What Are the First Signs of Kidney Disease?

The kidneys filter toxins and metabolic by-products from the blood, and reduced kidney function can lead to poor health and chronic disease. But what are the first signs of kidney disease? 

Early signs of kidney disease can include ammonia breath, meat aversion, nausea, and vomiting. Other symptoms, such as poor concentration, itchiness, loss of appetite, and water retention, may also occur. 

Discover the common causes of kidney disease and associated symptoms, and learn how to support kidney health naturally.

What are the first signs of kidney disease?

Poor kidney function can manifest in several early warning signs. However, kidney disease may share symptoms with other conditions, such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or an enlarged prostate.

Therefore, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider if you suspect kidney issues. A thorough evaluation, including blood tests, urine analysis, and imaging studies, can help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Here are six symptoms of kidney disease.

1. Metallic taste or ammonia breath

Breath that smells like ammonia, which is similar to rotten fish or urine, can indicate that the kidneys aren’t functioning well enough to detoxify and eliminate waste products from the body.

“The kidneys are filter organs, and when they aren’t functioning properly, waste products build up in the blood,” explains Dr. Berg. “This can lead to ammonia breath or a metallic taste known as uremia.”

2. Poor concentration

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been linked to an increased risk of red blood cell disorders, including anemia, which is characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin levels in the blood.

Insufficient red blood cells hinder the effective transport of oxygen to the body’s tissues, including the brain. This oxygen deficiency can result in symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. 

3. Nausea and vomiting

Uremia is a condition in which waste products build up in the blood, typically due to declining renal function linked to kidney disease. 

Uremia can trigger electrolyte imbalances and dysregulate the body’s acid-base levels, which can negatively affect the digestive system and lead to symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

Individuals with CKD may also experience reduced appetite, which can lead to significant weight loss.

4. Meat aversion

Taste changes associated with impaired kidney function can lead to a strong aversion to high-protein foods, particularly meat. 

Additionally, the presence of abnormal levels of protein in the urine, known as proteinuria, is a significant indicator of kidney damage. This condition may further explain why those with CKD often struggle to tolerate meat.

A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that red meat, fish, and poultry were the most unpopular foods among CKD patients on dialysis, a treatment that removes extra fluid and waste from the blood. 

5. Itchiness

Impaired renal function can lead to nerve damage and inflammation, which can trigger severe itchiness, known as pruritus. This condition is often due to the accumulation of toxins and waste products in the bloodstream, which irritate the skin and nervous system.

Dry and itchy skin may also indicate mineral deficiencies, which can occur in those with advanced kidney disease. 

6. Water retention 

In addition to eliminating toxins, the kidneys play a crucial role in regulating and removing excess fluid. 

When the kidneys aren’t functioning properly, fluid can build up, resulting in swelling or puffiness in the hands, feet, or face, also known as edema. 

Watch the video below to learn more about the early signs of kidney disease.

What is kidney disease?

Kidney disease occurs when kidney function is reduced, leading to an inability to filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood effectively. 

This decline in function can result in a buildup of toxins, electrolyte imbalances, and fluid retention, which can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, swelling, and changes in urination patterns. 

As the disease progresses, it can lead to more severe complications, including anemia, mineral and bone disease, and cardiovascular issues.

CKD has several stages, which are determined using a blood test known as the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and a urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) test. 

Data released by the National Kidney Foundation identifies five stages of CKD:

• Stage 1

• Stage 2

• Stage 3a and 3b

• Stage 4

• Stage 5

Stage 1 involves mildly reduced function with possible kidney damage but no symptoms, while stage 2 shows a slight decline in function with minimal impact. 

Stages 3a and 3b indicate moderate to severe kidney impairment with emerging symptoms, and stage 4 signifies significant decline.  

Stage 5 CKD, or end-stage renal disease, is characterized by kidney failure and requires dialysis or a kidney transplant. If left untreated, this condition can lead to life-threatening complications and is ultimately fatal within months to years.

Kidney disease causes and risk factors

Common causes of CKD include hypertension, widely known as high blood pressure, and diabetes, which can damage the delicate blood vessels of the kidneys, leading to impaired renal function. 

Other medical conditions and kidney diseases, including recurrent kidney infections, lupus, polycystic kidney disease, membranous nephropathy, and vesicoureteral reflux, can significantly contribute to the progression of kidney disease. 

These conditions can either directly damage kidney tissue or impair normal kidney function, increasing the risk of CKD and its complications.

