The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located just above the waist in your back, just below the rib cage, one on each side of the spine. Both kidneys are about the size of your fist.
The kidney remove wastes from the body, which makes it a very important part of our body system. The entire body's blood supply circulates through the kidneys every two minutes.There are just about one million tiny units called nephrons inside each of our kidney. The job of the Nephrons are simple… they filter as well as, get rid of waste products and excess fluid from the blood.
When the fluid is filtered through the intertwined mass of each nephron, it enters the tubules; its act of combining is slowly changed in the absorption and discharge of solutes, and in the course of time leaves each nephron as urine.
Besides that, healthy kidneys also get rid of extra water and waste products we don't need. These waste products are substances made from the remains of protein in foods that you eat and from normal muscle activity.
In normal people, the body adjusts when there's a higher intake of sodium chloride (salt) by excreting more sodium without raising major pressure. However, many outside influences can decrease the kidneys' ability to send out sodium.
If the kidneys are less able to send out salt with regular or higher salt intake, chronic increases in extracellular fluid amount and blood amount will emerge, which will eventually lead to high blood pressure on the long run.
Nevertheless, normal working kidneys have other jobs too. They make chemicals called hormones that help you make red blood cells, build strong bones, and keep your blood pressure under control.
When kidneys stop working, waste products that are harmful to your body build up and make you feel sick. This buildup happens in the blood stream because the kidneys can no longer clear the waste products in your body.
Here are some symptoms of kidney failure, in case they occur.
Urine Problems
There are multiple ways by which urine or urinating changes. One of them is the feeling of pressure or having difficulties when emptying your bladder. And it is a very unpleasant feeling when you have to put too much effort in it.
Even then, one may not urinate as much as he/she normally would. It is tiring when the pressure remains. It is unpleasant when you have to go to the bathroom very frequently, but no urine coming out at all. In worst case scenarios, peeing blood is a very real thing.
Fatigue and Swelling
Fatigue and swelling may have two very different reasons for occurring; they can be linked to each other in some ways. Why? Because too much fluid in the body most likely causes swelling in different parts of the body, making them feel like they are significantly heavier.
And moving heavier parts of the body (particularly limbs) is just an extra energy usage, leading to quicker exhaustion. Swelling may not always lead to fatigue (like once I personally had hugely swollen arm, but no exhaustion), but this kind of kidney failure symptoms should not go unnoticed. Thus, going to the doctor will be the best option.
Out of Breath
When breathing troubles occur, then undoubtedly this is a very bad feeling. Yes, having difficulties in breathing is a very tough thing to overcome and when this occurs suddenly (without swallowing too much at once), and then seeing the doctor is a must.
Other Symptoms
Of course, there are more symptoms of kidney failure. These include confusion, chest pain, nausea, seizures, feeling cold, and drowsiness.
In other words, if you are feeling fatigue, seeing greatly swollen parts on your body or any other symptoms, then go to the local hospital without hesitation, and have your system checked!
The 5 Stages of Kidney Disease
These stages are measured through the glomerular filtration rate (or GFR), a measure of the kidney's function stated in mL/min/1.73m2. A lower GFR indicates a worse stage.
In the first stage of kidney disease, there is already slight kidney damage (a GFR of more than 90), which affects the filtration function of the kidney. This means that the function of the kidney involving filtering blood is starting to degrade.
In the second stage, there is a minimal decrease of the kidney's function, where the GFR is at 60 - 89.
The third stage indicates a moderate decrease of function at 30 - 59 GFR.
The fourth stage of kidney disease indicates severe degradation of the kidney's function, where the GFR is alarmingly at 15 - 29.
The truth is that, during the early stages of the condition there are very few, if any, symptoms. Therefore the situation does not allow for early detection, however, this is taken care of because the human body is designed to cope with reduced kidney function.
Nevertheless, regular screening should be offered to those most at risk of developing chronic kidney disease (as outlined above); meaning problems are usually detected during routine blood and/or urine tests.
During these stages prior to kidney failure, toxic substances, fluids, and waste will begin to accumulate since the kidney is not able to filter and excrete these matters. Other effects of kidney disease include high blood pressure, anemia, bone disease, acidosis, and even cholesterol - related disorders.
