Kidneys- what do they do?

What do you know about this essential organ in your body? How can you help maintain good kidney health?

Kidneys are responsible for filtering blood, maintaining the correct balance of electrolytes and water, and eliminating waste through urine. 

Each kidney contains millions of nephrons, which are tiny filtering units that filter the blood. The kidneys work hand in hand with the pituitary gland to determine the amount of water that needs to stay or go in the body. 

Kidneys also help to balance your blood pressure by producing renin (an enzyme that balances the salt in the body). 

Kidneys maintain acid base balance by preventing the blood from becoming too acidic or too alkaline. 

Kidneys help eliminate toxins, drugs, and other products accumulating in the blood stream. 

Kidneys help convert inactive Vitamin D into an active form which is essential for calcium absorption for healthy bones. 

What happens when our kidneys start to fail?

1) Fluid can start to build up in our legs, ankles, and other parts in our body. This can also lead to increased blood pressure. 

2)  Toxins and waste accumulate in the body which causes a condition called uraemia. This can cause us to feel nauseated, confused, and tired. 

3) Electrolytes become imbalanced leading to decreased heart function, irregular heart beats, and even heart failure. 

4) Anemia may occur if the kidneys produce less erythropoietin which is needed to stimulate red blood cell production. 

5) Decrease in bone health occurs from the insufficient Vitamin D that helps calcium absorption. 

6) Weak Immune System due to build up of toxins, waste, and bacteria; making us more susceptible to infections. 

7)  End Stage Kidney Disease- kidneys no longer function resulting in need for dialysis (a machine that acts as an artificial kidney to circulate blood, remove waste products, excess fluids, and electrolytes from the blood and return the clean blood to the body). 

How can you help support your kidneys?

1) Staying hydrated to help flush out toxins

2) Maintain a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein. While protein is beneficial to our diet, excessive protein can sometimes strain the kidneys.

3) Monitor your blood pressure to ensure high blood pressure isn't leading to kidney damage. Remember a normal blood pressure is 120/80.

4) Limit alcohol as excessive alcohol can be hard on the kidneys as well as the liver.

5) Exercise regularly, even if it is just a walk outside or around your house a few times every day.

Jenilee Brooks- RN

Call Jenilee at 1-306-831-7418 to book your appointment for you or your loved one.