You can now follow the latest news for free through our Twitter account
Click here to subscribe
Elaf from Beirut: The kidneys are one of the smallest organs in the body, but they perform the largest and most important functions, as they work to purify and filter toxins from the blood.
The kidneys filter 20-150 liters of blood, to produce between one and two liters of urine, which consists of waste products and extra fluid.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States, 1 in 10 adults in the country suffers from chronic kidney disease (CKD), and that number continues to rise.
Experts say that one of the reasons for the high incidence of chronic kidney disease is that patients may not show any symptoms often, until resorting to a doctor becomes necessary.
And the “Patch” site provided 10 signs that your kidneys are “in danger”:
1- Changes in urine: You should see a doctor if you notice foamy urine or you have difficulty passing urine, or your urine becomes dark and then urinated in small amounts, or you need to urinate several times at night.
2- Excessive swelling: If you notice excessive swelling, usually in your hands and feet, this may indicate that you have kidney disease.
3- Shortness of breath: When fluid accumulates in the lungs, deep breathing becomes difficult, and therefore shortness of breath calls for a specialist doctor.
4- Rashes: When your body is overwhelmed with toxins, it looks for any way to get rid of them, and one of these ways is through the pores in the skin, and this may lead to the appearance of a rash, dry skin, irritation, or even sores.
5- A metallic taste in the mouth: Sometimes, your body can become overburdened with toxins, to the point that you can taste them. People with kidneys may experience a metallic taste in their mouth.
6- Poor concentration and dizziness: Overcrowding with toxins means inefficient oxygen flow to the rest of the body, including the brain. This leads to poor concentration, dizziness, and even brain fog.
7- Low back pain: Low back pain is often associated with kidney damage or kidney failure, because the kidneys are located in the lower back area.
8- Fatigue: The kidneys produce a hormone known as EPO, which essentially increases the number of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Thus, the injury to the kidneys leads to a lack of oxygen in general, which will lead to a feeling of fatigue and tiredness.
9- Nausea and vomiting: Accumulation of toxins and waste products in the blood can cause nausea and vomiting. So, be sure to talk to your doctor right away, especially if you are experiencing any lower back pain.
10- Chills: Any problems that affect the healthy function of your kidneys can lead to a lack of oxygen-carrying red blood cells. When this happens, you can often develop anemia, the symptoms of which include constantly feeling cold.