Many assume that the only function of the kidneys is to filter waste from the body. However, kidneys are responsible for much more than that. They play a crucial role in maintaining adequate levels of acid, water, and electrolytes in the body. Kidneys also activate Vitamin D, remove toxins, regulate blood pressure, and produce the hormone Erythropoietin. If a kidney is damaged, it can directly impact all these functions, leading to different kidney diseases.

Causes and risk factors
Kidney diseases are those short-term, long-term, or chronic conditions that damage a part or the whole kidney. Partial damage can lead to inefficient functioning of the kidneys and other complications. In contrast, damage to the entire kidney can lead to kidney failure, requiring regular dialysis or a kidney transplant. Kidney diseases are associated with multiple comorbidities. Here are a few causes of kidney disease:

• Diabetes is one of the biggest causes of kidney disease, as about 30% of people with diabetes are likely to develop kidney disease.
• Hypertension causes the arteries to become weak and narrow, which cannot deliver adequate blood to the kidney, damaging the kidney tissues.
• Cardiovascular diseases such as angina, stroke, and heart failure can have a negative impact on the heart’s ability to function properly. This can result in increased pressure in the veins connected to the kidneys, leading to a reduction in the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the kidneys. As a result, the kidney tissues and cells may start to deteriorate, which can lead to various kidney diseases.
• Some treatments contain substances that cannot be broken down during filtering. They settle in the kidney as residue, and block urine flow. This blocked urine flow can cause damage to the kidneys.
• Other significant causes of kidney disease include injury, dehydration, sepsis, or enlarged prostate.

Signs and symptoms
In most cases, kidney disease may go unnoticed as there are no visible symptoms. The symptoms may intensify as the disease advances. Some early warning signs and symptoms of kidney disease include:

• Increase in the frequency of urination
• Frequent urination in the night disrupts one’s sleep
• Discolored urine
• Blood in the urine
• Frothy urine
• Swelling in the ankles and legs
• Pain around the area where the kidneys are located
• Hypertension

As the disease advances and the kidneys don’t function as effectively, it causes an imbalance in the levels of minerals, salts, and electrolytes in the blood as they begin to accumulate in the blood. Symptoms that are common in advanced kidney disease include:

• Poor or no appetite
• Exhaustion
• Difficulty in concentration
• Feeling unwell all the time
• Frequent infections and fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Continuous itching
• Breathlessness
• Metallic aftertaste from toxin accumulation

Effective treatment methods
Doctors diagnose kidney disease using urine and blood tests to detect any abnormal presence of toxins, chemicals, salts, and electrolytes in the blood or urine. They also use imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasound, and CT and MRI scans to check the size of the kidneys and the extent of damage and to have a clearer view of the urinary tract and kidneys. They may do a biopsy if tests indicate the presence of tumors or cancerous cells.

In the case of early detection of kidney disease, doctors suggest prescription treatments to improve kidney function. However, if the kidney is more than 90% damaged, doctors recommend dialysis. During dialysis, doctors remove waste products from the kidney.

In cases of severe kidney disease or kidney failure, transplantation is the only option to restore normal kidney function. This involves transplanting a healthy kidney from a live or deceased donor.

Natural remedies
Kidney diseases can lead to many complications like chemical, salt, and electrolyte imbalance, fluid retention, hypertension, osteoporosis, weakened immunity, anemia, gout, metabolic acidosis, GI issues, and sexual dysfunction. Along with regular treatment, some lifestyle changes and natural remedies can prevent the worsening of the disease. One can make the following lifestyle changes to manage the condition:

• Developing healthy sleeping patterns
• Limiting salt and sugar
• Increased intake of kidney-friendly foods
• Avoiding or limiting caffeine intake
• Staying away from processed foods and meat products
• Eating smaller but frequent meals
• Being physically active as much as possible
• Frequent urination, nausea, or vomiting can cause dehydration. Hence, drinking adequate fluids like water, cranberry or apple juice, or probiotics can help keep the body hydrated. Consuming Vitamin C can help boost immunity and protect tissues from further damage.
• One must avoid taking any supplements without the consent of the doctors. It is important to know that uncertified products aggravate the symptoms and worsen the damage to the kidneys.