The onset of Kidney problems is often slow and very subtle, often too subtle for most people to take any real note. It is our experience that most people ignore or mask symptoms.

One reads and hears a lot about the liver and fortunately for us it can regenerate itself quite easily – given the right set of circumstances and unlike the liver there are two kidneys. We can exist well with one kidney and indeed some people are born with one kidney and are fine.

It is easy to buy the urine sticks – these are strips of various colours and when you pee on them they will change colour. The tube of strips has a colour chart that will enable you to check the colour after a specific allocated length of time. Do this on a regular basis. If in doubt over any colour see your doctor and request a blood test.

These signs and symptoms could be signs of kidneys struggling but not necessarily they are also signs of other things. It is possible there is an infection of the kidneys or bladder.

Puffiness – especially under the eyes, ankles, wrists, hands, etc

Urine – any change in your urine for instance

Dark

Blood

Cloudy

Odorous

Changes -

Discomfort

Less or more urination than is normal for you

Itchiness or irritation

A feeling of wanting to urinate but there is little urine

Burning sensation

Then there is –

High blood pressure could be a sign but not necessarily

Back pain – could a disc or muscular problem but don’t dismiss the possibility that your kidneys are trying to tell you something. The kidneys are situated above the waist toward the back, protected by the back of the rib cage.

Chronic  Dehydration – the type where you drink too much soda, alcohol, coffee and tea etc as they all act as diuretics, and maybe consume too much sugar all causing irritation and inflammation. Drink more hydrating fluids however too much water consumption is not a good idea either.

Having muscles cramps could be a sign

If you have doubts about the health of your kidneys – the urine strips are simple to do or see your doctor for a blood test.

As always prevention is better –

Hydrate – very important

If you eat a high protein – this causes your kidneys a lot of stress and encourages extra dehydration

Most people know too much salt is stressful to the kidneys

An acidic body – from a type western diet causes the kidneys more stress

Keep your kidneys covered and protected, in Traditional Chinese Medicine it is important that the kidneys are protected from any drafts and the cold.  For instance sleeping with an exposed back in an air conditioned room or with the fan on, is fairly typical.

Kidney tonics – parsley and nettles

Tags: dark urine, inflammation, kidney disease, puffiness, swollen ankles, symptoms, urine sticks