The kidneys are bean-shaped organ, each about the size of a fist that performs many functions to keep the blood clean and chemically balanced. They are located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage, one on each side of the spine.
The kidneys filter wastes and extra fluid from your blood. Keep the proper balance of minerals like sodium, phosphorus, calcium, and potassium in your blood. Help maintain healthy blood pressure. And make hormones that keep your blood and bones healthy. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes of kidney failure, also poisons, trauma such as a forceful blow to the kidneys, and also from hereditary factors. A doctor may first detect the condition through routine blood and urine tests and Xrays.
Kidney damages can begin even as early as when a child is still developing in the womb, and because most kidney problems happen slowly, a person can have the disease months or years without any symptoms. Someone can be born with only one kidney, and even those who may have donated a kidney can still live a normal, healthy life. Anyone who takes painkillers regularly should check with a doctor to make sure the kidneys are not at risk.
Following a low protein diet and keeping your blood pressure, and sugar level normal are some of the ways to keep your kidney working well for many years. When kidneys do not work well, dialysis or kidney transplant will be needed.