In Stage 5, there is permanent or almost permanent kidney failure, where the GFR is only less than 15. At this stage, a dialysis or transplantation might already be needed to maintain other organs present in the body.
This stage is also called the end-stage of the disease or end-stage renal disease. In Stage 5, toxic substances, fluids, and waste have already accumulated to an uncontrollable level.
What You Need To Know About Renal Colic
The term renal colic refers to a type of pain that can be commonly caused by developing kidney stones. This pain usually starts around the kidney area or anywhere below it and can radiate through the side until the pain spreads to the bladder.
Well, as the name implies, the pain can be colicky in nature which means that it can come in irregular waves or intervals as opposed to being a feeling of steady continuous pain.
Renal colic may come in two types: dull and acute. The acute type of renal colic is particularly the nastiest and has been labeled by sufferers as one of the strongest feelings of pain ever experienced.
However, the pain may also depend on the type and size of the kidney stone or stones that move through the urinal tract. Yes, depending on the situation, the pain may at times be stronger in the renal or bladder area or it can be equally strong in both.
The larger stones may require medical intervention for their removal in order to get rid of the pain associated with it.
Some sufferers of renal colic may go through severe urinary pain. In fact, they may also have trouble passing urine due to the kidney stones hindering the path: urinary tract
The following are the major symptoms of kidney disease:
1. Changes in urinary function, which is a change in the amount and frequency of urination, are typically the first symptom of kidney disease. Yes, an increase or decrease in urine or the frequency could be a sure sign of impending kidney problem as earlier discussed.
2. If there is a change in frequency especially at night or the urine is darker than normal, there is a strong reason to consult your doctor. Also, when you have the urge to urinate but are unable to do so in the restroom, it is better to seek the opinion of an expert.
3. Painful urination: More often than not, your physician would link feeling pressure or pain on urination with urinary tract infection after running tests on your urine samples.
However, it is when the urinary tract infection spreads to your kidneys that you experience fever or pain in your back and could be a precursor to chronic kidney ailments. It is important to clip down a urinary tract infection early and treat it in the best manner possible.
4. Blood in the urine/hematuria: There is enough reason to worry if you notice blood in your urine. Visiting your doctor is the best approach you can take with regard to early prevention of cure of a kidney ailment.
5. Swelling: Kidneys are filters that remove extra fluid and waste from the blood. When they are not at their best, this extra fluid can build up and manifest as swelling in your hands, feet, ankles, or face.
6. Extreme fatigue and generalized weakness: Kidneys are responsible for erythropoietin which helps red blood cells carry oxygen. Kidney diseases can hamper their ability to produce erythropoietin.
And lower erythropoietin means lower red blood cells which results in anemia. Lower number of red blood cells decreases the amount of oxygen supply to cells which invariably leads to extreme fatigue and generalized weakness.
7. Feeling Cold: Kidney disease can manifest as feeling cold even in the warmest of surroundings. Anemia associated with kidney disease is the usual suspect in this scenario while kidney infection (pyelonephritis) could give you fever with chills.
8. Nausea and vomiting: When the kidneys are not at their best, waste can build up in your blood which could lead to nausea and vomiting.
9. Shortness of breath: One of the reasons for fluid build-up in the lungs could be kidney disease. Anemia associated with kidney disease can deplete your body of oxygen. Shortness of breath could be a result of both these factors, and it is advisable to visit your doctor at the earliest to seek care.
10. Itching and Rashes: When kidneys are not at their normal level of functioning, waste material can build up in your blood which could be the cause for severe itching and skin rashes.
What You Need To Know About Renal Cell Carcinoma
Renal cell carcinoma is a type of kidney cancer that develops within the small tubules of the kidney that are responsible for filtering blood and waste products. It is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults, representing 90 percent of all kidney cancer types.
In fact, researchers have determined that Renal Cell Carcinoma is the result of several factors which include: lifestyle habits, occupational exposure, genetically inherited disorders related to blood flow and the kidney, including a family history of renal cell carcinoma.
The lifestyle factors that might lead to kidney cancer include smoking, obesity, high-calorie non-nutritious diet, and lack of physical exercise. Another major factor which has been correlated with it is some specific medical conditions that are inherited.
