Balihow – The kidneys play a vital role in the body, filtering waste from the blood.
If kidney function is impaired, the worst-case scenario is the development of chronic kidney disease or even kidney failure.
Chronic kidney disease occurs when kidney function gradually declines. In advanced stages, this condition can lead to the accumulation of fluids, electrolytes, and dangerous waste products in the body.
In the early stages, chronic kidney disease often presents no obvious symptoms.
In fact, many people are unaware that they have kidney disease until the condition has significantly worsened.
So, what are the signs of healthy and unhealthy kidneys?
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Signs of Healthy Kidneys
Recognizing the signs of healthy kidneys is crucial for understanding your body’s condition and preventing kidney problems before they become serious.
Here are some indicators of well-functioning kidneys and signs that kidney health needs attention:
1. Light Yellow Urine Color
Healthy urine is typically clear or light yellow, without any blood, foul odor, or cloudiness.
This reflects optimal kidney function and overall body health.
2. Consistent Urination Frequency
As reported by Health Line on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, a stable urination pattern is also an indicator of kidney health.
Although urination frequency varies between individuals, the average adult urinates about 7-8 times a day, without drastic changes.
3. No Swelling in the Feet and Hands
When the kidneys function properly, the body efficiently eliminates excess fluid. Conversely, swelling in the feet, hands, or other body parts can indicate that the kidneys are struggling to remove fluid, often seen in kidney failure or other disorders.
4. Maintained Skin Health
Healthy and moisturized skin is not only influenced by skincare and genetics but also by the body’s fluid balance, which is maintained by the kidneys.
Well-functioning kidneys help maintain skin moisture, so the absence of dry and flaky skin can be a sign of kidney health.
5. Good Appetite
Although not directly related, a good appetite usually indicates that the entire body system, including the kidneys, is working optimally.
Kidney dysfunction often impacts metabolism and fluid balance, which in turn affects appetite.
6. Minimal Cramps or Muscle Pain
The kidneys play an important role in maintaining the body’s electrolyte balance, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium.
Electrolyte imbalances due to impaired kidney function can cause cramps and muscle pain.
Therefore, infrequent cramps or muscle pain can also be a sign of healthy kidneys or that the organ is functioning properly.
Signs of Unhealthy Kidneys
Recognizing the signs of unhealthy kidneys is also very important so that anyone can take appropriate preventive or treatment measures immediately.
Here are some symptoms that may indicate impaired kidney function and require further examination:
1. Lack of Energy or Difficulty Concentrating
If the kidneys are not functioning properly, toxins and waste build up in the blood.
This often makes a person feel tired, weak, and have difficulty concentrating.
As reported by the National Kidney Foundation on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, this condition can also occur due to anemia, which often accompanies kidney disease.
2. Difficulty Sleeping
Toxins that are not properly filtered by the kidneys can also disrupt sleep quality.
Many people with kidney disease have difficulty sleeping, even accompanied by disorders such as sleep apnea, especially in those who are also obese.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes breathing to stop or become very shallow during sleep.
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3. Dry and Itchy Skin
The kidneys function to remove waste and excess fluid from the body, help produce red blood cells, keep bones strong, and work to maintain the right amount of minerals in the blood.
Dry and itchy skin can be a sign of mineral and bone disease, which often accompanies advanced kidney disease.
Dry and itchy skin can occur when the kidneys are no longer able to maintain the proper balance of minerals and nutrients in the blood.
4. Frequent Urination
If you feel the urge to urinate more often, especially at night, it could be a sign of kidney disease.
If kidney filtering function is damaged, it can lead to an increase in urine production.
Sometimes, this condition can also be a sign of a urinary tract infection or an enlarged prostate in men, both of which require medical attention.
5. Bloody Urine
Healthy kidneys usually keep blood cells in the body when filtering waste from the blood to make urine.
When kidney filtering function is damaged, blood cells can leak and enter the urine.
In addition to indicating kidney disease, blood in the urine can be an indication of tumors, kidney stones, or infection.
Read also: How to Improve Kidney Health by Drinking Lemon Water on an Empty Stomach
6. Foamy Urine
If the urine looks foamy, like foam when whisking eggs, this could mean there is excess protein being wasted through the urine.
Usually, abnormal proteins like albumin appear due to kidney function damage.
7. Swelling Around the Eyes
Protein leaking into the urine is often an early sign of kidney damage.
As a result, this excess protein can also cause swelling around the eyes.
8. Swollen Ankles and Feet
Decreased kidney function can cause sodium (salt) retention, which causes swelling in the feet and ankles.
Swelling in the lower extremities can also be a sign of heart disease, liver disease, and chronic venous blood vessel problems in the legs, which should also be watched out for.
Read also: What Does it Feel Like to Have Kidney Failure? Here are 8 Lists
9. Poor Appetite
Decreased appetite is a very common symptom.
However, the buildup of toxins due to decreased kidney function can be one of the causes.
10. Muscle Cramps
Electrolyte imbalance can be caused by kidney dysfunction.
For example, low calcium levels and poorly controlled phosphorus can cause muscle cramps.
These are the signs of healthy and unhealthy kidneys that can be known. Everyone is strongly advised to routinely consult a doctor to ensure their respective kidney health.
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Ringkasan
Healthy kidneys are indicated by clear or light yellow urine, a consistent urination frequency of about 7-8 times a day, and the absence of swelling in the feet and hands. Maintained skin health, a good appetite, and minimal cramps or muscle pain also suggest proper kidney function, reflecting efficient fluid and electrolyte balance.
Signs of unhealthy kidneys include persistent lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances. Other indicators are dry, itchy skin, frequent urination (especially at night), bloody or foamy urine, and swelling around the eyes, ankles, and feet. Poor appetite and muscle cramps are also symptoms that may suggest impaired kidney function, warranting medical attention.