Bean-Organ: Kidney – Responsibilities and Practices to keep it healthy

by HiranandaniHospital Kidney A Mumbai based kidney treatment hospital

The kidneys are two brownish-red bean-shaped, fist-sized organs that can be tracked down at the bottom of our rib cage, one on both sides of the spinal cord. In adult mammals, it is around 4.5 inches (12 centimeters) in length.

These act as the chief organs in the human excretory system and are responsible for the following functions-

1. Blood Filtration - Kidneys play a crucial role in removing junk minerals from the blood and filtering it to form urine.

2. Regulates Acid-Base Equilibrium – The acid-base in a human body is always in the form of subtle balance which is a measure of hydrogen-ion concentration known as “pH”. The standard pH of blood is somewhere between 7.35 and 7.45. To retain the healthy spectrum of these compounds, kidneys excrete the excess of these and preserve the one which is less.

3. Eliminating Junk products out of the bloodstream - Kidneys refine toxins and other waste products to circumvent any kind of intoxication build-up.

4. Activation of Vitamin D – The kidneys transmute Calcifediol into the active configuration of Vitamin D that is, Calcitriol, which dilutes in the blood and hence maintains Calcium and Phosphate in the body, therefore, ensuring healthier growth of bones.

5. Keeps Blood Pressure in check – An enzyme commonly known as “Renin” is secreted by the kidneys which converts ‘Angiotensinogen', generated by the liver into ‘Angiotensin l', which is then transformed into ‘Angiotensin ll' in the lungs. Angiotensin ll condenses the blood vessels to accelerate the blood pressure while on the other hand, if the blood pressure is already high, the kidneys generate urine dropping off the liquid flowing in the body to neutralize the blood pressure.

6. Delivering the nutritional value into the bloodstream – Kidney’s aid in accumulating trifling amounts of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and proteins ensuring the vigorous elements reach where they are required and can be used by cells to regenerate throughout the body.

7. Supervises Electrolytes and Hormones – Another pivotal purpose is to regulate electrolytes (like sodium) and hormones (like testosterone). Excess of any of them is excreted and if lacking then it is returned into blood circulation hence ensuring a balanced presence.

Since there are prominent functions executed by the Kidneys, Specialist, Dr. Sujit Chatterjee, the CEO of Hiranandani Hospital Kidney explains how one can take good care of their kidneys-

1. Be conscious about the OTC medicines – One is exposed to a high risk of getting their kidney(s) damaged if they are a frequent consumer of over-the-counter (OTC) pills for chronic pains like headaches, stomachaches, body pains, or arthritis.

Dr. Sujit Chatterjee stressed the fact giving reference to the prescription of the National Kidney Foundation that OTC pills should not be taken for more than 10 days for any chronic pain as Ibuprofen, or Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ), which might damage the kidneys temporarily or even permanently.

2. Rectify your Blood Pressure – A reading of 120/80 is considered to be well at the point when it comes to blood pressure. One might be exposed to High blood pressure if they have issues like obesity, cardiovascular diseases, high cholesterol, or even stress. This might act as a major block when it comes to the proper functioning of the kidney.

3. Consume plentiful fluids without overdoing them – Water helps cut down sodium levels and toxins and hence reduces the risk of kidney failure. Hence it is a good practice to hydrate oneself.

Dr. Sujit Chatterjee further says, there is no such study that proves that over-hydration can help to better kidney functions. Hence, anywhere between 2-3 liters per day is sufficient.

4. Indulge in physical activity – Physical activities are more than maintaining your waistline. There is no requirement of adopting heavy exercises, something as basic as walking, cycling or dancing can be of great benefit, as this would help in maintaining blood pressure and hence the better circulation of the blood.

5. Regulate the blood sugar – Our body breaks down the food we eat into sugar in the form of glucose. High blood sugar is a condition developed when body cells are unable to use it and break it down further. The kidneys hence have to put in supplementary exertion to purify that blood leading to kidney damage.

The CEO of Hiranandani Hospital kidney transplant concluded by saying, “Not acting on these might lead to an extra strain on our kidneys, and risking the kidneys is no choice because of the key roles implemented by the organ.”