinctive flavors but notice a change in urine odor, this may signal a potential kidney issue.
Presence of Foam in Urine
Dr. Li Yue from Tsinghua University-affiliated Beijing Tsinghua Chang Geng Hospital notes that foamy urine could indicate proteinuria, a sign of kidney disease. This type of urine is often dense, cloudy, and has a strong odor and can be identified through routine urine tests.
Swelling in the Body
The kidneys regulate fluid balance in the body. When kidney function deteriorates, it can lead to fluid retention, resulting in swelling, particularly in the face and limbs. If pressing your skin leaves an indentation that doesn’t quickly return to normal, this is a concern.
Increased Nighttime Urination
According to Dr. Wang Wei from Tsinghua University-affiliated Beijing Tsinghua Chang Geng Hospital, normal adults typically urinate 0-1 time at night, with a volume that is about one-third to one-half of daytime urine output. Frequent nighttime urination or exceeding 500 ml for several consecutive days should be taken seriously.
High Blood Pressure
The heart functions like a pump transmitting blood throughout the body while the kidneys act as a drainage system, maintaining blood pressure and internal balance. If kidneys are compromised, fluid retention can occur, leading to elevated blood pressure.
Additional Symptoms of Kidney Problems
Other symptoms like skin itching, anemia, headaches, fatigue, memory decline, poor sleep, lack of appetite, and menstrual irregularities can also be signs of renal disease and should not be ignored.
Habits That Harm Kidney Health
Everyday habits that seem innocuous can be detrimental to kidney health. Dr. Lu Fangping from Tsinghua University First Affiliated Hospital warns individuals with the following habits to take precautions.
Medication Abuse
Frequent and excessive use of pain relievers, inappropriate use of aminoglycoside antibiotics, and herbal remedies containing aristolochic acid can lead to kidney damage. The misuse of health supplements can further burden the kidneys.
Insufficient Water Intake
Prolonged low water consumption can reduce urine output, increasing the waste and toxin concentration in urine, thereby raising the risk of kidney stones and hydronephrosis.
Frequent Urinary Retention
Holding urine too long can allow bacteria to proliferate, potentially leading to urinary tract infections and pyelonephritis, which can result in chronic infections that are difficult to treat.
Uncontrolled Weight
Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of kidney disease and exacerbate conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which can further harm the kidneys.
Excessive Alcohol and Sugary Drinks
High sugar content in fruit juices and soft drinks can lead to kidney problems. Heavy drinking can result in high uric acid levels, while beer consumption can block renal tubules and lead to kidney decline.
Lack of Sleep and Overwork
Staying up late, insufficient rest, and overexertion can cause blood pressure to rise and heart rate to accelerate, resulting in reduced blood flow to the kidneys. A continuously excited sympathetic nervous system can disrupt the secretion of hormones like adrenaline.
Chronic Conditions That Affect Kidneys
Chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and high uric acid levels can all contribute to kidney damage. Rapid blood pressure reduction in individuals with long-term hypertension can sharply decrease kidney perfusion pressure, leading to deterioration in kidney function. Diabetic kidney disease is a leading cause of chronic renal failure, and other autoimmune disorders can also damage the kidneys.
Caring for Your Kidneys
Should kidney issues arise, identifying the cause and implementing the proper treatments promptly is essential to prevent prolonged or recurrent conditions.
Key Measures to Protect Kidney Health
Dr. Li Qing from Tianjin University TEDA Hospital emphasizes the importance of controlling blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood uric acid levels while adhering to prescribed medications. Chronic kidney disease is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Here are some practical steps for kidney health:
1.Reduce Salt and Increase Water Intake: Lowering sodium intake and staying hydrated can aid kidney function by promoting urine production and reducing waste concentration.
2.Be Mindful of Dietary Protein: High-protein diets can strain the kidneys. Aim for balanced intake of quality proteins from eggs, dairy, fish, and lean meats.
3.Control Hypertension, High Blood Sugar, High Cholesterol, and High Uric Acid: Managing these four factors is crucial for kidney health.
4.Establish a Routine: Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and avoiding excessive fatigue can effectively support kidney function.