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What are the kidneys? -

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs in our body's renal system.

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Kidney function -

The kidneys perform a vital function by ridding waste products and excess fluids from the body.

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How they work -

They remove acid that is produced by the cells of your body and maintain a healthy balance of water, salts, and minerals.

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Maintaining a healthy balance -

Without this balance, nerves, muscles, and other tissues in your body may not work normally.

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Promoting a healthy body -

The kidneys also produce an active form of vitamin D that promotes strong, healthy bones.

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Hormone release -

In addition, they release hormones that regulate blood pressure, and they control the production of red blood cells.

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Bloodwork -

And did you know that these useful little organs filter 200 liters (53 gallons) of blood a day?

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Where are the kidneys? -

There are two kidneys, each about the size of a fist, located on either side of the spine at the lowest level of the rib cage.

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How kidneys are nourished -

They receive blood from the paired renal arteries; blood exits into the paired renal veins. Each kidney is attached to a ureter, a tube that carries excreted urine to the bladder.

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Removal of fluids -

Waste products and excess fluids are removed through the urine.

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How to maintain healthy kidneys -

Needless to say, looking after the kidneys is essential for maintaining overall health. So, how is this best done?

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Make healthy food choices -

Choose foods that are healthy for your heart and your entire body, things like fresh fruits and vegetables.

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Whole grain high-fiber foods -

Similarly, whole grain high-fiber superfoods are ideal for maintaining overall health.

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Less salt and sugar -

Cut back on salt and added sugars. In fact, cook with a mix of spices instead of salt, and aim to have less than 10% of your daily calories come from added sugars.

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Limit alcohol intake -

Drinking too much alcohol can hike up blood pressure and pile on calories. Imbibe in moderation by limiting intake to two drinks or less in a day for men, and one drink or less in a day for women.

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Weigh up the issue -

Aim for a healthy weight based on your height and BMI (body mass index).

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Get enough sleep -

For optimum function, the human body requires seven to eight hours of sleep each night. If you have trouble sleeping, seek out ways to improve your sleep habits.

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Get physical -

It goes without saying that physical activity provides a huge boost to overall health. Try and be active and break a sweat for at least 30 minutes on most days.

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Underlying health issues -

Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can all contribute towards kidney damage. According to your condition, keep within safe parameters. For example, the ideal blood pressure goal for most people with diabetes is below 140/90 mmHg.

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Back pain, or something else? -

A nagging pain in your middle to upper back, your sides or both, might be an indication of an impending kidney problem.

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Beware of blood in urine -

Blood in the urine is indicative of a potentially serious problem and should never be ignored: blood in urine that can be seen with the naked eye may even be a sign of advanced kidney, bladder, or prostate cancer.

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Kidney stones -

Kidney stones are one of the most common kidney problems. It's also an extremely painful condition.

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Kidney disease -

According to the American Kidney Fund (AKF), 37 million Americans have kidney disease. In fact, it is so prevalent that it's the ninth leading cause of death in the United States.

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Fastest-growing noncommunicable disease -

To put that statistic into perspective, kidney disease is the fastest-growing noncommunicable disease (i.e. not spread through infection or through other people) in the United States.

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Kidney transplant statistics -

Approximately 240,000 Americans are living with a kidney transplant. But the shortage of available donor kidneys means that the vast majority of people who develop kidney failure are treated with dialysis.

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Dialysis option -

Currently, notes the AKF, nearly 570,000 Americans are on dialysis. And there's something like 92,000 Americans on the kidney transplant waiting list.

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Simple blood test -

Though early onset kidney disease displays no signs or symptoms, simple blood and urine tests can tell how well your kidneys are working.

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Kidney disease is treatable -

Kidney disease is not reversible, but it is treatable. However, the aforementioned lifestyle changes remain the frontline defense against the condition.

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Fight against kidney disease -

Many organizations have websites devoted to educating and empowering those impacted by kidney disease. Online groups and forums also exist offering advice and support networks.

Sources: (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism) (Diabetes UK) (AKF) (DaVita)

See also: Tips to live a long and healthy life

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