Why are the kidneys important?
Your body’s neurons, muscles, and other tissues might not function properly if this equilibrium is lost. Wastes and surplus fluid are removed from your body by your kidneys. Additionally, your kidneys eliminate acid created by your body’s cells and keep the levels of water, salts, and minerals in your blood such as sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium in a healthy range.
- Your kidneys also produce beneficial hormones.
- Manage your blood pressure NIH external link
- Create red blood cells
- Maintain strong and healthy bones
How do your kidneys work?
Each kidney comprises about a million nephrons, or filtering cells. The glomerulus and tubule are two filters found in each nephron. The glomerulus purifies your blood, and the tubule restores nutrients to your blood and eliminates wastes in the two-step process by which the nephrons function.
How does blood flow through your kidneys?
The renal artery carries blood to your kidney. Your blood is filtered in the nephron by the glomeruli, which are microscopic blood vessels, and then it exits your kidney by the renal vein. Before the blood reaches the nephrons, this substantial blood channel divides into progressively smaller blood vessels.
Many times, throughout the day, your blood passes through your kidneys. Your kidneys filter around 150 quarts of blood per day. The tubules return most of the water and other chemicals that pass through your glomeruli to your blood. Just 1 to 2 liters are converted to urine. The amount of urine generated varies with age and is lower in children than in adults.
Keep Your Kidneys Healthy
By eating healthily, being active, and maintaining blood pressure and cholesterol levels within the target range, you can help reduce your chance of developing Chronic Kidney Disease(CKD) or prevent it from worsening. If you are at risk for CKD, take good care of your kidneys. You have the best chance of identifying and treating CKD early by having your kidneys checked frequently. Get tested annually for kidney disease if you have diabetes.
One of the top nephrologists Dr. Ravi Bhadania at Alfa Kidney Care Hospital in Ahmedabad and has extensive knowledge of hemodialysis, post-operative care, and kidney transplants! Book Your Appointment.