Functions of the Kidneys
- Filtration of Blood: The kidneys filter waste, toxins, and excess substances like water, salts, and other electrolytes from the bloodstream, turning them into urine.
- Regulation of Fluid and Electrolytes: They help maintain the balance of fluids and electrolytes (like sodium and potassium) in your body, which is essential for normal cell function.
- Regulation of Blood Pressure: Through the renin-angiotensin system, the kidneys help regulate blood pressure by controlling the volume of blood and the amount of salt in your body.
- Production of Hormones: The kidneys produce hormones like erythropoietin (which stimulates red blood cell production) and renin (which helps regulate blood pressure). They also activate vitamin D to help your body absorb calcium.
- Acid-Base Balance: They maintain the pH of the blood, ensuring the body’s acid-base balance remains stable.
- Excretion of Waste: Kidneys remove waste from your blood. If they fail to do this effectively, waste builds up in the body and can be life-threatening.
- Fluid and Electrolyte Balance: Maintaining fluid balance helps prevent dehydration or fluid overload, both of which can cause serious health issues.
- Blood Pressure Regulation: The kidneys help keep blood pressure in a healthy range, preventing complications like heart disease or stroke.
- Overall Health: Proper kidney function supports many other organs and systems, and any issues can affect your overall health significantly.
Tests to Check Kidney Health
- Blood Tests:
- Serum Creatinine: This test measures the level of creatinine in your blood, which is a waste product of muscle metabolism. High levels of creatinine can indicate impaired kidney function.
- Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): This calculation estimates how well the kidneys are filtering blood. An eGFR of 60 or above is generally considered normal, but anything below 60 for three months or more may indicate kidney disease.
- Urine Tests:
- Urine Protein (Albumin): A protein called albumin can leak into the urine when kidneys are damaged. Checking for protein in the urine is a common test for kidney disease.
- Urinalysis: This test checks for various substances in the urine, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and other signs of kidney problems.
- Imaging Tests:
- Ultrasound: An ultrasound of the kidneys can help detect abnormalities, such as cysts, stones, or changes in size that may indicate kidney disease.
- CT Scan or MRI: These imaging tests can provide more detailed pictures of the kidneys and help detect any structural issues.
- Kidney Biopsy:
- If other tests show abnormalities, a kidney biopsy may be performed. This involves taking a small sample of kidney tissue to examine for damage or disease.
Kidney Disease Risk Factors
- Chronic Conditions:
- Diabetes: High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys.
- High Blood Pressure: Damages blood vessels in the kidneys, making it harder for them to filter blood effectively.
- Family History: A family history of kidney disease increases the risk of developing it yourself.
- Age: Kidney function can decline with age, especially after 50.
- Heart Disease: Those with heart disease are more likely to develop kidney problems, as both the heart and kidneys rely on healthy blood vessels.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts additional strain on the kidneys, which can contribute to kidney disease.
- Smoking: Smoking harms blood vessels, which can affect kidney function over time.
- Chronic Kidney Infections: Recurrent infections or damage to the kidneys can increase the risk of kidney disease.
Preventing Kidney Disease
- Control Blood Sugar: If you have diabetes, managing your blood sugar levels is crucial to prevent kidney damage.
- Control Blood Pressure: Keeping your blood pressure within a healthy range (below 140/90 mm Hg) can help protect your kidneys.
- Eat a Healthy Diet: Focus on a balanced diet low in salt, processed foods, and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Stay Active: Regular physical activity helps control weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support kidney function and prevent dehydration.
- Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol can harm kidneys, so avoiding them is a key preventive step.
- Get Regular Check-ups: Regular monitoring of kidney function, especially if you are at risk, can help catch kidney problems early.