Did you know your kidneys process around 200 quarts of blood each day, filtering out about two quarts of waste and excess water? These wastes are turned into urine, which travels to the bladder through tubes called ureters. The bladder then stores the urine until it’s passed out of the body.
Your kidneys are bean-shaped organs located just below your rib cage on either side of your spine. Kidney problems are often referred to as “silent disorders” because they can be harmful without showing symptoms in the early stages.
Why Are Kidneys Important?
The wastes in your blood come from the natural breakdown of tissues, like muscles, and from the food you consume. After your body extracts nutrients, the remaining waste enters the bloodstream. If your kidneys don’t filter and remove these wastes and chemicals, it can lead to an imbalance of salt and minerals, which is harmful to your body.
In addition to filtering blood, your kidneys produce three essential hormones: renin, which regulates blood pressure; erythropoietin, which stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow; and calcitriol, which helps maintain calcium levels in the body.
What Causes Kidney Failure?
The filtering of waste happens in tiny structures within the kidneys called nephrons, with each kidney containing about one million nephrons. Kidney failure occurs when these nephrons lose their ability to filter waste effectively. This can happen gradually or suddenly. Those with a family history of kidney problems are at higher risk. Some medical conditions can lead to kidney failure, also known as end-stage kidney disease.
When the kidneys fail, the filtration process often needs to be done artificially through dialysis, or a kidney transplant may be required. Nephrologists specialize in treating kidney-related issues. Without timely medical intervention, kidney problems can become life-threatening.
How Can You Keep Your Kidneys Healthy?
To protect your kidneys, it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice and take any prescribed medications to manage conditions like high blood pressure. Drinking enough fluids not only keeps you hydrated but also benefits your kidneys and other organs.
Final Thoughts
Making these preventive measures part of your routine can help keep your kidneys healthy. If diagnosed with a kidney condition, seeking help from an experienced medical team can make all the difference. Early diagnosis and proper care are essential to preventing severe complications.