Healthy Kidneys as Self-Care

Your kidneys are essential to maintaining your overall health. Most of us are born with two kidneys, one on the right and one on the left. Some individuals are born with one kidney. It is possible to live a long life with only one kidney. The kidneys are small bean-shaped organs that filter the blood and remove waste from the body. The kidneys also have the task of balancing electrolytes and regulating fluid levels. As is true with all organs, they function best when healthy. Certain conditions, such as high blood pressure (hypertension) and high blood sugar (diabetes) can negatively impact the kidneys and cause them to fail.

High blood pressure is one of the most common culprits of kidney damage. Over time, the increased pressure within the body harms the kidney’s blood vessels, decreasing their ability to filter blood effectively. It also damages the filtering membrane of the kidneys. Damaged kidneys can't regulate blood pressure well, creating a vicious cycle that further elevates blood pressure and exacerbates injury to the organ. In severe cases, hypertension can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD) or even kidney failure, necessitating dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Diabetes also poses a significant threat to kidney health. High blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their filtering capabilities. A healthy kidney filters waste and keeps large molecules within the body. When large molecules, such as sugar and protein, push through the kidney membrane, damage is done to the filter. Think of a colander whose holes are so wide that your spaghetti noodles escape through the bottom instead of just the water. This colander is no longer an effective filter. This condition, known as diabetic nephropathy, progresses over time and leads to chronic disease. Diabetic nephropathy is a leading cause of kidney failure, making diabetes management crucial for preserving kidney function.

We can monitor kidney function through a blood test called creatinine. Creatinine is a waste product formed from the normal breakdown of muscle tissue. It is a byproduct of a substance called creatine, which helps our muscles produce energy. After creatinine is made, it’s transported to the kidneys through the bloodstream. The kidneys filter out most of the creatinine and expel it from the body through urine. The amount of creatinine in your blood provides important information about your kidney function. High levels of creatinine may indicate kidney dysfunction and may be transient or longstanding. Several factors can influence the health of your kidneys. The most important thing you can do is drink water and monitor your blood pressure and blood sugar. Regular visits to your primary care physician should include blood tests that detect any dysfunction within the body. Early detection minimizes long-term damage to the body. Screening saves lives (and kidney function)!

Here's to your health!