Sign 7: Swollen Ankles and Puffy Eyes – Fluid’s Sneaky Revolt

Slip on socks that pinch tighter each evening? Kidneys failing at fluid balance cause edema, pooling in legs or under eyes. High sodium diets worsen it; one study saw 40% reduction with DASH eating.
Imagine hiking boots fitting loose again. Elevate feet, cut salt—simple wins. Urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) tests spot the leak; over 30 mg/g means act now. But wait, urine changes amp up the urgency.