Kidney Health You Must Know: 5 Key Indicators of Renal Function

Modern lifestyles—filled with milk tea, coffee, and rich foods—can quietly overwork your kidneys without warning.

 According to global health data, around 10% of the adult population worldwide suffers from chronic kidney disease (CKD). Even more concerning: over 90% of people in the early stages show no symptoms at all.

So how can you tell if your kidneys are still functioning well? Here are five essential indicators you should check.

Five Key Tests for Kidney Function

1. Serum Creatinine (SCr) – Reflects the kidney’s basic filtering ability.

2. Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) – The most important advanced indicator doctors rely on.

3. Urine Protein (Proteinuria) – Reveals how much protein is being lost through the kidneys.

4. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) – Can spike if you consume too much meat.

5. Creatinine Clearance Rate (CCR) – Confirms kidney function by combining blood and urine tests.

💡 Health Tip: Creatinine is a natural waste product from muscle metabolism. After intense workouts, temporary increases in creatinine are normal—so don’t panic if levels rise briefly post-exercise.

What is Creatinine and Why Does It Matter?

Creatinine is a stable byproduct of muscle metabolism. Healthy kidneys filter it efficiently, keeping blood levels within a normal range.

When kidney function is impaired, filtration slows down, and creatinine levels rise.

Normal Reference Values

• Adult men: 0.7–1.3 mg/dL

• Adult women: 0.5–1.1 mg/dL (Reference ranges may differ between laboratories. Always follow your healthcare provider’s standard.)

  
  

Possible Causes of Abnormal Creatinine Levels

1. Acute or chronic kidney disease

2. Dehydration or shock

3. Side effects from certain medications

4. Temporary increase after strenuous exercise

5. Abnormally high muscle mass

Kidney Health

Practical Tips to Protect Your Kidneys

• Hydrate wisely – Start your day with a glass of warm water; reduce fluid intake late at night.

• Eat smart – Cut down on heavy sauces, limit overly salty broths, and reduce sugary drinks.

• Be medication-aware – Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have kidney concerns.

• Choose kidney-friendly exercise – Low-impact activities like swimming may be easier on the kidneys compared to high-impact workouts.

Professional Reminder

• A single abnormal result does not necessarily mean disease.

• Always interpret test results alongside other medical examinations.

• If abnormal values are found, visit a nephrology specialist for a full evaluation.

• Early detection and treatment are the keys to maintaining kidney health.

Health Advice

• Get a comprehensive kidney function test at least once a year, especially if you are over 40 or have chronic health conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.

• Developing healthy lifestyle habits is the best long-term way to protect your kidneys.

(Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. It should not be considered medical advice and cannot replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.)