The biggest indicator of kidney disease isn't a single symptom but rather a combination of lab results, primarily a low eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) and protein in the urine (proteinuria), detected through blood and urine tests, as early signs often have no obvious symptoms. Key signs to watch for include frequent nighttime urination, foamy urine, swelling in extremities, fatigue, and high blood pressure, but these usually appear in later stages.
Causes of low gfr in adults
Symptoms of CKD
At a more advanced stage, symptoms can include: tiredness. swollen ankles, feet or hands. shortness of breath.
High doses of NSAIDs and/or long-term use of them can cause renal impairment as well as other problems. In most cases, discontinuing NSAIDs can reverse the damage. However, continued use after the development of kidney damage or nephropathy (deterioration of the kidneys) may lead to chronic kidney disease.
The top 10 drugs commonly linked to kidney damage
Some research shows that ibuprofen may have a lower risk of causing kidney problems than naproxen. And celecoxib (Celebrex) may have a lower risk than all other NSAIDs.
To strengthen your kidneys, focus on a healthy lifestyle: stay hydrated with water, eat a balanced diet low in salt and processed foods, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, while also managing blood pressure and blood sugar to prevent damage.
Protect Kidney Health: 5 Foods to Avoid with Kidney Disease
The kidneys can often recover from alcohol damage. Studies show that kidney-related problems caused by alcohol may resolve with four weeks of abstinence. While the kidneys can heal quite well once heavy alcohol use is removed, there may be situations where the stress is so great that it causes lasting damage.
Later stages of CKD
Symptoms can include: weight loss and poor appetite. swollen ankles, feet or hands – as a result of water retention (oedema) shortness of breath.
Changes in your sleep pattern
Sometimes patients who have CKD are more tired than usual. They tend to fall asleep earlier than their normal bedtime or nap during the day. If you feel that a nap can help you, limit your nap time.
Fatigue becomes worrisome when it lasts over a couple of weeks without relief, disrupts daily activities, comes on suddenly without a clear cause, or is accompanied by "red flag" symptoms like unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, fever, unusual bleeding, severe headaches, or chest pain, indicating a need to see a doctor promptly. It's crucial to seek medical advice if rest, good nutrition, and stress management don't improve your energy levels.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the top culprits damaging kidneys most, as they harm the delicate filtering blood vessels, leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and failure; other major factors include smoking, obesity, dehydration, poor diet (high sugar/salt/red meat), certain medications (NSAIDs), lack of sleep, and genetic conditions. These factors create a cycle where damaged kidneys worsen blood pressure, further damaging them.
In the general population, approximately 38% of adults aged 70 or older have an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, with most having moderate reductions in eGFR in the 30-59 ml/min/1.73 m2 range (1).
You notice multiple symptoms of kidney issues, such as fatigue, swelling, changes in urination, or persistent nausea. Routine blood or urine tests indicate abnormal kidney function (elevated creatinine, reduced GFR, or protein in the urine).
Swiss chard, spinach, and beet greens. There are many green, leafy vegetables that people following a renal diet may need to avoid or limit due to their high potassium content. This is the case for Swiss chard, spinach, and beet greens. For example, a cup of raw Swiss chard contains 136 mg of potassium.
Sleeping on Your Back: While sleeping on your back is not the best position for everyone, it is highly recommended for kidney patients. This position allows the body to maintain a natural alignment, placing less pressure on the kidneys.
Best Foods for Kidney Health
Here's a breakdown of the six most common supplements people with CKD may need to support kidney health.
Acute kidney failure can be caused by factors like severe dehydration, infections, or blockages. The good news is that with the right treatment, it's often possible to reverse kidney disease in these cases. Your kidneys can return to normal function after the underlying issue is resolved.
You can check kidney function at home using at-home test kits for urine (detecting protein/albumin) or finger-prick blood tests (checking creatinine/eGFR), often with smartphone apps for analysis, or by monitoring symptoms like increased nighttime urination (nocturia), swelling, or changes in urine (blood, foam) and discussing results with a doctor, as home tests screen but don't replace professional diagnosis.
Over-the-counter NSAIDS
They are not safe to use when you have kidney disease. Ibuprofen, such as Advil™ and Motrin™. Naproxen, such as Aleve™ and Naprosyn™. Aspirin for pain relief.
While there's no single "strongest," Omega-3 fatty acids (from fatty fish) and curcumin (from turmeric) are consistently cited as highly potent natural anti-inflammatories, alongside powerful antioxidants from fruits and vegetables like blueberries, plus herbs like ginger and garlic, all working to reduce inflammation pathways. A comprehensive anti-inflammatory diet emphasizes these foods, though Omega-3s and curcumin often stand out for their significant impact.
The directions recommend that adults take one pill every eight to 12 hours as needed, not to exceed three pills (600 mg of naproxen) in a 24-hour period. If one pill doesn't adequately resolve pain, you can take two pills within the first hour (but don't take more than two pills in any eight to 12-hour window).