The kidneys are vital organs in the human body. Traditional Chinese medicine states: "The kidneys are the foundation of innate constitution," emphasizing their crucial role in growth, development, and reproductive function. As the saying goes: "Kidney deficiency breeds a hundred diseases." This highlights the kidneys' impact on overall health—weak kidneys invite illness, while strong kidneys ensure vitality. Kidney health determines bodily well-being, making daily care and nourishment essential.However, modern unhealthy lifestyles and dietary habits gradually impair physical health, eventually affecting kidney function. Men should be particularly vigilant. The following 15 signs indicate kidney health:
1. Lower back pain
The kidneys are located on either side of the spine in the lower back. Kidney issues often manifest as lower back pain.
2. General Fatigue
Impaired kidney function hinders the excretion of waste products through urine, leading to lethargy, exhaustion, and weakness. Kidney disease can also cause leakage of nutrients like protein into the urine, further contributing to fatigue. Some patients may attribute this to overwork or other causes, overlooking underlying kidney issues.
3. Loss of appetite
Loss of appetite, anorexia, and even nausea or vomiting are common symptoms of kidney disease. Some patients initially visit gastroenterology or hepatology departments to check for stomach or liver issues. Upon ruling out these conditions, they neglect to consult a nephrologist, delaying proper diagnosis and treatment.
4. Changes in Urine Volume
A healthy person typically excretes 1000–2000 milliliters of urine daily, averaging 1500 milliliters. Both increased and decreased urine output may indicate kidney disease. Particularly noteworthy is frequent nighttime urination—if you find yourself getting up multiple times at night despite minimal fluid intake before bed, be especially vigilant for kidney issues.
5. Foamy Urine
Foamy urine can result from various causes. One common reason is protein leakage from the kidneys into the urine, which creates abundant foam.
6. Urinary Discomfort
Frequent urination refers to increased urination frequency with small volumes per visit;Urgency refers to a strong urge to urinate despite little urine output, making it difficult to hold it in; Painful urination involves discomfort or a burning sensation at the urethral opening and lower abdomen during urination. 7. Changes in urine color Healthy urine is typically clear and pale yellow. It may appear slightly darker if you drink less water or during the first morning urination. If urine appears red, seek evaluation by a nephrologist.
8. Edema
Mild or transient swelling around the eyelids, face, or calves may occur due to excessive water intake, prolonged sleep, or obesity. If not related to these factors, it may indicate kidney dysfunction. As the primary organ regulating water metabolism, impaired kidney function leads to fluid retention.Individuals who wake up with puffy eyelids or swelling in the feet and legs should consider potential kidney issues.
9. Anemia Patients with anemia often seek treatment in hematology departments. However, beyond excreting waste, the kidneys also perform endocrine functions by secreting erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. Kidney dysfunction can impair EPO secretion, leading to anemia.
10. Diabetes
Diabetes can cause kidney disease, known as diabetic nephropathy, which is a complication of diabetes. Diabetic nephropathy progresses through five stages. Treatment is most effective in the early stages. Once it advances, it becomes difficult to treat and may progress to uremia. Therefore, people with diabetes should regularly visit a nephrologist.
11. Hypertension
High blood pressure can cause hypertensive nephropathy, also known as hypertensive kidney damage. Individuals with hypertension should be vigilant. Conversely, kidney disease can also lead to hypertension. If your blood pressure rises, be cautious about the possibility of kidney disease.
12. Gout and Hyperuricemia
Both gout and hyperuricemia result from excess uric acid in the blood. Elevated blood uric acid levels can cause uric acid crystals to deposit in the kidneys, damaging renal function.
13. Urinary Tract Infections
Frequent urinary tract infections can lead to renal insufficiency over time. I've encountered many patients with UTIs who, due to delayed or incomplete early treatment and lack of awareness about the potential for kidney damage, discovered the issue too late to seize the optimal treatment window.
14. Proteinuria and Hematuria
The presence of protein or blood in urine is a significant indicator of kidney disease, easily confirmed through a routine urinalysis. However, non-nephrology specialists may overlook this finding. It is advisable to consult a nephrologist for evaluation.