Signs your kidney is in trouble

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs about the size of a fist, are vital life-sustaining organs performing many functions to keep the blood clean and chemically balanced.

According to Kidney Research UK, two kidneys together filter 200 litres of fluid every 24 hours with each kidney gets rid of between one and one-and-a-half litres of urine per day.

Without these organs, our body will often be in a state of low blood calcium and inadequate amount of Vitamin D, resulting in muscle weakness and a softening of the bones.

This is why we always need to be wary of signs which could indicate that our kidneys could be having problems.

As the kidney's main function is to flush out toxins and wastes, its failure to do so will result in the buildup of toxins and impurities, along with the accumulation of excess water and salt in the body tissues.

The first sign that indicates trouble with the kidneys is swelling in the face and feet, as well as puffiness around the eyes.

Another sign is extreme fatigue resulting from the lack of presence of red blood cells which disrupts the supply of oxygen and nutrients in the body to the brain and the muscles.

Next, irregularities in the urinary tract as kidneys help filter blood to produce urine, through which wastes from the body are released is also a sign.

Some may experience frequent urination, while others may notice blood in their urine.

A foamy and bubble-filled urine can also indicate a kidney problem.

The fourth sign of an unhealthy kidney is shortness of breath as a result of fluid buildup in the lungs as kidneys are responsible for balancing the fluid in our body.

This phenomenon is also known as fluid overload or hypervolemia whereby some people experience chest pain, which can be confused with other health conditions.

The fifth sign is having itchy, dry skin as an indicator of an imbalance of minerals and nutrients in the blood, besides a sudden rise in the blood levels of phosphorus.

It is highly recommended to make healthier food choices, increase physical activity, and maintain a healthy weight in order to sustain the health of the kidneys.

Getting enough sleep, quitting tobacco products, limiting alcohol intake, managing diabetes and high blood pressure, and coping with stress are also ways to preserve healthy kidneys.