Kolkata, 7 April 2025: Kidneys are the silent heroes of our body, which do everything from purifying blood to keeping bones strong without making any noise. But changing lifestyle and wrong eating habits are silently harming their health. On the occasion of World Health Day, experts are warning that ignoring the early symptoms of kidney failure can be costly. By the time the disease is detected, the situation has gone out of hand. So let’s understand these signs and be careful in time.

Importance and danger of kidneys
The kidneys not only remove toxins and excess water from the body, but also play an important role in controlling blood pressure, balancing electrolytes and producing red blood cells. But when they do not function properly, the entire body is affected. Nutritionist Rakhi Chatterjee says, “Diabetes and uncontrolled blood pressure are the biggest enemies of the kidneys. If they are not controlled in time, the kidneys can gradually get damaged.” Her statement is a serious warning in today’s fast-paced life.

Early signs of kidney failure

Kidney failure often grows silently, but some symptoms can help catch it early. Keeping an eye on these can save your life:

Swelling in legs and face: When the kidneys are unable to remove excess water from the body, it accumulates around the legs, ankles and eyes. A swollen face as soon as you wake up in the morning can be a sign of this.

High blood pressure: Bad kidneys release chemicals that increase blood pressure. Unnecessary high BP in young people can be a warning.

Foamy urine: Slight foam in the urine is normal, but if it is persistent and excessive, it can be a symptom of protein leakage. It indicates kidney failure.

Dark colour of urine: Dark yellow or brown urine indicates kidney problems. This may be due to accumulation of blood or toxins.

Frequent urination at night: Apart from diabetes, if you have to go to the bathroom frequently at night, it may be an early symptom of weakening of the kidneys.

Continuous vomiting: When the kidneys are unable to clear toxins, they accumulate in the blood, which can cause vomiting or nausea without any reason.

A patient’s story

45-year-old Sudip Majumdar, a resident of Kolkata, was diagnosed with kidney problems last year. He says, “I started having swelling and fatigue in my legs. I thought it was due to work. But when I saw foam in the urine, I got it tested. It was found that the kidneys have been damaged by 40%.” Sudip’s story is like that of millions of people who take these symptoms lightly and regret later.

Wrong habits: Enemy of kidneys
Nutritionist Rakhi Chatterjee warns, “Taking painkillers or medicines without doctor’s advice can be very harmful for the kidneys. People search on Google and consume medicines, which slowly destroy the kidneys.” Apart from this, consuming more salt, processed food and drinking less water also weakens the kidneys. Ignoring diabetes and high blood pressure further increases this risk.
Way of prevention
Can kidney failure be prevented? Experts answer—yes, provided you are alert on time. Dr. Sunil Agarwal, who is a nephrologist in Delhi, advises, “Get a kidney function test done every year. Reduce salt and sugar in food, drink plenty of water and avoid stress.” Along with this, it is also important to stay away from smoking and alcohol. If there is a history of kidney disease in the family, then be more cautious.
Timely steps are necessary
Kidney failure is not a disease that happens overnight. It progresses slowly and can be prevented by catching the early symptoms. On World Health Day, the message is clear—don’t take your kidney health lightly. Mamta Sharma, a housewife from Delhi, says, “My husband had high blood pressure, but we did not pay attention. Now it has come to the point of dialysis. I wish we had been careful earlier.”

Awareness is the only prevention

Kidneys are a precious part of our body, and it is our responsibility to take care of them. If you see these symptoms, consult a doctor without delay. One small step can save your life. So, from today itself, give priority to your kidneys, because life exists only when you are breathing.