The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining balance throughout the body. They filter waste from the blood, regulate fluid levels, and control blood pressure, making them essential to overall health.
When the kidneys stop functioning properly, waste and toxins build up in the body, leading to fatigue, swelling, and in severe cases, kidney failure.
Understanding how the kidneys work, what causes damage, and how to test for early warning signs can help protect your long-term health.
What Is Kidney Health?
Each person has two kidneys, located just below the rib cage on either side of the spine.
These bean-shaped organs filter about half a cup of blood every minute, removing waste and extra water to form urine.
Healthy kidneys:
- Keep electrolytes like sodium and potassium balanced
- Help regulate blood pressure
- Produce hormones that support red blood cell production and bone strength
- Maintain the body’s acid-base balance
When kidneys are damaged, these functions begin to decline. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often develops slowly and may go unnoticed until it reaches advanced stages, making regular screening essential for early detection.
What Causes Kidney Problems?
Kidney disease is most often caused by conditions that strain or damage the filtering structures over time.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
- Diabetes: High blood sugar damages blood vessels in the kidneys, making it the leading cause of kidney disease.
- High blood pressure: Increases pressure on the kidney’s filtering units, reducing their efficiency.
- Heart disease: Poor circulation and fluid imbalance can lead to kidney stress.
- Obesity: Increases the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure, both harmful to the kidneys.
- Excessive medication use: Overuse of pain relievers such as ibuprofen or certain antibiotics can injure kidney tissue.
- Dehydration: Chronic dehydration reduces kidney function over time.
- Genetic disorders: Conditions like polycystic kidney disease cause cysts that interfere with filtration.
- Smoking: Narrows blood vessels and reduces kidney oxygen supply.
Kidney damage often develops silently, which is why preventive testing is so important.
Common Symptoms of Kidney Disease
In the early stages, kidney disease may cause few or no symptoms. As function declines, you might experience:
- Swelling in ankles, feet, or hands
- Fatigue or low energy
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Foamy or dark urine
- Loss of appetite or nausea
- Muscle cramps
- High blood pressure
Because symptoms appear late, screening is the best way to identify kidney issues before they become serious.
How to Get Tested for Kidney Health
Testing kidney function is simple and involves evaluating how well your kidneys filter waste and maintain chemical balance.
Common Screening and Diagnostic Tests
- Blood tests: Measure levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) to estimate kidney function through an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
- Urine test: Detects protein, blood, or other abnormalities that indicate kidney damage.
- Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR): Identifies early signs of kidney disease by detecting small amounts of protein leakage.
- Imaging tests: Ultrasound or CT scans can identify blockages, cysts, or structural abnormalities.
- Blood pressure check: High blood pressure can both cause and result from kidney damage.
How to Improve Kidney Health
Keeping your kidneys healthy involves supporting blood flow, managing chronic conditions, and making smart lifestyle choices.
Practical Ways to Protect Your Kidneys
- Stay hydrated with water throughout the day
- Limit sodium and processed foods
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Keep blood pressure and blood sugar within normal ranges
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use
- Exercise regularly to improve circulation
- Avoid overuse of pain medications
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Healthy habits combined with regular screening can significantly lower your risk of kidney disease and related complications.
Take Charge of Your Kidney Health
Your kidneys are vital to detoxification and overall well-being.
Protecting them through regular screenings, good nutrition, and proper hydration is essential for long-term health.
Schedule your kidney health screening near you today and take the first step toward a healthier future.