Do not underestimate the function of the kidneys in the body

The kidney is an organ located near the middle of the back on both sides of the spine, just below the back rib. Kidney function is very important to maintain survival.
Kidney consists of a pair of organs, namely the left kidney and right kidney. Each kidney is about 10-12 cm in size, is the size of a fist, and contains about one million nephrons, which are tiny blood filters. Various kidney functions play an important role for health.

Know the function of the kidneys

Kidney function varies, including:

Filter the blood

All blood in the body passes through the kidneys several times a day. When the kidneys filter blood, urine is composed of residual substances and excess fluid in the body. The urine then enters the ureter and is then carried into the bladder and expelled as urine.

Filter and dispose of waste

Another function of the kidneys is to filter and dispose of waste such as toxins, excess salt and urea (nitrogen-containing waste produced from protein metabolism). Urea formed in the body is transported by blood to the kidneys to be removed later. Without kidneys, waste and toxins accumulate in the blood.

Monitor and control the balance of water in the body

The kidneys ensure that the body's tissues receive enough water to function properly. The kidneys react to changes in water levels in the body. When the body's water consumption is reduced or dehydrated, the function of the kidneys in this case is to hold water, not to get rid of it.

Regulates blood pressure and blood salt levels

How, by producing the enzyme renin. The kidneys need stable blood pressure and flow to filter blood.

Regulates red blood cells

When the body does not get enough oxygen, the kidneys release the hormone erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of more oxygen-carrying red blood cells. When the levels of oxygen or red blood cells return to normal, this hormone stops producing.

Regulates acid-base blood balance (pH)

The lower the pH, the more acidic the blood (acidosis), while the higher the pH, the condition is called alkali (alkalosis). Normal blood pH has a narrow range of 7.35 to 7.45. It is important to maintain blood pH balance at this interval so that cellular metabolic processes in the body can function properly. An important function of the kidneys is to ensure blood pH remains normal.

Maintain mineral and electrolyte concentrations

The kidneys maintain significant concentrations of minerals and electrolytes in the blood. Among them are sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium.

Produces an active form of vitamin D

Vitamin D is needed for bone health and chemical balance in the body.

Once the importance of the role of the kidneys in the body, it is necessary to keep both kidneys healthy, so they can still work well. Even though a person can lead a normal life with only one kidney, it is more likely to suffer various long-term health problems. Therefore, of course it's better to have two healthy kidneys.

Maintaining kidney health and function can be ensured by maintaining blood pressure and blood sugar levels, eating low-salt foods, eating more fruits and vegetables, and exercising quickly. by drinking enough water until the urine is clear, don't smoke, don't consume too much alcohol and maintain ideal body weight. Regular doctor visits and testing of kidney function are also important steps in early detection of kidney problems.