KIDNEYS VITAL TO YOUR HEALTH
YOUR kidneys are two beanshaped organs about the size of your fists and are located on either side of your spine, near the middle of your back.
Within each kidney are millions of tiny structures called nephrons which filter blood. The kidneys are the organs that perform several important functions in your body.
Healthy kidneys are responsible for maintaining a balance of water and concentration of minerals like sodium, potassium and phosphorus in your blood. They also function to remove waste from the blood after digestion, muscle activity and exposure to medications and drugs.
Waste products and excess water are excreted as urine. The kidneys produce renin, an enzyme that helps regulate blood pressure, erythropoietin, which stimulates red cell production, and an active form of vitamin D which is needed for bone health.
Most kidney diseases attack the nephrons. This damage may leave your kidneys unable to perform any of their vital functions. Some causes include genetic problems, injuries, medication and drugs, cysts, renal stones, infections and cancer.
Individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes and a family history of kidney diseases are at a greater risk of kidney damage. Kidney damage and decreased kidney function that lasts longer than three months is known as chronic kidney disease.
Chronic kidney disease damages the nephrons slowly over many years, eventually progressing to kidney failure. Some individuals can live with kidney disease their whole life and not progress to failure.
Unfortunately most people have few or no symptoms until chronic kidney disease is very advanced. The only treatment options for kidney failure are dialysis or transplantation.
We all lose a little of our kidney function as we get older and some people can even survive with only one kidney but when we lose kidney function due to disease, it is something to get worried about as many diseases affect not just the one but both kidneys.
Maintaining optimal functioning of your kidneys and prevention of progression to kidney failure are the goals of any treatment. Early diagnosis of any diseases that may affect the kidneys and proper management of these diseases are very important.
If you already have high blood pressure and/or diabetes, keeping your blood pressure and glucose levels within target ranges, and choosing healthier lifestyle options when it comes to diet, are equally important in preserving kidney function.
You can take charge of your kidney health by taking your medication as prescribed, cutting back on salt and choosing foods that are healthy for your heart. Be physically active and lose weight if you are overweight.
Limit alcohol intake and try to take steps to quit smoking. If you are at risk for kidney disease, get your urine and blood checked regularly for signs of disease.