Your kidneys may be small, but they do big work every single day. Without them, your body cannot stay balanced or healthy. But what exactly do they do, and why should you care about their condition? Let’s look at the role of kidneys, how they work, and how to keep them in good shape.
What Do Your Kidneys Do?
You have two kidneys, each about the size of a fist, located just below your ribcage on both sides of your spine. They are part of your body’s filtering system.
Here are some of the main jobs your kidneys do:
- Filter Waste: Your kidneys remove waste products and extra fluids from your blood. These wastes leave your body in the form of urine.
- Balance Fluids: They help keep the right amount of water and salt in your body.
- Control Blood Pressure: Kidneys release a hormone that helps manage blood pressure.
- Make Red Blood Cells: Another hormone from the kidneys tells your body to make red blood cells.
- Keep Bones Healthy: Your kidneys help balance calcium and vitamin D levels, which keeps your bones strong.
These functions are vital. If your kidneys stop working properly, your health can suffer in many ways.
Why Kidney Health Is Important
Healthy kidneys quietly do their job without causing any trouble. But when they stop working well, your body quickly feels the effects. Poor kidney function can lead to problems like high blood pressure, weak bones, and tiredness.
Ignoring kidney health for too long may even lead to kidney disease, where the organs slowly lose their ability to work. In more serious cases, this can turn into kidney failure, which is life-threatening and may require dialysis or a transplant.
Signs Your Kidneys May Be Struggling
Many people do not notice kidney issues until they become serious. Still, here are some signs that may point to a problem:
- Swelling in the ankles, feet, or hands
- Changes in how often you pass urine
- Feeling tired all the time
- Trouble concentrating
- Muscle cramps
- Poor appetite
- Dry and itchy skin
If you have these symptoms often, it is important to speak with our pharmacist for advice.
What Causes Kidney Problems?
Several factors can affect kidney function. Some of the most common ones include:
- Diabetes: High blood sugar can damage the kidneys over time.
- High Blood Pressure: This puts extra pressure on kidney blood vessels.
- Infections or Kidney Stones: These can block or harm the kidneys.
- Long-Term Use of Certain Medicines: Such as painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Family History: If someone in your family has had kidney disease, your risk may be higher.
How to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy
The good news is that you can take simple steps to support kidney health and avoid problems:
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water helps kidneys remove waste more easily.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Reduce salt, processed foods, and sugary drinks. Eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Exercise Regularly: Helps control weight and blood pressure.
- Monitor Blood Pressure and Sugar Levels: Especially if you have diabetes or heart issues.
- Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Both can harm your kidneys over time.
- Get Regular Health Checks: This helps spot problems early, even if you feel fine.
When Should You Take Action?
Even if you feel fine, regular check-ups can help catch small problems before they become serious. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney issues, it’s especially important to get advice from our pharmacists.
Don’t Wait to Protect Your Kidneys
It is important to stay on top of your kidney health. Regular check-ups, expert advice, and personalised care can help you prevent serious issues and support healthy kidneys for years to come. Book your appointment with our experts at Touchwood Pharmacy to keep your kidneys healthy.
