5 early signs of kidney disease

The kidneys play an important role in eliminating harmful toxins from the body. If the kidneys are impaired and do not function well, one can experience a series of symptoms. Chronic kidney disease can be caused due to several factors, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, unhealthy lifestyle choices, and abnormal kidney structure. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of any early signs of kidney disease or changes in the body.

Frequent urination
According to doctors, urinating 8 to 10 times a day is a normal bowel movement. However, if one finds themselves running to the bathroom frequently throughout the day, this may indicate kidney dysfunction. Also, one of the early signs of kidney disease is urinating in the middle of the night. When the filters of the kidneys are not able to function properly, the urge to urinate increases. 

Swollen ankles
When the kidney function is compromised, there can be sodium retention in the body. This retention can cause the swelling of ankles and feet. Swelling in the lower extremities can also lead to other health issues like heart disease, chronic leg vein issues, and even liver problems.

Muscle cramping
As the kidneys shut down, the organ fails to filter and remove toxins and excess fluid from the body. This leads to changes in the electrolyte imbalance, further causing muscle cramps. This happens because there is low calcium in the body, and the phosphorus is poorly controlled. As the disease progresses, one can also experience mobility limitations, vulnerability to complications, and loss of functional abilities. 

Puffiness around the eyes
This symptom may go easily unnoticed as it may mimic other health conditions. However, one must note that puffy eyes are often associated with kidney disease. As the kidneys fail to function optimally, the filters are impaired, too. Therefore, the protein starts leaking in excess in the urine, causing puffiness.

Changes in urine color
Kidneys produce urine. If they are damaged, the color of the urine may change to brown, dark yellow, or purple. In some cases, one can also see blood in urine. Unhealthy kidneys cannot retain the blood cells in the body. Therefore, the blood slowly starts to leak into the urine. Blood in urine may also indicate tumors, kidney stones, or other infections.