The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage. They perform several functions essential for overall health. Kidneys filter approximately 200 quarts of fluid from the blood daily, removing waste products and excess fluid that are then excreted as urine. Beyond waste removal, they regulate blood pressure, balance electrolytes, and produce hormones that contribute to red blood cell production and bone health. Maintaining these balances is essential for the body’s internal environment to function optimally.
One Kidney is Enough
A person can live a full and healthy life with only one kidney. The body possesses a remarkable ability to adapt to its absence through a process known as compensatory hypertrophy. The remaining kidney increases in size and enhances its filtering capacity to compensate for the missing organ. This allows the single kidney to take over most functions normally performed by two. While overall kidney function might be slightly reduced compared to having two fully functioning kidneys, it is typically sufficient to maintain health.
Life with a Single Kidney
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is especially important for individuals with one kidney. This involves adopting habits that support overall well-being, similar to recommendations for those with two kidneys. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, along with regular physical activity, contributes significantly to kidney health. Staying adequately hydrated by drinking water when thirsty is also advisable, though excessive fluid intake is generally unnecessary.
Routine medical check-ups are important to monitor the function of the single kidney. Healthcare professionals typically assess kidney function through blood tests that measure creatinine levels and estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). A urine test for albumin, a protein that can indicate kidney damage if present in excess, is also part of regular monitoring. Blood pressure monitoring is particularly important, as people with a single kidney may have a slightly increased risk of developing high blood pressure. Avoiding certain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and some herbal supplements, without medical consultation is also important, as they can potentially stress the kidney.
While physical activity is beneficial, individuals with one kidney should exercise caution with contact sports like football, boxing, or martial arts due to the risk of kidney injury. If participating, protective gear can reduce risk, but does not eliminate it entirely. Discussing appropriate activities with a doctor helps ensure the kidney’s safety.
Why Some People Have Only One Kidney
Several circumstances can lead to a person having only one kidney. Some individuals are born with a single kidney, a condition medically termed renal agenesis. In cases of unilateral renal agenesis, one kidney fails to develop during fetal growth, while the other functions normally. Another congenital reason is kidney dysgenesis, where a person is born with two kidneys, but only one functions properly. Many times, these conditions are discovered incidentally during routine scans or later in life.
Surgical removal is another common reason for having a single kidney. This procedure, known as a nephrectomy, may be necessary to treat diseases such as kidney cancer, severe trauma, or conditions like polycystic kidney disease. The removal is performed to protect the individual’s overall health.
Finally, a person may have only one kidney because they chose to donate one to someone in need of a transplant. Living kidney donation is a recognized medical practice that provides a life-saving option for individuals with kidney failure. These donors undergo thorough evaluation to ensure their remaining kidney is healthy enough to function adequately on its own.