Along with the liver, the kidneys are essential in filtering waste from the body. Most people never give these organs a second thought. However, it's important to understand why the kidneys are vital to our health. Without our kidneys, we’re in serious trouble and face a life of dialysis—and a short life at that. Like the lungs, we only need one of these dual-based organs to survive. But it’s better to live with two healthy kidneys, which means taking care of your renal health.
Kidneys Matter: Why These Bean-Shaped Organs Deserve More Love
Understanding the Role the Kidneys Play in the Body
Our kidneys are two bean-shaped organs about the size of a clenched fist. They sit just under the rib cage towards the spine.
The structures of the kidneys, called nephrons, are responsible for filtering blood. The kidneys filter your blood up to 50 liters daily! Isn’t that amazing?
These tiny organs put up a serious workload. Kidneys perform the following functions:
- Cleansing the blood of environmental and food-based toxins
- Help produce red blood cells, which carry oxygen through the body
- Removing excess fluids
- Eliminating waste products from the body
A little-known fact is that the kidneys regulate your blood pressure as well. We’ll get into that in detail a bit later. The kidneys are also instrumental in maintaining electrolyte balance.
Kidney health is essential in regulating the body's sodium and potassium. This ensures optimal nervous system function and blood cell generation.
When our kidneys aren’t working correctly, we feel it right away because the change in our physiology is undeniable. Depending on the severity of the situation, you could need immediate medical assistance or risk complications to other organs.
With kidney failure, your kidneys can not effectively filter waste products and excess fluid from your blood. Dialysis acts as an artificial kidney to keep your body functioning properly when your natural kidneys can't do so.
The Silent Threat of Kidney Disease
Kidney disease often progresses unnoticed, sort of like heart disease. You don’t know you have it until it's in an advanced stage and you’re at risk of developing “Chronic Kidney Disease” (CKD).
Like high blood pressure, this disease is a “silent killer.” Organs can already be under stress. They may have sustained severe damage before a diagnosis, or doctors have a chance to treat them.
People with existing chronic ailments must get their kidney function checked regularly. Several blood tests are used to check kidney function. They should see a urologist at least once a year to ensure their kidneys are healthy and in good condition.
Why Kidneys are Important: The Connection Between Blood Pressure and Kidney Health
As we discussed earlier, there’s a distinct connection between the kidneys and our blood pressure levels. When blood pressure remains elevated consistently, the blood vessels in the kidneys sustain damage. They then lose their waste-filtering efficiency.
As kidney function declines, blood pressure rises. This creates a negative feedback loop where kidney health continues to fall, and the patient's blood pressure keeps escalating. Dangerous levels require medical intervention to stop the cycle and prevent kidney failure.
You may need a kidney transplant if you have end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This is a permanent condition of kidney failure. A kidney transplant is a surgery done to replace a diseased or injured kidney with a healthy kidney from a donor.
Prioritize Kidney Health for Longevity
The key to optimal kidney health isn’t taking medication or a supplement. Unless you have a chronic condition or a family history, a healthy diet and lifestyle are all you need.
By far, the biggest thing you can do to keep your kidneys happy and healthy is to ensure you get enough water daily. Water keeps your system moving. When well hydrated, it volumizes your blood, improves circulation, and allows them to filter waste efficiently.
Support Your Kidney Health by Making Better Choices
Other than drinking plenty of water, consider changing your diet. Certain foods are high in compounds called “oxalates,” which shred kidney health like:
- Beetroot
- Oranges
- Dates
People with kidney problems should avoid oxalates and completely expel them from their diet. Another huge tip is to avoid sugar and alcohol as much as you can.
We’re not suggesting you have to give up those few vices you have but approach how you use them with moderation. Always ensure you’re hydrated—especially when drinking alcohol.
Your choices will pay dividends with your kidney health in later life. More than 35.5 million Americans live with kidney disease—don’t become another statistic.
ADULT PEDIATRIC UROLOGY & UROGYNECOLOGY
The attentive, compassionate physicians, providers, and staff at Adult Pediatric Urology & Urogynecology are committed to providing innovative, quality patient care in our state-of-the-art facility.
From screening and prevention to treatment and recovery, our health professionals will be there for you. Our team of dedicated physicians has been serving residents of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota for more than 25 years.
