What Are The 7 Functions Of The Kidney

Kidneys are the bean-shaped organs in the body and are the most crucial organ of the body. Everyone knows that the kidneys’ primary and foremost function is to eliminate waste products from the body by flushing them out through urine. But are you aware of the fact that other than this, there are 6 other essential functions that kidneys perform? Let’s get to know this.

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What is Kidney, and Why is kidney health vital?

Kidneys are the essential organs in the body located in the rear abdominal cavity on each side of the spine. Each Kidney converts waste products of the body to urine that passes out through the bladder. To take proper care of the Kidney and to understand how it works, it’s necessary to know what its functions are:

7 functions of the kidneys are:

• Removes excess fluid
• Removes waste product
• Maintain healthy bones
• Balance chemicals and minerals
• Controls the production of Red Blood Cells
• Release hormones that regulate Blood Pressure
• Remove drugs from the body

Kidneys are exceptionally tangled organs. They work to keep the body in a condition of chemical balance. The kidneys manage all the substances, either helpful for the body or harmful to the body, that float in the body and keep them in tight parameters so the body can function like a well-oiled machine. This is called kidney function.

People cannot live without proper kidney function. Life can not be continued without the 7 functions of the Kidney that it performs. The Kidney plays an essential part in the regulation of blood pressure and in the blood formulation. Kidneys are also responsible for the production and maintenance of certain hormones that are vital for existence. These are the reasons why kidneys are important for living a healthy life.

Let’s understand the 7 important functions that the kidneys perform.

Each Kidney weighs about 140g. It differs in males and females and is important in many different body functions. Therefore for taking proper care of the kidneys, it is crucial for us to understand these functions with the uses of kidneys, about which people have incomplete knowledge. So, let’s understand all that you need to know about the basic functions of the Kidney.

• Removes Excess Fluid

The most important function of the Kidney is managing the fluid balance in the body by excreting the excess amount of water and retaining the needed amount of water in the body, which is important for living. When the kidneys fail, they become incapable of removing the extra amount of water. This Excess water in the body can cause swelling in the body.

• Eliminates Waste Product

Blood Purification by removing waste products in the form of urine is the foremost function of the Kidney.

The Kidney flushes out unnecessary waste products that can cause various health conditions.

The food consumed by everyone contains protein. And this protein is essential for the overall growth of the body. But as the protein is used by the body, it starts producing waste products.

Urea and Creatinine are two important waste products. Their “values” in blood tests reflect the functioning of the Kidney. When both the kidneys fail, the value of urea and Creatinine will be high in a blood test.

• Maintain Healthy Bones

Vitamin D is essential for the bones and the regulation of phosphate and calcium. Kidneys are responsible for converting calcifediol into calcitriol (an active form of vitamin D) as one of the basic functions.

The active form of Vitamin D is crucial for the growth of the bones and teeth, absorption of calcium from food, and keeping the bones strong and healthy. In kidney failure, reduced active vitamin D leads to reduced growth of bones. And growth retardation can be a sign of kidney failure in children.

• Balance Chemicals and Minerals

The kidneys are responsible for playing another important role in regulating chemicals and minerals like hydrogen, potassium, sodium, calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium, and phosphorus and maintaining the general composition of body fluid.

Changes in potassium levels can have major adverse effects on the rhythm of the heart as well as the functioning of the muscles, and some changes in the sodium level can affect a person’s mental state. A normal level of phosphorus and calcium is important for healthy teeth and bones.

• Controls the production of Red Blood Cells

Erythropoietin is a hormone that is produced in the kidneys and plays a crucial role in the production of red blood cells (RBC) and is also important for the transportation of oxygen in the body. At the time of kidney failure, the production of erythropoietin is reduced, which in turn leads to reduced production of RBCs that results in low hemoglobin (anemia). This is the reason for not improving the count of hemoglobin in patients with kidney failure.

• Release hormones that regulate Blood Pressure

The kidneys are responsible for the production of a hormone called renin.

It helps regulate salt and water in the body, which plays an essential role in the maintenance of blood pressure. Disturbances in the regulation of water and salt and hormone production in a kidney failure patient can lead to high blood pressure.

• Electrolyte Control

Kidneys extract the electrolytes from the blood and then return the rest back into circulation and release the leftover through urine. Therefore, they are the body’s primary tools to maintain a controlled presence of electrolytes in the blood. Phosphorus and electrolytes are the main electrolytes retained or released by the kidneys.

Final Thoughts

As you know, the kidneys are essential pair of organs, and their role in health goes way beyond removing waste products. Life is not possible without the 7 functions of the Kidney. So, people must try to keep their kidneys healthy by drinking a high amount of fluids, maintaining an active schedule, eating healthy, and not smoking or consuming alcohol. If you notice any improper working in any of the functions mentioned above, then don’t hesitate to reach out to a kidney specialist and discuss the matter in detail!

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Disclaimer: The content provided is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult with your doctor or dietitian before making any changes to your diet or treatment plan. For appointments, call our 24×7 helpline: +91-9821929797 or visit www.karmaayurvedahospital.com.