Know your kidneys, the everyday body detox champions
The kidney is an amazing organ that plays a major role in keeping our body clean and healthy, by flushing out unwanted waste and toxic materials out of the body.
It also plays a role in regulating blood pressure, volume of fluid and electrolytes in the body. The organ is also involved in maintaining haemoglobin levels and regulating blood and bone levels of calcium and phosphorus in the body.
In recent years, a disturbing increase in patients suffering from diabetes and hypertension — in turn leading to a remarkable increase in those suffering from chronic kidney disease — has been noted. This calls for better awareness and understanding of kidney diseases, its prevention and early treatment.
Since kidneys are such vital organs in the body, they have to be looked after by specialised doctors, who are specifically trained to handle kidney problems.
These doctors are called nephrologists. Contrary to the common belief held by most patients and doctors in the UAE, that kidney problems are treated by an urologist or cardiologist, neither of these doctors are specifically trained to deal with kidney problems. Urologists mainly deal with kidney stone problems and are basically surgeons. Cardiologists treat problems related to the heart.
Thus, all kidney related diseases have to be seen and managed by a nephrologist, as early as possible, so that patients can get maximum benefit at the right time and save their kidneys from permanent damage.
Structure of the kidney
Kidney produces urine by removing toxic waste products and excess water from the body. Urine formed in kidney passes through the ureter and flows into the bladder before finally being excreted out through the urethra. The location, structure and functions of the kidneys are the same in men and women. Kidneys are located at the upper and back areas of the abdomen, on either side of the spine, protected from damage by the lower ribs. The bean shaped organs lie deep inside the abdomen, so one cannot feel them normally. In adults, a kidney is about 10cm long, 6cm broad and 4cm thick. It weighs approximately 150-170 grammes each.
Why is the kidney essential for the body?
We consume different quantities and types of food every day. The quantity of water, salts, and acids in our body also varies day to day. The continuous process of converting food into energy produces harmful toxic materials. These factors lead to changes in the amount of fluid, electrolytes and acids in the body.
This accumulation of unwanted toxic materials can be life threatening. Kidneys carry out the extremely crucial cleansing job of flushing out harmful and poisonous acidic and toxic products. At the same time, they also regulate and maintain the right levels of water, electrolytes and acid base.
What are the functions of the kidney?
> Removal of waste products > Removal of excess fluid > Balance minerals and chemicals > Control of blood pressure > Red blood cells production > To maintain healthy bones
Common symptoms of kidney diseases:
> Swelling of the face > Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting > High blood pressure: Hypertension > Anemia and weakness > Non-specific complains: Lower back pain, body ache, itching and leg cramps are frequent complaints in kidney disease. Growth retardation, short stature and bent leg bones are common in children with kidney failure.