Tired All the Time? It Could Be a Kidney Problem

Most people think of kidney problems as affecting their ability to urinate, but kidney dysfunction is actually much more complex. In fact, one of the most common symptoms of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is fatigue, yet unfortunately, many people overlook their symptoms simply because they don’t understand the role their kidneys can play in helping them stay alert and energized. 

At Nephrocare MD LLC, Chadi Saad, MD, and his team use advanced techniques to evaluate kidney health and determine if kidney dysfunction, like chronic kidney disease, is causing your persistent fatigue symptoms. In this post, Dr. Saad describes how your kidneys function and how a breakdown in that process can lead to fatigue and lethargy.

What your kidneys do

Your kidneys’ primary role is to act as filters for your blood, eliminating wastes and excess fluids through your urine. In fact, every minute, your kidneys filter about a half cup of your blood, about 150 quarts of blood every day.

The filtration system is quite complex, relying on a series of blood vessels to absorb and separate fluids, minerals, and salts from waste products. The substances your body needs are placed back into circulation, while the wastes and extra fluids pass into your bladder via tubes called ureters. 

During filtration, your kidneys regulate the amount of fluid and minerals that remain in your body to help your organs and tissue function the way they should. In addition, the kidneys produce chemicals that help control your blood pressure, maintain bone health, and produce red blood cells.

Chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury disrupt normal kidney function, leading to a variety of symptoms. One of the most common symptoms is persistent or chronic fatigue.

How kidney problems can lead to fatigue

Kidney problems can lead to fatigue in a few ways, beginning with a diminished ability to filter out waste products. As wastes build up, your body needs to work harder to extract the fluid and minerals it needs to function normally, leading to feelings of fatigue and general malaise.

Kidney disease can also disrupt the balance of minerals called electrolytes that support normal nerve and muscle function and enable your cells to make and use energy. When electrolyte levels are too high or too low, you can wind up with fatigue, along with other symptoms like heartbeat irregularities that can also make you feel tired out.

When your kidneys are damaged, they can’t stimulate red blood cell production efficiently, leading to chronic anemia. Red blood cells deliver oxygen to your organs and tissues, and when their numbers are low, you can experience significant fatigue and decreased levels of energy.

As kidney problems progress, problems with filtration can lead to excess amounts of acid building up in your blood, a condition called metabolic acidosis. Accumulating levels of acid in your bloodstream is another common cause of fatigue and lethargy.

And finally, kidney problems can also lead to problems with your sleep, including sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome. Over time, sleep disturbances can lead to daytime fatigue and related symptoms, like problems with memory or focusing.

Make kidney health a priority

Fatigue can happen for different reasons, but if you feel fatigued despite getting adequate rest, that could be a sign of a kidney problem. To have your kidney health evaluated, call 313-960-6605 or book an appointment online with Dr. Saad and the team at Nephrocare MD LLC in Dearborn, Michigan, today.