The problem with this disease is that there is a lack of noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Even though, there have been improved diagnoses methods, which are detecting this type of cancer earlier. However, an awareness of common symptoms can aid in an earlier diagnosis and treatment of the outcome.
The most common symptoms of renal cell carcinoma include:
Painless urination of blood, which occurs in approximately 50 percent of patients, Sudden, unexplained weight loss, Pain in the sides, near where kidneys are located, Presence of a hard mass, growth or lump on the sides of the abdominal cavity, which are noticed in 45 percent of renal cell patients.
However, fever occurs in 10 percent of patients, Anemia occurs in about 20 percent of patients and High blood pressure.
The treatment options for renal cell carcinoma patients include surgery, arterial embolization, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and biological therapy.
Targeted and immunotherapy are two treatment options growing in favor for two reasons. First, it doesn't respond as well to chemotherapy and radiation as it does for other cancers. Second, doctors want to avoid any partial or total removal of the kidneys at all costs.
1. If you are suffering from diabetes caused by high sugar intake, reduce intake of sugar. Reduce intake of refined oil and take limited quantities of cooking oil in your diet. However, people who are non-diabetic can take honey or sugar.
2. You should not take heavy meal at one time. Instead take meals five times or more times in a day and take light meats.
3. Do not miss any meal and always keep a check on the number of calories you are taking.
4. Reduce intake of proteins in your diet although, one cannot completely eliminate proteins from the diet.
5. One should keep a check on cholesterol levels and eliminate high fat diet from the body since cholesterol typically builds up inside the blood vessels and hinders blood pumping activity.
6. One should also reduce the amount of Sodium intake as it can raise the blood pressure. In addition, one should avoid the intake of processed and canned food products which contain a large amount of sodium.
7. Potassium which is found in many fruits and vegetables such as bananas, potatoes, oranges, peas, beans, nuts and dried fruits should not be taken as the kidney is incapable of removing excess minerals from the blood and it can affect the heart beats.
8. The person suffering from kidney diseases should safeguard themselves from anemia, the condition in which the quantity of red blood cells in the body is low and therefore a controlled diet should be taken to release Erythropoietin (EPO), which is needed to simulate the body to make red blood cells.
9. You should also reduce the intake of high fat diet and reduce weight to get rid of kidney problems. You can take whole grain breads, cereals and breads. Yes, take a regulated amount of vegetable oil, margarine and canola oil. Take good amount of vegetables with every meal and half of the meal should include vegetables.
1. Watermelon: The main health benefits of including watermelon in your daily diet include increasing urination, enhancing digestion and eliminating toxins from the body.
If you wish to get a satisfactory result, feel free to include water melon juice in your daily diet. Yes, this food item enriched with water improves digestion naturally. In fact, if you are in search of a natural cure for health issues, feel free to include water melon in your diet.
2. Lemon juice: It is another natural cure that can cleanse your kidney and liver cells naturally. The interesting thing about this one is that, this particular herbal remedy is so easy to prepare from home.
Besides, you can also recommend this herbal remedy as a safe home remedy for many renal troubles. In fact, renal calculi can be easily solved by including lemon juice in your daily diet. Yes, if possible drink lemon juice twice or thrice per day. It cleanses body cells and makes you feel healthy all the day long.
As per studies, lemon juice is found to be very useful to flush out toxins from the body. If you wish to cleanse your body organs without the action of harsh chemicals and other preservatives, then never hesitate to include lemonade diet.
3. Cranberry juice, enriched with vitamin C is one of the best recommended renal cleansing food items. Anti-bacterial compounds in cranberry keep your body organ safe and healthy.
Besides, the increasing the immunity health of the body is one of the main health benefits of including cranberry juice in your diet. However, for effective result, try to include more citrus fruits in your diet, like oranges and grapefruit juice.
4. Kidney beans: It improves the production of bile and enhances digestion naturally. However, other famous herbal remedies for treating renal stones include burdock root, dandelion root and herbal teas, like nettle leaf tea.
5. Kid Clear capsule: You can use this herbal remedy twice or thrice per day. If possible, continue using this herbal cure consistently for four months. Yes, Kid Clear capsule ensures 100% safety among all users.