Your kidneys work around the clock to keep you healthy, filtering waste from your blood and making urine. But sometimes they need help, and one of the first ways they ask for it is through changes in your wee. Here are five warning signs you shouldn’t ignore.
1. Foamy or Bubbly Urine
If your urine looks like it’s got soap suds in it, this could mean there’s too much protein getting through your kidneys. Healthy kidneys should keep protein in your blood, not let it leak into your wee. A few bubbles now and then is normal, but if it happens regularly and doesn’t go away, it’s worth checking with your doctor.
2. Blood in Your Urine
Finding blood in your wee can be scary, and rightly so. It might look pink, red, or cola-coloured. Sometimes you can’t even see it without a special test. Blood in urine can happen for many reasons, from infections to kidney stones, but it always needs checking out. Don’t wait – see your GP straight away.
3. Very Dark or Tea-Coloured Urine
Healthy wee should be pale yellow, like weak lemonade. If yours looks more like strong tea or gets very dark, your kidneys might be struggling. This could mean they’re not filtering properly or that you’re very dehydrated. Dark urine that doesn’t get lighter when you drink more water needs medical attention.
4. Frequent Trips to the Loo at Night
Getting up once during the night for a wee is normal, especially as we get older. But if you’re up three or four times every night, your kidneys might be working overtime. This happens when they can’t concentrate urine properly during the day, so they keep working whilst you’re trying to sleep.
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5. Swelling Around Your Eyes and Ankles
When your kidneys aren’t working well, fluid can build up in your body instead of being removed as urine. You might notice puffiness around your eyes in the morning or swelling in your feet and ankles by evening. Your clothes might feel tighter, or your rings might not fit properly.
What Should You Do?
If you spot any of these signs, don’t panic but don’t ignore them either. Book an appointment with your GP for a simple urine test and blood test to check how well your kidneys are working. The sooner kidney problems are found, the better they can be managed.
Remember, many things can affect your kidneys – from diabetes and high blood pressure to certain medicines and infections. The good news is that catching problems early often means they can be treated successfully.
Keep drinking plenty of water, eat a balanced diet, and don’t ignore what your body is telling you. Your kidneys are too important to take chances with, and your wee might just be their way of asking for help.