When kidneys are no longer able to adequately fulfill their duties, the functional efficiency of the entire organism is affected. If only the “filter” of the kidney is defective, too much protein will be released into the urine. Furthermore, it leads to edema (the collection of water) in legs or in lungs.

In many cases, however, too few toxins are removed. Once accumulated, these toxins can damage other organs. Disorders in the digestive tract can be as extreme as bleeding stomach ulcers. The poisoning can lead to heart rhythm disturbances or infection of the pericardium (heart lining). Even abnormal changes in the nervous system can be observed.

Most patients show a significant increase in blood pressure because of a dysfunction of the hormonal regulation. Medical treatment is absolutely necessary to lower the blood pressure.

In the advanced stage of the disease, decalcification of the bones begins and the dysfunction of blood cell production leads to anemia. Due to an insufficient removal of urine, the body retains too much water.