Chronic Kidney Disease: Warning Signs, Causes, and Remedies

The kidneys are one of the body’s primary toxin and waste removal organs, helping to filter water, salts, urea, and other metabolic by-products from the blood. 

Chronic kidney disease is characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function, often resulting in symptoms such as ammonia-like breath and aversion to protein-rich foods.

Discover the early warning signs of chronic kidney disease and learn how to support kidney health naturally to reduce your risk of impaired renal function. 

What is chronic kidney disease?

The kidneys are critical organs with four primary functions: removing waste through urine, maintaining the body’s electrolyte and fluid balance, regulating blood pressure, and stimulating the production of red blood cells. 

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) impairs normal kidney function and compromises their filter capacity, thereby preventing effective waste and fluid removal from the blood. 

CKD is categorized into several stages depending on severity:

• Stage 1

• Stage 2

• Stage 3a and 3b

• Stage 4

• Stage 5

According to the National Kidney Foundation, stage 1 and stage 2 CKD are characterized by mildly reduced function and kidney damage, such as recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs), for three months or longer. 

Stages 3a and 3b of CKD refer to moderate to severe kidney impairment with noticeable symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, and nausea. Stage 4 CKD is evidenced by a significant decline in renal function and health complications.  

Stage 5 CKD, or end-stage renal disease, can lead to kidney failure and requires dialysis treatment or a kidney transplant. If left untreated, stage 5 CKD is typically fatal within months to years.

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

Warning signs of chronic kidney disease

CKD can present with several warning signs. However, these symptoms can mimic other digestive and kidney diseases, such as UTIs, an enlarged prostate, kidney stones, or gastroparesis.

Here are six warning signs of kidney disease.

1. Nocturia

Nocturia, a condition that disrupts sleep due to an increased need to urinate, is a common symptom of kidney damage. 

Reduced kidney function impedes the body’s ability to concentrate urine, which causes the bladder to quickly fill with diluted urine, resulting in frequent waking during the night.

Nightly bathroom visits are also associated with diabetes, a disease closely linked to CKD.

2. Metallic taste or ammonia-like breath

When the kidneys are damaged, their ability to filter and eliminate waste is reduced, causing metabolic by-products such as urea to accumulate in the body. 

This can lead to ammonia-like breath, which smells similar to rotten fish, or a lingering metallic taste in the mouth. 

3. Nausea, vomiting, and weight loss

Increased toxin build-up, also known as uremia, is linked to fluid overload, electrolyte imbalances, and dysregulation of the body’s acid-base levels, resulting in metabolic abnormalities and symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

Those affected by CKD may also experience weight loss due to reduced appetite and food aversions. 

Patients with kidney disease frequently report taste changes, particularly a reduced tolerance for high-protein foods such as meat.

4. Itchiness

Impaired renal function and the resulting buildup of toxins in the body can cause nerve damage and inflammation, which can lead to skin irritation. 

This explains why CKD often results in pruritus, a condition marked by dry, itchy skin due to the accumulation of waste products in the bloodstream.

5. Edema 

The kidneys help regulate water and electrolyte balance in the blood by removing excess fluid, and reduced kidney function can quickly lead to fluid retention and edema. 

CKD-related fluid retention can lead to swelling or puffiness in the hands, feet, or face, particularly under the eyes. 

In advanced cases, pulmonary edema, a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs, can occur, causing breathing difficulties and potentially life-threatening complications.

6. Frothy urine

Frothy, foamy, or bubbly urine indicates excess urinary protein levels, a key warning sign of kidney damage. 

Proteinuria is the presence of excess protein in the urine, often caused by damage to the kidneys' tiny filter units, known as glomeruli.

Glomeruli damage inhibits the kidneys’ ability to filter and retain proteins, which can cause their spillover into the urine, leading to various changes to urinary output. 

Causes and risk factors

Diabetes and hypertension, widely known as high blood pressure, are the primary causes of CKD, as both of these conditions directly damage the delicate blood vessels of the kidneys.

“One of the biggest causes of kidney damage is pre-diabetes and diabetes,” explains Dr. Berg. “Chronically elevated glucose stiffens renal blood vessels and damages the glomeruli filters.” 

Additionally, certain diseases and conditions, such as kidney infections, recurring UTIs, and polycystic kidney disease, can lead to an increased risk of poor renal function and CKD. 

Other risk factors for chronic kidney disease include:

• Advanced age 

• Family history of kidney diseases

• Long-term use of prescriptions, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

• Obesity

• Heart disease

• Smoking 

• Heavy metal exposure

A diet high in processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and sugars can also contribute to CKD by increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. 

High-carb, high-sugar diets contribute to chronically elevated blood glucose levels. This greatly increases the risk of insulin resistance due to a constant overproduction of insulin to manage blood sugar balance. 

Insulin resistance develops when cells become less responsive to insulin, which impairs blood sugar control and eventually results in type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

A study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology reports that diabetes is the leading cause of CKD, and approximately 30 percent of individuals with type 1 diabetes and 40 percent of those with type 2 diabetes develop CKD.

The researchers also found that early detection and treatment of hyperglycemia and high blood pressure significantly reduced kidney damage and the risk of diabetic kidney disease.

Natural ways to support kidney health

Minimizing exposure to environmental toxins, following a nutritious diet, and staying hydrated are key factors in supporting kidney health, reducing the risk of renal disease, and slowing the rate of CKD progression. 

Here are six ways to support kidney health naturally. 

