7 signs of kidney disease you should not ignore

Your kidneys have various functions to perform and not being careful about its health can lead to some irreversible complications. You will be surprised to know that a large population is living with kidney disease but is not aware of it. Unfortunately, kidney disease is progressive.

Chronic kidney disease is commonly seen in people who have hypertension, diabetes or have a family history of kidney diseases. Other factors that put you at risk include being older, having low birth weight, using certain medications for a long time, chronic urinary tract infections, kidney stones and even obesity.

But how will you find out if you are suffering from any kidney issues? Here are the seven most common signs of kidney disease.

Poor sleep is a common problem in people suffering from kidney disease. When your kidneys do not filter properly, toxins tend to stay in the blood, instead of leaving the body via urine, which impacts sleep. Sleep apnea is common in people suffering from chronic kidney disease as compared to the general population.

Your kidneys have various important roles to play. If you are facing skin issues, it can be an indication of kidney disease. Dry and itchy skin can indicate mineral and bone disease, which is also linked with advanced kidney diseases. This happens when kidneys are unable to strike a proper balance of minerals and nutrients in the blood, which leads to dry and itchy skin.

Kidney diseases can cause periorbital edema, which can lead to swelling around the eyes. This puffiness around the eyes can be attributed to the leakage of a large amount of protein in the urine from the kidneys instead of keeping it in the body. The condition can develop in one or both eyes.

Muscle cramps are common among people who have kidney disease. Cramps are often caused due to the imbalance of fluids and electrolytes in the body. Cramps are also caused by nerve damage and blood flow issues. This can be due to impaired kidney function. Low calcium and phosphorus levels in the body also invite muscle cramping.

Have you noticed swelling in your feet and ankles? If yes, it can be a sign of kidney disease. It is advised to reduce daily salt and fluid intake, including fluids in foods such as soups and yoghurts, to help reduce swelling.

When kidneys are unable to remove extra fluid, it leads to swelling in the legs, ankles, feet and even hands in some cases.

Kidneys make urine, so when your kidneys aren't working properly, the urine may change. Frequent urge to urinate can be an indication of kidney diseases. If you urinate more at night, it can also be a sign of kidney disease.

This happens as the kidney's filters may be damaged, causing an increase in the urge to urinate.

As per the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the progressive decline of the glomerular filtration rate in chronic kidney disease patients is associated with a significant reduction of food intake. Poor appetite and weight loss can also be a sign of kidney disease.

- Stay physically active and exercise daily

- Practice yoga and meditation

- Maintain a healthy weight by eating a well-balanced diet loaded with whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, pulses and legumes

- Say no to junk, spicy and processed foods

- Do not drink too much water as it can pressurise the kidneys

- Say no to alcohol and smoking. Smoking can destroy the blood vessels, which can decrease the flow of blood in the kidneys.

- Do not take supplements without consulting your doctor as they can take a toll on your kidneys