Kidneys play a vital role in maintaining overall health by filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood, producing urine, and regulating essential minerals. When kidney function declines, it can lead to kidney failure, a serious condition that requires prompt attention.

In this post, we will explore the symptoms of kidney failure and discuss effective solutions to improve kidney function. Plus, you will begin to see how increasing kidney health, also improves your body overall.

Symptoms of Kidney Failure

Fatigue and Weakness

One of the early signs of kidney failure is persistent fatigue and weakness. When kidneys are unable to effectively remove waste from the body, toxins can accumulate. Accumulated toxins lead to a constant feeling of tiredness.

Swelling

Kidneys regulate fluid balance, and when they fail, excess fluid can build up, causing swelling in the ankles, legs, and around the eyes. This swelling, known as edema, is a common symptom of impaired kidney function.

Changes in Urination

Kidney failure often results in changes in urination patterns. Individuals may experience increased or decreased urine output, frequent urination, or difficulty in urination. Urine may also appear foamy due to the presence of excess protein.

Shortness of Breath

When kidney function declines, excess fluid can accumulate in the lungs, leading to shortness of breath. This symptom can be particularly pronounced during physical activity or when lying down.

High Blood Pressure

The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure. Kidney failure can disrupt this function, leading to an increase in blood pressure. Conversely, hypertension can also contribute to kidney damage, creating a dangerous cycle.

Nausea and Vomiting

The accumulation of waste products in the blood can lead to nausea and vomiting. Individuals with kidney failure may experience a persistent feeling of queasiness, which can affect their appetite and overall nutritional intake.

Itching

Kidney failure can result in a buildup of waste products in the blood, causing severe itching. This symptom is often due to the accumulation of phosphorus, which is normally filtered by healthy kidneys.

Difficulty Sleeping

Imbalances in electrolytes, such as potassium and calcium, can occur in kidney failure, leading to difficulty sleeping. Restlessness and insomnia may be common as a result of these disturbances.

Solutions to Improve Kidney Function

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Adopting a kidney-friendly diet can significantly improve kidney function. Reduce sodium intake to help control blood pressure and limit the consumption of high-potassium and high-phosphorus foods. Include fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins in your diet to support overall health. High-phosphorus foods can be a concern for individuals with kidney issues, as the kidneys may have difficulty filtering out excess phosphorus.

Here are six foods that are relatively high in phosphorus:

• Dairy Products like milk, cheese and yogurt.
• Meat and Poultry such as beef, pork and chicken.
• Seafood like salmon, tuna and chicken.
• Nuts and Seeds suck as pumpkin, sunflower or almonds.
• Legumes like lentils, chickpeas or soybeans.
• Processed Foods which are the worst because phosphorus additives are added to packaged foods along with other chemicals that can hurt your kidneys.

It’s important for individuals with kidney issues to work closely with healthcare professionals and dietitians to manage their phosphorus intake. You should make informed dietary choices based on your specific health conditions.

The NIDDK recommends eating small portions of meat, chicken or fish for protein. Eating portions around 2–3 ounces of meats, about the size of a deck of cards is ideal. However, this is highly based on your level of kidney issues.

Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration is crucial for kidney function. Water helps flush out toxins and waste products from the body. Aim to drink an adequate amount of water each day, but consult with your healthcare provider to determine the right amount for your specific condition. Doctors recommend drinking 64 ounces of water a day. However, many people can’t drink 64 ounces of anything a day, others can down a gallon. If you can get in at least 48 ounces a day, that will help kidney health for sure.

Control Blood Pressure

Managing blood pressure is essential for protecting the kidneys. Adopt lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress reduction techniques. Medications may also be prescribed to control hypertension.

Monitor Blood Sugar

For individuals with diabetes, maintaining blood sugar levels within a healthy range is crucial to prevent kidney damage. Regular monitoring and adherence to a diabetic-friendly diet are essential components of kidney health management.

Exercise Regularly

Regular physical activity can improve overall health and help manage weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Regular exercise improves lung function, aiding efficient oxygen exchange. Enhanced respiratory capacity lowers CO2 levels in the blood, positively impacting blood gas measurements and overall cardiovascular health.

Of course not everyone is going to go to a gym, nor can do strenuous high intense workouts and isn’t required. There are several types of exercises that are easy for anyone to be able to do.

• Bodyweight Squats
• Wall Push-ups
• Marchiong in Place
• Jumping Jacks
• Sit-ups
• Cycling
• Walking
• Jogging
• Swimming
• Yoga

Consult with your healthcare provider to develop a safe and effective exercise plan based on your individual needs and capabilities.

Avoid Overuse of Over-the-Counter Medications

Certain over-the-counter medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can contribute to kidney damage if used excessively. Consult with your healthcare provider before taking any new medications, especially if you have kidney concerns.

Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol Consumption

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact kidney health. Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake can contribute to overall well-being and support kidney function.

Conclusion to Understanding Kidney Failure

Recognizing the symptoms of kidney failure and taking proactive steps to improve kidney function are crucial for maintaining overall health. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a kidney-friendly diet, staying hydrated, and managing underlying conditions. Individuals can enhance their kidney health and potentially slow the progression of kidney disease. Always consult with a healthcare professional or nephrologist for personalized advice and guidance tailored to your specific health needs.

If you’re not suffering from severe kidney symptoms, creating a custom diet plan is a great option. However, it is always best to have a doctor run lab work to ensure what your levels are before taking a plan of action. My annual physical revealed low kidney function, a little high on my glucose, protein seeping into my urine and an increase CO2 level. My solution was to drop dark liquids, including sodas. I started monitoring my proteins, sodium and phosphorus intake. Then I started doing simple exercise,  mostly walking and increased my water intake to about 48 ounces a day. Now my numbers are great and I feel at least 20 years younger.

Looking at my diet, I realized I have basically started a diet that is close to a Keto. After some research, many people with kidney stones or diagnosed with CKD, have taken to Ketosis. If you would like to know more about eating healthy with a Keto Diet, read this “Press Release“.. This custom diet plan has been working great for me, but I also tried using a supplement that really got my eGFR numbers back. I have been taking a supplement called Kidney Restore for about 6 months and my kidney function numbers went from 32 to 60. That is going from stage 3b CKD to stage 2.