Your kidneys are essential for filtering waste, balancing fluids, and keeping your entire body functioning properly.
The problem? Kidney disease often develops quietly. Many people don’t notice anything is wrong until the condition has already progressed. Learning the early signs can help you act before serious complications set in.
1. Constant Fatigue or Low Energy
When kidney function drops, waste products start building up in the bloodstream. This can cause ongoing tiredness, weakness, and difficulty focusing. Kidney disease is also commonly linked to anemia, which makes you feel even more worn out.
2. Difficulty Sleeping
Excess waste in your blood can interfere with the ability to fall asleep or stay asleep. People with kidney problems may also experience sleep apnea, which interrupts breathing repeatedly through the night and prevents deep, restorative rest, according to the National Kidney Foundation.
3. Dry or Itchy Skin
Healthy kidneys help regulate minerals and nutrients. When they struggle to do that, mineral imbalances can lead to dry, itchy skin. This can be a sign of bone and mineral disorders that often appear early in kidney disease.
4. Frequent Urination
Needing to pee more often—especially during the night—can signal that the kidney filters are damaged. Increased urination may be one of the earliest signs that something is wrong.
5. Blood in the Urine
Healthy kidneys normally keep blood cells in your body while filtering out waste. Seeing blood in your urine may signal kidney disease, infections, or kidney stones. It should always be taken seriously.
6. Foamy or Bubbly Urine
If your urine seems unusually foamy—similar to the bubbles you see when beating eggs—it may indicate protein loss. Protein in the urine is a clear warning sign that the kidneys aren’t filtering properly.
7. Swelling in Feet or Ankles
When the kidneys can’t get rid of extra sodium, your body starts retaining fluid. This can cause noticeable swelling in your feet, ankles, and sometimes even your hands or face. It’s a common symptom of kidney issues.
8. Loss of Appetite
A poor appetite might seem harmless, but it can signal early kidney problems. The buildup of toxins in the body can lead to nausea, changes in taste, and reduced desire to eat.
9. Muscle Cramps
Kidney disease can disrupt electrolyte levels, which affects muscle function. Low calcium or imbalanced phosphorus levels may lead to painful or frequent cramps.
10. Puffiness Around the Eyes
Persistent swelling around the eyes can be a sign of protein leaking into the urine—another indication that your kidneys aren’t filtering waste correctly. This can appear early on.
When to Get Medical Advice
If you notice any of these symptoms—especially multiple at once—it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional. Catching kidney problems early can slow or stop further damage and improve your overall wellbeing.
Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, controlling blood pressure, and managing conditions like diabetes can help protect your kidney health over time.