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Kidney health is often overlooked, but it's vital to your overall well-being because properly functioning kidneys help filter out toxins and restore vitamins to your bloodstream. Unfortunately, kidney damage is common and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , 37 million people are living with kidney disease and if left untreated can lead to serious health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and early death. Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with Sean Marchese, MS, RN, a registered nurse at The Mesothelioma Center with a background in oncology clinical trials and over 15 years of direct patient care experience who shares signs of kidney damage to watch out for. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

Marchese tells us, " The kidneys help filter out toxins and waste from the blood. When your kidneys are damaged, high levels of dangerous byproducts can poison the blood and begin to affect many other sensitive organs. Kidney failure can develop rapidly and become fatal without immediate and intensive care."

Marchese says, " Kidney failure can occur after traumatic physical injury to the lower back or if another medical condition blocks the flow to your kidneys. If a blockage in your ureters prevents urination, this can also cause a dangerous build-up in the kidneys. Blood clots and immune infections, such as lupus, are common causes of kidney damage." 6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

According to the Mayo Clinic , " Chronic kidney disease occurs when a disease or condition impairs kidney function, causing kidney damage to worsen over several months or years. Diseases and conditions that cause chronic kidney disease include:

According to Marchese, " You can reduce your risk of kidney damage by avoiding high levels of over-the-counter medications that damage the kidneys, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and other pain medications. You should also undergo regular diabetes and blood pressure screenings with your primary care doctor and maintain a healthy lifestyle."

"This sign could indicate a blockage somewhere in the urinary tract," Marchese says. "If left untreated, urinary waste can back up and create high levels of toxins within the kidneys. Kidney stones, blood clots and an enlarged prostate are common signs of urinary difficulty."

Marchese explains, " Because the kidneys help filter out toxins from the blood for waste, a regular sign of kidney damage is retaining fluid. The most common sites of fluid retention are in the legs, known as edema. You may also notice fluid retention in the fingers, hands or abdomen. If you notice pressure marks that take time to disappear, you should talk to your doctor about potential signs of kidney damage."

Marchese says, " Kidney damage can cause issues in the cardiac and respiratory systems when the kidneys cannot regulate blood pressure. High blood pressure can make breathing difficult or cause the heart to work harder, leading to palpitations or an irregular heart rhythm." 

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