The kidneys are among the most important organs in the human body. Kidney damage can lead to serious illness or death. Each kidney has a very complex structure and function. The kidneys have two important functions, namely: getting rid of the remaining toxic hazards and perpetuating the balance of water, liquids, minerals, and chemicals such as electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and so on.
The main function of the kidneys is to produce urine and cleanse the blood. Each kidney disposes of the remaining toxic substances and other chemicals that are not needed by the body. The important function of the kidneys is explained below.
- Disposal of waste products
Cleansing the blood by removing waste products is the most important function of the kidneys.
The food we eat contains protein. Protein is needed for growth and repair of body cells. When protein is used by the body, it also produces toxic waste. The collection and conservation of this residue are similar to perpetuating toxins in the body. Each kidneys filter blood, and the toxic waste that is finally excreted in the urine.
Creatinine and urea are two important waste products, which can be easily measured in the blood. Their “grades” in the blood test reflect the function of the kidneys. If both breasts fail, the value of creatinine and urea will be high during a blood test.
- Removal of excessive fluids
The second most important function in the kidneys is removing excess water as urine while maintaining the amount of water needed in the body. If the kidneys fail, they lose the effort to remove this excess water. More water in the body leads to swelling of the body.
- Offsetting minerals and chemicals
The kidneys play an important role in escorting minerals and chemicals such as sodium, potassium (potassium), hydrogen, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and bicarbonate and maintain the body’s normal liquid composition.
Changes in sodium can cause a disturbance in a person’s mental state while changes in potassium can cause serious bad impressions on heart rhythm and muscle function. Also. the balance of normal calcium and phosphorus is essential for the appearance of bones and teeth.
- Blood pressure control
The kidneys produce different hormones (renin, angiotensin, aldosterone, prostaglandin and so on) which help guard water and salt in the body. It plays an important role to control good blood pressure. Impaired hormone release and balance of salt and water in patients with kidney failure may lead to high blood pressure. Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition when blood pressure is at a value of 130/80 mmHg or more. This condition can be dangerous, because the heart is forced to pump blood harder throughout the body, so that it can lead to various diseases, such as kidney failure, stroke, and heart failure.
High blood pressure is often unknown causes. However, there are several conditions that can trigger high blood pressure, including:
- Pregnancy
- Alcohol addiction
- Drug abuse
- Kidney disorders
- Respiratory disorders during sleep.
Although it can happen to everyone, there are several factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing high blood pressure, such as:
- Elderly
- Having a family suffering from hypertension
- Have a smoking habit
- Rarely exercise.
Living a healthy lifestyle can reduce and prevent hypertension. Some ways that can be done are:
- Eat healthy foods.
- Maintain ideal body weight.
- Exercise regularly.
- Quit smoking.
