6 Signs of Poor Kidney Function
Let’s be honest—most of us don’t think about our kidneys all that much. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, these little bean-shaped organs quietly handle some pretty important functions, like filtering your blood, getting rid of waste, and keeping your body’s fluids in balance. But when something’s not quite right with your kidneys, your body has a way of sending up warning flares. Paying attention to these signals can help you catch any potential kidney issues before they turn into bigger problems.
Keep reading to find out the six signs that could mean your kidneys aren’t working as well as they should.
You Start Noticing Changes in How You Pee
If there’s one thing your kidneys are good at, it’s making pee. So, when you notice changes in how often you go or what it looks like, it might be worth paying attention. Maybe you find yourself getting up more often at night to go to the bathroom, or perhaps you’re peeing less than usual. Dark, concentrated urine is another clue that something’s off. And if you see foam or bubbles in the toilet, it could mean there’s too much protein in your urine—a sign your kidneys might not be filtering properly. These changes aren’t just random; they’re your body’s way of signaling that your kidneys could be struggling.
You’re Always Tired, No Matter How Much You Sleep
We all have those days where we’re dragging a bit, but if you’re feeling exhausted all the time, even after a good night’s sleep, your kidneys might be the culprit. When your kidneys aren’t doing their job, toxins can start to build up in your blood, leaving you feeling wiped out. Plus, your kidneys produce a hormone (Erythropoietin) that helps your body make red blood cells. If your kidney function is off, you might end up with fewer red blood cells, which can lead to anemia—and that’s a major energy zapper. Thus, if you’re constantly tired, it might not just be the stress of daily life; your kidneys could be playing a part in it.
Your Skin Gets Itchy or Feels Dry
Believe it or not, your kidneys play a role in keeping your skin happy and healthy. When they’re not working well, you might notice your skin becoming dry or extra itchy. This can happen because waste products start to build up in your blood or because your body’s balance of minerals like calcium and phosphorus is off. Itchy skin might seem like a minor annoyance, but if it’s persistent and doesn’t go away with the usual lotions and creams, it could be a sign that your kidneys are having trouble keeping things in check.
Your Hands, Feet, or Ankles Are Swollen
Swelling in your hands, feet, or ankles is one of those things that’s easy to brush off—until it becomes too uncomfortable to ignore. When your kidneys aren’t functioning properly, they can have a hard time balancing sodium levels and getting rid of extra fluid. This can lead to fluid retention, causing swelling or edema in different parts of your body. If your rings are suddenly tight or your shoes feel snug, and especially if this swelling sticks around, it’s something to take seriously. Your kidneys might be trying to tell you they need some help.
You’re Having Trouble Focusing or Feel Dizzy
If you’ve been feeling a bit foggy or dizzy lately, it might not just be a lack of sleep or too much caffeine. When your kidneys aren’t filtering your blood effectively, toxins can start to build up, and your body might not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen around. This can leave you feeling spaced out, dizzy, or even forgetful. If you’re finding it hard to concentrate or frequently feeling lightheaded, it could be a signal that your kidneys aren’t functioning as well as they should.
You See Blood in Your Urine
Spotting blood in your urine can be scary, and it’s definitely not something to ignore. Whether it’s a light pink tinge or something darker, blood in your urine is a clear sign that something’s not right. This could be due to a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, or something more serious like kidney disease. Your kidneys are supposed to filter waste out of your blood, not the blood itself, so if you’re seeing blood in your urine, it’s time to call a doctor. Even if it only happens once, it’s worth getting checked out to make sure your kidneys are in good shape.
Your kidneys do a lot for you, and they deserve some attention. If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s important to take them seriously. Don’t just brush them off as nothing—your kidneys could be trying to tell you something’s up. Talking to your doctor about these symptoms is a good first step, especially if they’ve been hanging around for a while.
