Kidneys are one of the important and vital organs of the human body. It contains nephrons which have filtering unit of very tiny blood vessels attached to a tubule. There are two bean-shaped kidneys in the human body which absorb minerals, filters blood, and produces hormones and urine. Are we aware of its functions? Do we know how important organ it is? There are many essential functions of kidneys but the major one is to remove excess fluid, unwanted medicines, and waste products from the body.
These waste products are removed from the body via urine.
Another important function of kidneys is that it produces hormones that affect the working of other organs. Also, the hormones produced by the kidneys help to balance our blood pressure, control the body's fluids as well as manage the calcium metabolism and balance the production of RBC's.
Everyone should be aware of kidney disease. It's our duty and responsibility to keep our kidneys fit and healthy.
Mostly, kidneys may be affected by diseases like high blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetes.
There are other diseases too which affect our kidneys. They are glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, etc.
If we suffer from kidney disease, then there is a chance of having both our kidneys damaged. In medical science, it is called kidney failure. As a result, kidneys won't be able to remove body wastes and excess fluid from the body.
If our both kidneys are damaged then we have to transplant the kidney. Kidney transplantation has higher success rates. It will be costly and very fewer chances to get a new one. Therefore, it's better not to have kidney disease. Other treatments for kidney failure patients are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Symptoms of Kidney disease:
What are the symptoms of kidney disease? The various symptoms of kidney disease are high blood pressure, swelling of hands/feet, glomerular filtration rate<60, frequent & painful urination, present of blood in urine, facial puffiness, etc.
Ways to make our kidneys fit and healthy
1. Always eat healthy and balanced food. Have a proper diet. Try to avoid junk and street foods.2. Have plenty of water. At least have 2 to 3 liters of water daily. Don't ever drink tap water directly. Try to have filtered water as much as possible.
3. Do not make habit of taking excessive medicines. It will affect your kidneys.
4. Stop taking tobacco products. Say NO to smoking. It badly affects the Kidneys.
5. Do not eat salty foods. Having too much salt is not good for kidneys. Have a balanced salt in the food.
6. Always try to make yourself fit and healthy. Exercise, yoga, and meditation are the best options.
7. Have proper care on your body weight. Both low weight and overweight are harmful.
8. Have a good blood pressure. High blood pressure or hypertension is very dangerous for kidneys. Stop avoiding such foods which cause hypertension.
9. If there are diabetes patients in your home then give a proper care and attention. It is medical fact that diabetes patients have higher chances of having kidney problems. That is why it is better not to have diabetes in the first stage only.
10. Consult the doctor immediately for the medical treatment if you are the patient of hypertension and diabetes.