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The kidneys are small organs - on the size of an adult fist, but they do a lot of work. And when they send youWarning signals, it is important to be careful. Unlike the liver, which fulfills more than 500 important functions, the kidneys have only one handful of responsibilities - and they are crucial for our well -being. "Our kidneys fulfill some very basic but vital functions," explainsConor O'Flynn, MD, citing "mainly the filtration of blood waste and the elimination of excess water in the body that we produce in the form of urine".

To give you an idea of ​​the importance of the kidneys, consider that all the blood of your body crosses your kidneys about 40 times a day, filtered by about a milliontiny units called nephrons. The kidneys are located under your rib cage, so it might surprise you to discover thatProblems can manifest in your hands. Read the rest to find out which signs to monitor and when to see your doctor.

Read this then:If you notice it in your mouth, have your kidneys checked.

"Swelling of the hands can be caused by a number of things," explains O'Flynn. "Obviously, an injury like a fracture of a bone, a sprain or a dislocation can cause swelling, just like arthritis." But swollen hands can also be caused by kidney problems.

Because the kidneysFilter blood waste And then produces urine, "when the kidneys do not do their job, this liquid can remain in the system instead of being excreted," explains the National Kidney Foundation. This accumulation of liquidcan cause swelling offingers and hands, as well as in the feet and ankles. If you see swelling in these ends, especially with other symptoms of kidney problems, you should speak to your doctor.

Your nails (and your nails too)can tell you a lot On what is happening with various aspects of your health, including heart problems, diabetes, thyroid diseases and even cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), there are severalSigns of kidney problems This can manifest in the nails. These include "a white color on the upper part of one or more nails and a normal brown color reddish below (half-and half nails); pale nails; and white strips crossing one or more nails (moulcke nails ). "AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

Why does kidney disease lead toChanges in the nails? The kidneys generally filter nitrogen waste; When they cannot do it, waste accumulates and cause changes in the appearance of nails and nails.

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A surprising sign of kidney disease can beDry and itchy skin (also called pruritus), caused by an imbalance in minerals. As the AADA explains, "dry skin and itchingMaybe a sign Mineral and bone disease that often accompanies an advanced kidney disease, when the kidneys are no longer able to keep the right balance between minerals and nutrients in your blood. ""

Dry and itching hands can report other potential problems, of course, including dehydration and the use of too much hand disinfectant. If it occurs with other signs of kidney disease, such as the frequent urge, both can be linked. "When the filters found in the kidneys are damaged, this can actually cause an increase in the feeling that someone needs to urinate," said O'Flynn. "There may be a significant increase in the pressure felt when urinating it, and the urine itself can start to change, appearing more frothy or even sparkling. This suggests an increase in the protein found in the urine, which is an indicator of greater renal problems. "

Renal problems can cause changes in the color of the skin on the hands and other parts of the body. "When the kidneys stop working as they should, toxins accumulate in your body. This accumulation cancause color changes To the skin, "explains the AADA, which quotes the possible changes of following color: an unhealthy, greyish, yellowish or dark pale color, as well as" thick skin with bumps and deep lines. "In addition, white cysts and spots can appear after long periods of itchy skin scratching.

If you notice one of these panels in your hands, talk to your doctor to know if they could indicate kidney problems.

Read this then: If you notice it on your face, have your kidneys checked .