What diseases can be caused by kidney deficiency?

Generally, if left unaddressed for a long time, kidney deficiency may lead to diseases of the urinary system, reproductive system, bone and joint system, cardiovascular system, and nervous system. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Urinary system diseases: The kidneys govern water metabolism. Kidney deficiency can weaken the bladder's qi transformation function, leading to frequent urination, urgency, bedwetting, or urinary incontinence. It may also contribute to chronic nephritis or nephrotic syndrome, manifesting as proteinuria, edema, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees.

2. Reproductive system diseases: The kidneys govern reproduction. In men, kidney deficiency may trigger erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, nocturnal emission, or infertility. In women, it may result in menstrual disorders, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, or infertility due to cold uterus—conditions often associated with insufficient kidney qi and deficiency of essence and blood.

3. Bone and joint diseases: The kidneys govern bones and produce marrow. Kidney deficiency leads to inadequate nourishment of the skeletal system, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, bone spurs, soreness and pain in the lower back and knees, and joint pain. In severe cases, it may even cause avascular necrosis of the femoral head, presenting as limb weakness and restricted movement.

4. Cardiovascular diseases: The kidneys help regulate the circulation of qi and blood. Kidney deficiency may lead to qi and blood deficiency or blood stasis. This increases the risk of hypertension, coronary heart disease, and other conditions, manifesting as dizziness, tinnitus, palpitations, shortness of breath, chest tightness, fatigue, and sometimes lower limb edema.

5. Nervous system diseases: The kidneys generate marrow that connects to the brain. Kidney deficiency results in insufficiency of marrow sea (brain nourishment), potentially causing neurasthenia, insomnia with vivid dreams, memory decline, dizziness, and headaches. In severe cases, anxiety or depression may develop, affecting daily routines.

When managing kidney deficiency, it is important to observe related contraindications and precautions—avoid staying up late or overexertion, maintain a balanced diet, incorporate moderate exercise to improve constitution, and strictly follow medical advice to reduce the risk of developing associated diseases.