Risk factors for CKD include:

• Age 

• Heart disease

• Family history of kidney disease

• Abnormal kidney size

• Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

• Obesity

• Use of tobacco products

• Heavy metal exposure

A diet high in sugar and carbohydrates can elevate the risk of CKD by raising blood glucose levels and contributing to insulin resistance. 

Insulin resistance occurs when the body's cells become less effective at absorbing blood sugar, leading to persistently high glucose levels. This metabolic imbalance is a leading cause of type 2 diabetes, which, in turn, increases the likelihood of developing CKD.

A study published in the American Journal of Nephrology found that “...insulin resistance, as well as compensatory hyperinsulinemia, are independently associated with an increased prevalence of chronic kidney disease.”

What can you do to support kidney health?

To support kidney function, it’s recommended that those with early-stage CKD follow a nutritious, kidney-friendly diet and minimize their exposure to toxins, including alcohol and tobacco products. 

A study published in the Clinical Kidney Journal found that a carb-restricted ketogenic diet has therapeutic potential for CKD, which is commonly caused by poor metabolic health and diabetes.

The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, moderate-protein, and high-fat diet that aims to put the body in ketosis, the metabolic state of fat-burning. 

Ketosis is achieved by lowering carbohydrate intake to between 20 and 50 grams of net carbs daily. This is linked to several benefits, including better glycemic control and increased insulin sensitivity, which is associated with improved kidney health and a lower risk of CKD.

Additionally, optimal potassium intake is protective against disease progression in the early stages of CKD. 

Healthy Keto® is an advanced form of a low-carb diet that focuses on seven to ten cups of salad or four cups of non-starchy vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or asparagus, daily to meet potassium requirements. 

Individuals with impaired kidney function may have difficulty processing excessive amounts of protein, making a moderate-protein diet, such as keto, a potentially suitable option.

This approach helps manage protein intake while still providing essential nutrients, reducing the strain on the kidneys.

In addition, avoiding high oxalate foods, such as beets, cereal grains, spinach, beans, and almonds, may also help reduce kidney damage. Oxalates bind with minerals, such as calcium, in the kidneys, increasing the risk of kidney stones and acute kidney disease.

However, individuals with CKD should discuss any dietary changes with a kidney specialist. A healthcare provider can tailor dietary recommendations based on the stage of kidney disease, ensuring that nutritional needs are met while minimizing potential complications.

When to see a doctor

If you notice symptoms of impaired kidney function, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider immediately. 

Early detection with blood, urine, and imaging tests can help prevent the progression of advanced end-stage kidney disease or kidney failure. 

Individuals with conditions that increase the risk of CKD, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, may remain asymptomatic until the disease has significantly progressed. This lack of early symptoms can delay diagnosis and intervention, making regular monitoring essential for those at risk. 

Key takeaways

What are the first signs of kidney disease? Several symptoms can indicate kidney disease, including bad breath, nausea, aversion to protein-rich foods, itching, and water retention in the hands and feet.

If you notice signs of CKD or believe you may be at increased risk for impaired kidney function, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and guidance on the next steps.

FAQ

1. What are the first signs of kidney disease?

Trouble concentrating, dry and itchy skin, and poor appetite can be early warning signs of kidney disease. In addition, symptoms such as swelling, nausea, protein aversion, and a metallic taste can also be linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD). 

2. What is the best thing to drink for your kidneys?

Staying well hydrated with plain water is the best drink to support healthy kidney function. Additionally, individuals prone to kidney stones may benefit from lemon water, as its citrate content helps alkalize urine and reduce kidney stone formation.

3. What causes kidney damage?

A diet high in refined sugars and carbohydrates, as well as smoking and alcohol intake, can hinder the kidneys' ability to filter waste effectively, ultimately leading to reduced kidney function.

Certain conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, frequent use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and a family history of kidney disease, can also increase your risk of renal damage and disease.

4. How do you know if your kidneys are healthy?

Blood and urine tests are the most accurate methods to determine if you have healthy kidneys. 

Blood tests analyze the kidneys' glomerular filtration rate, which evaluates how well they filter waste. Urine tests check for albumin, a protein that isn’t typically present in urine unless there’s kidney damage or dysfunction.

5. Can you live a long life with kidney disease?

Yes, many people diagnosed with CKD can live long lives with the right treatment plan. However, some cases develop into advanced stages of kidney failure, highlighting the importance of making appropriate lifestyle and dietary changes.

Maintaining a healthy weight, following a kidney-friendly, low-carb diet, and avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption are crucial steps in managing kidney health and slowing disease progression.

Sources

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8409134/ 

2. https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/stages-chronic-kidney-disease-ckd 

3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16733348/ 

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10768757/