1. Minimize toxin exposure

Exposure to toxins, including alcohol, tobacco, heavy metals, and herbicides, such as glyphosate, is associated with organ damage, impaired detoxification processes, and neurodegeneration. 

Minimizing exposure to environmental toxins and contaminants helps reduce the strain on the kidneys, allowing them to more effectively detoxify the blood by removing waste and impurities. This can lower the risk of CKD and other related health conditions.

2. Avoid refined carbohydrates and sugars

Diets high in refined carbohydrates and sugars are linked to several conditions that increase the risk of CKD, including diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.

Following a nutritious, low-carb diet, such as Healthy Keto®, eliminates ultra-processed foods, sugars, and carbs, which supports metabolic health and optimal kidney function.

The keto diet pushes the body into ketosis, the metabolic state of fat-burning, which may lower the risk of CKD by improving glycemic control and insulin sensitivity.

A study published in the BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care concluded, “There is a considerable body of research suggesting that a very low carbohydrate ketogenic diet is safe in individuals with moderately diminished kidney function...carbohydrate-restricted diets may be beneficial in improving moderate kidney dysfunction and in reducing progression of CKD.”

3. Consume moderate amounts of high-quality protein

Individuals with CKD or impaired kidney function are advised to limit their protein intake, especially from animal sources, as excessive protein can strain the kidneys.

Diseased kidneys cannot effectively remove by-products of protein metabolism, which can build up in the blood and cause nausea, taste changes, and food aversions. 

Keto is a moderate-protein diet that aims for no more than three to six ounces of meat per meal, making it an ideal dietary pattern for those with poor kidney function or CKD.

4. Adjust potassium intake 

During early-stage kidney disease, adequate potassium intake may have renoprotective effects and can help reduce disease progression.

It’s recommended that Healthy Keto dieters consume seven to ten cups of leafy greens or four cups of non-starchy vegetables daily to meet potassium requirements. 

Cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and kale, are excellent options for CKD patients, as they’re good potassium sources and help excrete excess uric acid from the body, reducing strain on the kidney.

However, those with end-stage kidney disease or kidney failure should avoid excess potassium and phosphorus intake, as the kidneys are no longer able to effectively regulate these minerals.

5. Avoid high oxalate foods

Avoiding high-oxalate foods, such as beet leaves, grains, spinach, beans, chocolate, and almonds, may also help reduce damage in those with kidney disease. 

Oxalates are organic acids that bind with minerals, such as calcium, in the kidneys, increasing the risk of kidney stone formation, renal infections, and CKD.

6. Stay hydrated

Arginine vasopressin (AVP), also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or vasopressin, is a hormone that plays a vital role in the kidneys’ ability to regulate water and sodium levels. 

High levels of AVP have been shown to increase the risk of CKD progression. However, optimal water intake suppresses plasma levels of AVP, which may help minimize kidney damage. 

A study published in Electrolytes & Blood Pressure found that those with higher fluid intake were at significantly lower risk of developing CKD than those consuming inadequate amounts of water. 

When to see a doctor 

Information related to CKD should be discussed with a healthcare provider to determine suitability based on individual health needs.

If you are concerned about your renal health or notice warning signs of reduced kidney function, consult your healthcare provider for testing and diagnosis. 

Early detection with blood tests, such as the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or a urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) test, can help identify kidney dysfunction in its early stages, allowing for timely intervention to slow progression and manage the condition more effectively.

Additionally, those with hypertension or diabetes should undergo regular testing, as these conditions are associated with a significantly increased risk of CKD. 

Key takeaways

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs with a loss of kidney function and can lead to severe complications, kidney failure, and death without treatment. 

Signs of CKD include nausea, ammonia-like breath, nocturia, and itchy skin. Frothy urine and water retention may also occur in advanced stages.

Minimizing toxin exposure, maintaining a nutritious low-carb diet, and drinking adequate amounts of water can support healthy kidney function, reduce renal damage, and help slow disease progression in individuals at risk of CKD.

FAQ

1. What is the first sign of chronic kidney disease?

One of the first signs of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is nocturia, or frequent urinating at night. Frequent urination may indicate that the kidneys are struggling to concentrate urine properly, leading to an increased need to eliminate waste and fluids during the night. 

Other early warning signs of CKD include a metallic taste in the mouth, itchiness, and ammonia breath.

2. What causes chronic kidney disease?

High blood pressure, diabetes, recurrent kidney infections, and polycystic kidney disease can harm the kidneys, impairing their ability to effectively filter waste and maintain healthy kidney function.

Additionally, diets high in refined sugars and carbohydrates, smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity can impair effective kidney filtering, which increases the risk of developing kidney disease. 

3. What are the best foods for the kidneys?

Foods that support healthy kidney function include leafy green and cruciferous vegetables, grass-fed and wild-caught meats, and healthy fats, such as avocados, coconut oil, and grass-fed butter. 

However, those in more advanced stages of CKD should avoid excess potassium, foods high in oxalates, and large quantities of protein, which can strain the kidneys and lead to further renal damage.

4. Does the ketogenic diet cause kidney disease?

No, a Healthy Keto® diet doesn’t cause kidney disease. A nutritious ketogenic diet is rich in vegetables that contain nutrients needed to promote kidney function and reduce the risk of kidney disease. 

Contrarily, a standard high-carb, high-sugar diet is associated with CKD and related conditions, including type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

Sources

1. https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/ckd 

2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5718284/ 

3. https://drc.bmj.com/content/12/2/e004101 

4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4737661/