The Kidney is one of the most important organs in the human body. Let's learn about it!
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THE KIDNEY
The kidney which is usually described by its bean-shape are organs on either side of our spine, below the ribs and behind our belly. They come in pair, each kidney is said to be around 4 or 5 inches long, a large fist is usually used in its description, Not too big I suppose!
It's main job is to filter the blood. Its purpose is to remove waste, controlling the human body's fluid balance, and keeping the right levels of electrolytes in the blood. The blood in our body passes through them several times a day so it can perform its function on it.
How does it filter blood!
Having found out that the kidney's main job is to filter the blood. It became necessary to know how it is done.
The first thing is that the blood flows/comes into the kidney, the wastes are the first to get removed, followed by salt, then water and lastly the minerals are adjusted if need be! When these has been achieved the filtered blood, then goes back into the body. The removed wastes gets turned into urine, which collects in the kidney's pelvis (which is a funnel-shaped structure that drains down a tube known as the ureter to the bladder).
Each of the pair of kidney has been said to have around a million tiny filters called nephrons. It has also been said that you could have only 10% of your kidneys functioning effectively, and you may not notice any symptoms or problems at all.
If there's a stoppage of blood flow into a kidney, part or all of it could die. Which can lead to kidney failure, WOW!! BIG LESSON THERE!!
Function of kidney!
The kidney helps to remove wastes and extra fluid(like salt, water and minerals) from the body.
The kidney helps in controlling the blood pressure.
The kidney has also been discovered to be involved in the making of red blood cells.
The kidney is said to perform the function of activating vitamin D (energy from the sun) in the body so it can absord calcium and phosphorus needed to the keep the bones healthy.
The kidney helps in controlling the body pH Levels(either by removing or adjusting the amount of acids).
How to prevent kidney disease
A healthy lifestyle has been described as one of the best ways of preventing kidney diseases. People who has diabetes or high blood pressure have been found to be very likely to have kidney disease if they don't keep their sugar level or blood pressure under control by following the doctor's instructions on the do and don't necessary for their health status!
The following has also been described as way to help reduce the risk for kidney disease:
- Ensure a low-salt intake and low-fat diet.
- Exercising almost everyday of the week for at least 30 minutes is also recommended.
- Make sure you visit the doctor regularly for check-up.
- Stay away from smoking cigarettes or tobacco.
- Do not drink or reduce your intake of alcohol.
The articles from the following sources were helpful in writing this!
https://www.webmd.com/kidney-stones/picture-of-the-kidneys
http://umich.edu/~elements/web_mod/viper/kidney_function.htm
http://www.futureofpersonalhealth.com/prevention-and-treatment/5-functions-you-didnt-know-your-kidneys-had
http://www.kidneyfund.org/kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd/