The easy answer to that question would be any time you’re not having any disruptive health symptoms that indicate kidney damage. However, not having symptoms is not always an indication of healthy kidneys. In many cases, kidney damage and conditions like chronic kidney disease can start developing much before the symptoms start showing. So, what are the signs of a healthy kidney? And how do you make sure you are taking appropriate care of your kidney health? Let’s answer both these questions and understand the most important identifiers of a healthy kidney.

What Are The Signs of Healthy Kidney?

Symptoms are a good identifier to understanding if you have any health problems with your kidneys or not. However, they don’t actually tell you anything about when your kidneys are, in fact, healthy. There are actually ways you can determine whether your efforts of maintaining your health are bringing the results you want them to or not. Here are some of the ways you can easily determine whether your kidneys are healthy or not at home.

• Urine Health

Your urine is the most important indicator of your kidney health. If you notice that your urine is clear and the consistency, colour, and smell of your urine is the same as what you usually experience, it is a sign of good kidney health. Any change to your urine colour, smell, or consistency warrants a check-up with your urologist as a change in urine colour, especially, can be a sign of kidney damage. However, please remember that seasonal or occasional changes to your urine colour, consistency, and smell can be normal. Monitor your urine closely for a few days and if the changes persist, please consult your urologist.

• Normal Urine Frequency

Urination frequency changes as you age, that’s normal. However, sudden changes in your need to urinate or having to urinate multiple times at night can be a sign of kidney damage. If you are having a consistent urinary frequency or you are not experiencing any change to your urinary urgency, it can be a good sign of healthy kidneys. Keep a note of your daily urinary frequencies to keep a close check on your kidney health. If you notice an increase that’s persistent, it may be time to discuss it with your urologist.

• No Inflammation or Puffiness In Your Body

Kidney damage can affect your appearance significantly. It often leads to inflammation and puffiness in different parts of your body. Inflammation under your eyes and in your lower body are the most common signs of kidney damage. So, if you don’t have these inflammations, it can be a sign of healthy kidneys. Do note that inflammation under your eyes can be a common occurrence after you wake up. However, if the inflammation does not subside during the course of the day or it is persistent and feels more than usual, you may need to talk to your urologist.

• Good Sleep

Sleep is a good indicator of your health in general. So, if you are having sleep problems or consistently bad quality of sleep, your kidneys could be the cause. Even though sleep can be affected by various mental health problems like stress and anxiety, your kidney health can affect your sleep too. Kidneys filter out the toxins in your body. When the kidneys are unable to do so anymore, one of the areas of your life that gets affected first, is your sleep. So, if you are having sleep problems with no possible explanation, your kidney health could be a reason for the problems. Make sure you discuss the problems with your urologist, if this is the case for you.

• Clear & Healthy Skin

The proper filtering of toxins from your blood is essential for your skin to be clear and healthy. If your kidneys are unable to function properly, it will most commonly start showing on your skin with your skin becoming dry and itchy. Breakouts and acne are also possible if you have kidney problems. If you have clear and healthy skin that’s naturally moisturised and healthy, you can rest assured that your kidney health is optimal.

• No Muscle Cramps

Physical symptoms like muscle cramps are common for patients who have kidney problems. If you have healthy muscles and do not experience regular muscle cramps, it is a sign of healthy kidneys. The occasional muscle cramps caused due to physical activities is common but regular muscle cramps in the lower body can be a sign of kidney damage. Be sure to talk to your urologist regarding any persistent cramps you may be experiencing.

How To Best Take Care of Your Kidney?

Now that you know about the signs of a healthy kidney, here are some of the best ways you can take care of your kidney. These lifestyle changes will help you maintain your kidney health and even improve your overall health in general.

• Hydration: When it comes to your renal health, being hydrated is one of the best ways to keep your kidneys healthy. As an adult, make sure you are drinking enough water everyday of at least two litres to keep your kidneys functioning optimally. It will also help you get other health benefits.
   
• Regular exercising: Exercising has countless benefits for your health, and if you need one more reason to get started, it helps keep your kidneys healthy. Regular exercising has the potential to manage your blood sugar and blood pressure levels, both of which are essential to keep your risk of kidney damage low.
   
• Eat well: A well-balanced diet is crucial for your kidney health. Everything from whole grains, legumes, seeds, nuts, and beans should be a part of your regular diet. This is one of the best ways to take care of your kidneys and it is the easiest thing to start your journey towards better health. Eating healthy is also one of the first things doctors recommend as a part of kidney stone treatment. So make sure you start early to prevent kidney stones in the first place.
   
• No smoking: Smoking damages the blood vessels in your body and as such puts a lot of pressure on your kidneys, which increases your risk of kidney damage. If you quit smoking, it can help you keep your kidneys healthier along with lowering your risk of other associated health concerns.

Conclusion

These are some of the best ways to know if your kidneys are healthy or not and how you can keep them healthy. Kidneys play an essential role in maintaining your overall health and wellness, so make sure you are taking care of your kidneys well. To learn more about kidney health, you can consult the best urologist in Delhi only at MASSH. Check out our website to learn more about urology at MASSH or visit us today to consult with our specialists.