Kidneys
Your body's master filters. The kidneys process 200 quarts of blood daily, removing waste and excess fluid while maintaining perfect electrolyte balance. They also regulate blood pressure and produce critical hormones. Kidney health is foundational.
Key Functions
Filtration
Remove waste products: urea, creatinine, toxins. Filter 200 quarts blood daily. Create urine.
Electrolyte Balance
Regulate sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus. Precise balance essential for nerve and muscle.
Blood Pressure
Renin-angiotensin system. Fluid volume control. Major BP regulator.
pH Balance
Maintain acid-base balance. Excrete acids. Reabsorb bicarbonate. pH 7.35-7.45.
Hormone Production
Erythropoietin (red blood cells). Calcitriol (active vitamin D). Renin (blood pressure).
Fluid Balance
Concentrate or dilute urine. Respond to ADH. Maintain blood volume.
Kidney Anatomy
Nephrons
Functional units. 1 million per kidney. Filter blood. Create urine.
Glomerulus
Capillary tuft. First filtration step. Bowman's capsule catches filtrate.
Tubules
Reabsorb water, nutrients. Secrete waste. Fine-tune urine composition.
Collecting Ducts
Final concentration. Respond to ADH. Drain to renal pelvis.
Threats to Kidney Health
Diabetes
#1 cause of kidney failure. High blood sugar damages nephrons. Control glucose essential.
High Blood Pressure
#2 cause. Damages delicate vessels. Creates vicious cycle—kidneys regulate BP.
NSAIDs
Ibuprofen, naproxen. Reduce blood flow. Long-term use causes damage.
Dehydration
Chronic dehydration strains kidneys. Concentrates toxins. Increases stone risk.
High Sodium
Forces kidneys to work harder. Raises blood pressure. Most people eat too much.
Heavy Metals
Lead, cadmium, mercury. Accumulate in kidneys. Cause chronic damage.
Protecting Your Kidneys
Stay Hydrated
Adequate water intake. Dilutes toxins. Prevents stones. Urine should be light yellow.
Control Blood Sugar
Prevent diabetes damage. Low-glycemic eating. Monitor if diabetic.
Manage Blood Pressure
Below 120/80 ideal. Sodium reduction. Exercise. Stress management.
Limit NSAIDs
Avoid chronic use. Alternative pain strategies. Especially with kidney disease.
Reduce Sodium
Less than 2300mg/day. Read labels. Cook at home. Avoid processed foods.
Regular Testing
GFR, creatinine, urinalysis. Early detection crucial. Damage often silent.
Kidney Health Markers
GFR
Glomerular filtration rate. Best kidney function measure. Normal: 90+.
Creatinine
Waste product. Rises when kidneys fail. Affected by muscle mass.
BUN
Blood urea nitrogen. Protein waste. High indicates kidney stress.
Albumin/Creatinine
Urine test. Detects early damage. Protein leak indicates problems.