Kidneys play an essential role when it comes to keeping your health and well-being at an optimal level. The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped, brown organs about the size of your fist and are located just below the rib cage, one on each side.
The main function of your kidneys is to remove waste products and get rid of them in the urine. In addition, these bean-shaped organs regulate blood pressure, produce red blood cells, create the biologically active form of vitamin D, and balance electrolyte and metabolite levels.
As with every other body organ, the kidneys are also prone to some problems. There are several different types of acute kidney problems, here are the 4 most common experienced kidney issues:
- Kidney infection: Kidney infection is a type of urinary tract infection that occurs from the spreading of bacteria in the bladder or urethra spreads when they reach the kidneys.
- Kidney injury: Acute kidney injury is a relatively sudden episode of kidney damage or kidney failure. It occurs over the course of a few hours to a few days.
- Kidney cysts: Simple kidney cysts rarely cause problems. They are small sacs of fluid that grow either on the surface or inside of the kidneys.
- Kidney stones: The stones form when the urine contains abnormally high crystal-forming substances that can be diluted.
Here are 25 potential hidden warning signs of kidney issues:
- Abdominal swellings
- Blood in the urine
- Pressure during urination
- Twitching of the muscles
- Muscle weakness, caused by the shortage of blood oxygen
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness, lack of oxygen in the brain
- Poor appetite
- Changes in urine, such as foamy urine, or strange coloration
- Bad breath
- Nausea, caused by uremia
- Itchiness caused by fluid retention
- Brain fog
- Shortness of breath
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Frequent urination, caused by damage to the nephrons
- Upset stomach
- Swellings of the face and neck
- Weight loss since kidney issues often cause poor appetite or vomiting
- Feeling cold all the time, due to anemia
- Swellings in the feet and hands due to excess fluids
- Poor sleep
Here are some beneficial tips that will help you lower the risk of kidney troubles:
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid smoking
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid or limit the use of OTCs, such as ibuprofen and other NSAIDs
- Don’t consume alcohol
- Reduce the intake of dairy products
You can drastically improve the function of the kidneys by making some dietary changes. Your main goals should always increase the intake of the following fruits and veggies.
Fruits: blueberries, peaches, blackberries plums, raspberries, cherries, apricots, strawberries, pineapple.
Veggies: cilantro, spinach, kale, asparagus, wheatgrass, parsley, cucumber, celery.
Here are 2 extremely healthy juices to promote kidney health:
1. Easy No Milk Shake
- ½ cup berries, apple or banana, or 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- ½ C Pasteurized Liquid Egg Product
- ½ C Frozen Non-Dairy Whipped Topping
- Choose flavor of your choice – almond extract, lemon juice, vanilla extract
- 1 cup frozen cranberries
- 1 stalk of celery
- Squeeze of lime
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled and sliced
- A handful of parsley
In order to prepare these 2 juices, you should combine all the ingredients and blend well. Then, you can enjoy the fresh taste while improving your kidney health.