There are many common but easily overlooked symptoms. Below are the most frequently ignored signs of kidney problems:

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1. Difficulty Sleeping

– When the kidneys are not functioning properly, toxins cannot be eliminated and instead accumulate in the blood. This increase in toxins can make it difficult to sleep. This is why poor sleep is linked to a higher risk of kidney dysfunction.

Warning: People with chronic kidney disease often experience sleep apnea—brief pauses in breathing lasting a few seconds to a minute during sleep. After each pause, a loud snort often occurs. Loud snoring can also be a sign that you need a medical checkup.

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2. Headaches, Fatigue, and Weakness

– Healthy kidneys convert Vitamin D to support strong bones and produce a hormone called Erythropoietin (EPO), which stimulates red blood cell production. When kidney function declines, EPO decreases, leading to reduced red blood cells (which carry oxygen), causing rapid fatigue.

Warning: Chronic kidney disease patients often develop anemia. Anemia may begin when kidney function drops to 20–50%. If you rest well and sleep enough but still feel constant fatigue, your kidneys may be impaired.

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3. Dry and Itchy Skin

– Healthy kidneys remove waste and excess fluid from the blood, help produce red blood cells, and maintain proper mineral balance. Dry and itchy skin is a sign of mineral imbalance and may indicate bone or kidney disease.

Warning: If you have dry and itchy skin, drink more water. Always consult a doctor before using dermatological medications, as some ingredients may harm kidney function.

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4. Bad Breath

– When waste builds up in the blood, it can alter the taste of food and cause a metallic-smelling breath. Bad breath is another indication of toxin accumulation. It may also reduce your appetite and make meats unappealing.

Warning: Metallic taste can be caused by allergies or poor oral health. If the condition persists, seek medical advice.

5. Shortness of Breath

– The link between kidney disease and shortness of breath—especially when not exerting yourself—can stem from two reasons: excess fluid circulating into the lungs due to poor kidney function, or anemia reducing oxygen delivery throughout the body.

Warning: Breathlessness has many causes, including kidney failure, asthma, lung cancer, or heart failure. If you frequently run out of breath even during light activity, seek medical attention immediately.

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6. Swelling in Ankles, Feet, and Hands

– Poor kidney function prevents the removal of toxins and leads to sodium retention, causing swelling in the ankles, feet, and hands. Lower-body swelling may also signal heart disease, liver disease, or vein problems.

Warning: Medication or reducing salt intake may help reduce swelling. If swelling does not improve, consult a doctor.

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7. Back Pain

– Kidney failure can cause pain in the lower back, just under the rib cage. Pain may also appear in the front of the groin or hip area. Kidney cysts can also cause back and leg pain.

Tip: Kidney-related back pain often comes with sickness, vomiting, fever, and frequent urination. Regular back pain tends to be localized, sudden, and without fever.

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8. Puffy Eyes

– An early sign of kidney damage is protein appearing in the urine along with persistent puffiness around the eyes. This indicates that the kidneys are leaking large amounts of protein.

Tip: If you rest well but still have protein in your urine and persistent puffy eyes, get checked by a doctor.

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9. High Blood Pressure

– The cardiovascular system and kidneys are closely linked. The kidneys contain tiny nephrons that filter waste and extra fluid from the blood. If blood vessels are damaged, the nephrons cannot receive enough oxygen and nutrients. This is why high blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure.

Tip: Learn to control high blood pressure to prevent kidney disease. Add foods rich in folic acid, which supports red blood cell production and helps prevent anemia.

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10. Changes in Urination

– The kidneys produce urine and remove waste through the urinary tract. Do not ignore changes in frequency, smell, color, or appearance of urine. Noticeable changes include:

– Increased need to urinate, especially at night (4–10 times per day is normal).
– Seeing blood in the urine.
– Foamy or bubbly urine.