The kidneys are not very large. An adult kidney is typically the size of a fist, measuring about 10-12 cm. However, despite their size, the kidneys perform an important bodily function.
The kidneys' primary function is to filter the blood and remove excess substances and waste, which are then excreted through urine. They also help to regulate the body's water and electrolyte balance, control blood volume, and maintain the acid-base balance.
Signs of Healthy Kidneys
Healthy kidneys maintain the body's fluid, electrolyte, and waste balance. Some indications that your kidneys are healthy include:
Healthy urine
Urine reflects the health of the kidneys and the body's overall health. Normal urine is clear or light yellow, contains no blood, has no unpleasant odor, and is not cloudy.
No change in urination
A consistent urination pattern with no noticeable changes is the next sign of healthy kidneys. Normal urination frequency varies from person to person, but as a general rule, the average adult urinates approximately 7-8 times per day.
Sudden changes in urination, such as increased frequency, decreased urine volume, difficulty or pain during urination, and a cloudy color, indicate kidney problems or a urinary tract infection.
Read more: Adults Are At Risk Of Kidney Cysts, Here Are The Signs And Symptoms
Absence of swelling in the feet and hands
The absence of swelling in the feet, hands, and other body areas may indicate that the kidneys function properly. Swelling can occur when the kidneys are unable to remove excess fluid efficiently.
Kidney problems, such as kidney failure, diabetic nephropathy, glomerulonephritis, urinary tract obstruction, and cyst formation, can all cause swelling in the legs and hands, indicating that the kidneys are unhealthy.
Non-dry and non-flaky skin
Many factors influence non-dry and non-flaky skin, including adequate hydration, proper skin care, genetics, and healthy kidney function.
Healthy kidneys can help maintain the body's fluid balance, keeping the skin moist.
Good appetite
While healthy kidneys do not directly correlate with a good appetite, a good appetite indicates the health of all organs in the body, including the kidneys. Impaired kidney function, such as kidney failure, can influence appetite, metabolism, and fluid balance.
Read more: Understand the Causes And Risk Factors Of Kidney Cancer
No frequent cramps or muscle pain
Muscle cramps and pains do not necessarily indicate healthy kidneys. However, the kidneys contribute to the body's electrolyte balance, including sodium, potassium, and calcium. If there is an electrolyte imbalance, symptoms such as muscle cramps may occur.
So if you experience frequent muscle cramps, changes in urine, blood or cloudy urine, itching and dry skin, frequent urination, or swelling in the hands, feet, or other body parts, you should see a doctor. The doctor can help you examine and determine the cause of your symptoms.
Have you experienced kidney-related symptoms? If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or use the consultation features available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!
- dr. Yuliana Inosensia
Better Health Channel (2022). Kidneys. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/kidneys#other-kidney-functions
Cleveland Clinic (2022). Kidney. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21824-kidney
National Kidney Foundation (2024). What is kidney atrophy?. Available from: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/what-kidney-atrophy
National Kidney Foundation (2020). 10 Signs You May Have Kidney Disease. Available from: https://www.kidney.org/news/ekidney/august14/10_Signs_You_May_Have_Kidney_Disease
Kathryn Watson (2023). Urine Colors Explained. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/urine-color-chart
Cleveland Clinic (2023). Frequent Urination. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/15533-frequent-urination
Deborah Fields, BSc (2022). Renal disease and skin problems. Available from: https://www.news-medical.net/health/Renal-Disease-and-Skin-Problems.aspx
Mayo Clinic (2023). End-stage renal disease. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/end-stage-renal-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354532
Health Direct (2023). Kidney failure. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/kidney-failure
Anna Malkina, MD (2023). Chronic kidney disease. Available from: https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/kidney-and-urinary-tract-disorders/kidney-failure/chronic-kidney-disease