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Headaches, fatigue and general weakness. Healthy, properly functioning kidneys convert vitamin D in our bodies to maintain strong bones and produce a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO). This hormone plays an important role in the production of red blood cells.
When the kidneys are not working properly, they produce less EPO. The decrease in red blood cells (the ones that carry oxygen) causes the muscles and brain to tire quickly.
Warning: It is common for people with chronic kidney disease to have anemia. Anemia can begin to develop when a person has 20 to 50 percent normal kidney function. If you are getting enough rest and sleep but still experience feelings of fatigue, low energy, and general weakness, you should see your doctor right away.
You have dry, itchy skin. Healthy kidneys do an incredible job of removing waste and excess fluid from the blood, helping to produce red blood cells, and maintaining adequate amounts of minerals in the body. Dry, itchy skin indicates that the kidneys are unable to maintain the proper balance of minerals and nutrients, which can lead to bone and kidney disease.
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