The kidney is an often-overlooked organ. It’s one of those body parts we may not think about much until something goes wrong. Many people may not even know what a kidney does and how to keep it healthy.
March is National Kidney Month, and March 9, 2024, is World Kidney Day. It’s the perfect time to focus on your kidneys’ well-being. It’s the perfect time to focus on your kidneys’ well-being and to discuss your health-related family history. Read on to learn more about kidney function.
What are Kidneys?
Kidneys are two bean-shaped organs below the rib cage on either side of your spine. They are about the size of your fist.
The organ’s primary function is filtering blood. It removes waste and toxins and produces urine, which is then sent to the bladder and eliminated from the body.
Why are Kidneys Important?
Kidneys filter out toxins and waste from the blood. But that’s not all they do. They also:
• Help maintain a healthy balance of water, salt, and minerals in your blood to assist with nerve, muscle, and tissue function
• Produce hormones that control blood pressure, create red blood cells, and support bone health
What Does a Kidney Do?
Kidneys are made up of about a million nephrons. Each nephron contains a filter, or glomerulus, and a tubule. The glomerulus filters blood. The tubule carries healthy substances to your body and eliminates waste.
Blood circulates through your kidneys several times a day through the renal artery. The artery branches out into smaller blood vessels until the blood reaches the nephrons. It passes through the glomerulus’s thin walls and allows larger molecules, like proteins, to stay in the blood. Smaller molecules, like wastes and fluids, pass into the tubule.
Once wastes and fluids enter the tubule, a blood vessel that runs alongside it reabsorbs most of the water, minerals, and nutrients and returns them to the body. The tubule removes excess acid and waste and converts them into urine. The urine is delivered to the bladder and excreted from the body.
The kidneys filter about 150 quarts of blood daily. Only about 1 to 2 quarts become urine. That’s a hefty load!
How to Support Kidney Health?
When kidneys break down, they have difficulty filtering waste from the body. The lack of functioning affects other body parts, including the bones, nerves, blood, and skin. It can cause symptoms like sleep issues, restless legs, weak bones, joint pain, depressed mood, and eventually even kidney failure.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to keep your kidneys healthy. A nutritious diet and regular exercise will reduce your risk of kidney disease. You must also become aware of risk factors and symptoms to ensure you are cared for if issues arise.
Several supplements support kidney health. Here are some to consider adding to your diet:
• DesBio Kidney/Bladder Support is a homeopathic remedy that provides temporary relief from kidney and bladder-related symptoms.
• Progressive Labs Renatrate Kidney Concentrate contains all-natural ingredients that provide kidney and renal support.
• Premier Research Labs RenaVen Kidney Support detoxifies the body to support the kidneys in eliminating waste.
Now that you know the answer to the question, what does a kidney do, you are ready to honor National Kidney Month. Post useful information on social media and consider how you and your loved ones can improve kidney health.
If you have a family history of kidney failure, you’re at an increased risk for kidney problems. So it’s especially important to practice a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and talk to your healthcare provider or a dietician about following a healthy kidney regimen.
What healthy kidney activities will you be engaged in this March?
