The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located in the abdominal cavity, just below the rib cage on each side of the spine. Each kidney is roughly the size of a human fist, playing a central role in maintaining the body’s internal balance and well-being.
Filtering Blood and Removing Waste
The kidneys primarily function as sophisticated filtration systems for the body’s blood supply. Approximately one liter of blood circulates through the kidneys every minute, allowing them to process about 180 liters of fluid each day. This continuous processing ensures that waste products and excess substances are efficiently removed from the bloodstream.
Within each kidney are millions of tiny filtering units called nephrons, which purify the blood. As blood flows into these nephrons, waste products such as urea and creatinine are separated from beneficial substances. These filtered waste materials, along with excess water, are then converted into urine. The urine subsequently travels through tubes called ureters to the bladder for excretion.
Regulating Water and Minerals
Beyond waste removal, the kidneys are important in maintaining the body’s fluid balance. They precisely adjust the amount of water reabsorbed into the bloodstream, ensuring the body remains adequately hydrated. This fine-tuning allows for the production of either dilute or concentrated urine, adapting to the body’s current needs.
The kidneys also regulate the levels of essential minerals, known as electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphate. These minerals are necessary for numerous bodily processes, such as proper nerve function, muscle contraction, and maintaining bone strength. By controlling the excretion or reabsorption of these electrolytes, the kidneys help maintain a stable internal environment, supporting cellular activity and preventing imbalances.
Producing Essential Hormones
The kidneys act as endocrine organs, producing and releasing several hormones that influence distant parts of the body. One hormone is erythropoietin (EPO), which signals the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. This process is important for adequate oxygen transport throughout the body.
Another hormone produced by the kidneys is renin, which plays a part in regulating blood pressure. Renin helps control blood vessel constriction and fluid balance, influencing blood pressure. Furthermore, the kidneys convert inactive vitamin D into its active form, calcitriol. Calcitriol is necessary for calcium absorption from the digestive tract and for bone mineralization, contributing to skeletal health.
How to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy
Maintaining kidney health involves several lifestyle choices. Staying adequately hydrated by drinking sufficient water throughout the day helps the kidneys efficiently process waste and maintain fluid balance. Adopting a balanced diet, which often includes reducing sodium intake and limiting processed foods, can also support kidney function. Managing existing health conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, is important, as these can significantly impact kidney health. Avoiding the excessive or prolonged use of certain over-the-counter medications, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can further protect kidney function. Regular check-ups with healthcare providers can help monitor kidney health, especially for individuals with risk factors.