We are all familiar with the functions of vital organs such as your heart and lungs, but do you know the important role that your kidneys play in the well-being of your body? The first step to kidney health is taking the time to get to know your kidneys, how they work, what they do, and how you can keep them healthy.
Where are my kidneys located?
Your kidneys are bean-shaped organs. They are located under the lower part of your ribcage on either side of your backbone. They are about the size of your fist and they pack a major punch on the overall health of your body. Kidneys have a heavy load to carry when it comes to functionality and knowing where they are located in your body can help you to stay proactive when identifying when they are not functioning properly.
What do my Kidneys do for me?
Every day, your kidneys are hard at work filtering over 200 liters of blood. What are they filtering out? They work to ensure toxins leave your body properly in the form of urine. Beyond filtering, your kidneys function to regulate hormones and control blood pressure. Additionally, they balance vitamins and minerals in the body and help bone health through vitamin D production. These chemical factories are the key to the functioning of your body. Kidney disease can disrupt the workflow of your kidneys so it is important that we look for signs, be proactive, and keep our kidneys healthy.
How can I keep my kidneys healthy?
Kidney disease is a kidney abnormality that results in decreased kidney function. It can be caused by diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. It is important to know the signs of kidney malfunctions in order to begin to understand what we need to do to keep our kidneys healthy.
Signs of low functioning kidneys include:
- High blood Pressure
- Blood and/or protein in the urine
- Frequent, difficult, or painful urination, or in severe cases, lack of urination.
- Puffiness around eyes
- Swelling of hands and feet
To prevent some of these symptoms, we need to ensure we are taking steps to contribute to the health of our kidneys. Basic diet, nutrition, and exercise can aid in keeping your kidneys healthy. Also, drinking plenty of water contributes to your kidney health. If you are a smoker or drinker, consider quitting as a way to take care of your kidneys. You can also promote kidney health by lowering your blood pressure, reducing your salt intake, and getting your annual flu shot.
Taking preventative measures when it comes to your health is most important to us at CCMH. Learn more about our Family Care by clicking https://www.ccmhhealth.com/family-care/
Resources: The National Kidney Foundation
https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/sixstepshealthprimer
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