How Much Do You Know About Kidney Health?

One of the functions of your kidneys is to remove waste products and extra fluid from the blood. Waste products come from your diet and normal breakdown of tissues. The kidneys filter about 50 gallons of blood a day. Of that amount, about one-half to 2 quarts of fluid and waste products are removed from the blood. They pass out of the body in urine.

The urinary system is made up of 2 kidneys; 2 ureters, which are thin tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder; the bladder, which stores urine; 2 sphincter muscles that prevent urine from leaking; nerves in the bladder; and the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine outside the body. The kidneys not only remove liquid waste from the blood, but also regulate electrolytes, or minerals; secrete hormones that control blood pressure; stimulate red blood cell production; and help maintain calcium balance.

High blood pressure (hypertension) and uncontrolled diabetes can damage the kidneys' small blood vessels so they are unable to filter blood. Over time this can cause kidney failure. Uncontrolled diabetes means high blood sugar over long periods of time. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney disease. The most common reason for a kidney transplant is the long-term effects of uncontrolled diabetes.

Each kidney contains about a million tiny filtering units called nephrons. A nephron is made up of small tubes and blood vessels. Diseases that affect the kidneys can damage the nephrons. As a result, the kidneys have problems getting rid of waste products.

Black people are more likely to develop high blood pressure than white people. They also develop high blood pressure earlier in life than white people.

These OTC pain relievers present no danger for most people when taken according to directions. But for people with some health conditions, these medicines may cause kidney problems. Also, if you take these medicines regularly over a long period of time, you may increase your risk for kidney problems. Talk with your healthcare provider about how to safely take these medicines.

People who have decreased function of their kidneys may need to monitor the protein in their diet. Sodium, found in salt, may raise your blood pressure. High blood pressure can damage the kidneys. Talk with your healthcare provider to be sure you’re getting the correct nutrition. And talk with them to be sure you are making the appropriate changes in your diet to help your kidneys work well.

Kidney stones are more common in people assigned male at birth than in those assigned female at birth. If you don't drink enough fluids, you may be at an increased risk for kidney stones.