It is possible for individuals to live a full and healthy life with only one kidney. A single healthy kidney can often function as effectively as two, allowing individuals to maintain overall well-being.
How One Kidney Compensates
When one kidney is absent or removed, the remaining kidney undergoes physiological adaptations to handle the increased workload. This adaptation involves two primary mechanisms: renal hypertrophy and hyperfiltration. Renal hypertrophy refers to the enlargement of the remaining kidney, where its cells increase in size and number.
Accompanying this growth is hyperfiltration, an increase in the filtration rate of the individual nephrons within the single kidney. This means each filtering unit works harder to process waste and fluids from the blood. These compensatory changes allow the solitary kidney to increase its workload and efficiency, maintaining the total glomerular filtration rate (GFR) at near-normal levels, which measures how well the kidneys are filtering.
Reasons for Having a Single Kidney
Individuals can have a single kidney due to several circumstances. Some people are born with only one kidney, a condition known as renal agenesis, where the second kidney never developed. In other cases, a person may be born with two kidneys, but only one functions properly, a condition called kidney dysplasia.
A single kidney can also result from surgical removal, known as a nephrectomy. This procedure may be necessary to treat diseases like kidney cancer, severe injury, or other conditions that damage the kidney beyond repair. Another common reason is kidney donation, where a healthy individual voluntarily donates one of their kidneys to someone in need of a transplant.
Maintaining Health with a Single Kidney
Maintaining health with a single kidney involves proactive lifestyle choices that support its function. A balanced diet is important, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while moderating protein intake. Adequate hydration is also necessary, as water helps the kidney filter waste products effectively.
Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking or cycling for at least 150 minutes per week, contributes to overall kidney health by improving blood circulation and regulating blood pressure and sugar levels. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the strain on the kidney, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption further supports its long-term function.
Potential Considerations and Monitoring
Individuals with a single kidney benefit from ongoing medical oversight to monitor its function and address any potential concerns. Regular medical check-ups are advised, including consistent blood pressure monitoring, as high blood pressure can develop.
Kidney function tests, such as measuring glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and creatinine levels in blood, along with urine tests for protein (albuminuria), are important for assessing filtering capacity. These tests help detect any early signs of increased workload or potential long-term issues, such as mild proteinuria. Avoiding nephrotoxic medications, such as certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), is also recommended to prevent kidney damage.
It is also advised to avoid contact sports or activities that could risk injury to the remaining kidney.