Consider: What are the symptoms when your kidneys aren't working properly?

When the kidneys malfunction , the body deteriorates and goes into crisis. This is due to the accumulation of waste, fluids, and mineral imbalances that this organ cannot properly eliminate or regulate. Therefore, it is essential not to ignore the body's warnings and monitor the symptoms.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), these are the main symptoms that show that the kidneys are failing. ▪️ Sharp pain in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin. ▪️ Presence of blood in the urine (pink, red, or brown), known as hematuria. ▪️ Constant need to urinate. ▪️ Pain when urinating. ▪️ Inability to urinate or only being able to urinate a small amount. ▪️ Cloudy or foul-smelling urine. ▪️ Nausea and vomiting. ▪️ Fever and chills (may indicate an associated infection).

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What happens if kidney failure is not treated?

If the early symptoms of kidney failure are not treated, the disease can progress to more severe stages with multiple complications affecting almost every organ and system in the body. MedlinePlus explains what other consequences you may experience. ▪️Fluid retention causing swelling in the extremities, high blood pressure, and pulmonary edema, making it difficult to breathe. ▪️A dangerous increase in potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia), which can affect heart function and be life-threatening. ▪️Anemia due to decreased production of red blood cells, causing fatigue and weakness. ▪️Cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, cardiac enlargement, arrhythmias, and pericarditis. ▪️Bone weakening and pain due to alterations in the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone, increasing the risk of fractures. ▪️Accumulation of uremic toxins affecting the central nervous system, causing confusion, difficulty concentrating, seizures, and personality changes.

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How can you take care of your kidneys?

To avoid more serious problems, you can take some preventative measures that are easy to implement on a daily basis. ▪️Stay hydrated: Drinking between 1.5 and 2 liters of water a day helps eliminate toxins.

▪️Control blood pressure: High blood pressure is one of the main causes of kidney damage, so it's essential to maintain blood pressure at healthy levels.

▪️Control blood sugar levels: Excess glucose damages the blood vessels in the kidneys, so it's important to control diabetes and maintain adequate blood sugar levels.

▪️Adopt a healthy diet: Reduce salt and processed foods, moderate protein intake, and incorporate fruits and vegetables.