Taking care of your kidneys is one of the most important things you can do for long-term health. The kidneys act as the body’s vital filtration system, removing waste and excess fluid from the blood while helping regulate blood pressure. When kidney function declines, waste and fluid build up, leading to serious complications.
Factors like high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, and excessive use of pain medications can contribute to kidney damage over time. Kidney disease is often silent, with noticeable symptoms appearing only after the disease has progressed. However, there are subtle early clues — and one nephrologist points to a seemingly innocent bathroom observation as a warning sign.
*The silent early warning*
“Significantly foamy urine can be a sign of high levels of protein in the urine,” says Dr. John Sperati, nephrologist and professor of clinical medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “In particular, bubbles that remain in the toilet after flushing may be more likely to be due to health issues rather than innocent causes such as substances in food that we eat and drink or cleaning chemicals in the toilet.”
In healthy people, urine contains minimal protein because healthy kidneys keep most proteins in the bloodstream. In some forms of kidney disease, especially glomerular disease, large amounts of protein leak into the urine, making it appear unusually foamy or bubbly.
Foamy urine can also be completely normal. A simple urine test can determine if protein levels are elevated. If kidney disease is suspected, doctors may check the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and blood creatinine to calculate estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
*Other signs of kidney disease*
“Kidney disease might not have any symptoms. Most importantly, if you have a family history of kidney disease or if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity, speak with your doctor to ensure you’re being appropriately screened,” Sperati says.
Other signs to watch for:
– High blood pressure
– Swelling
– Dry skin
– Fatigue and weakness
– Shortness of breath
– Tea or cola-coloured urine