November 24, 2023
What You Need To Know About the Unsung Heroes of Your Body.
We make sure your specific health needs are addressed
Yes, we're talking about the kidneys. The kidneys are more than just urine factories; the kidneys are like intricate filters that sift through the bloodstream, removing waste products and excess fluids. This filtration process ensures that the body's internal environment remains in a state of balance, known as homeostasis. Without this balance, our cells would struggle to function optimally, leading to a range of health issues. The kidneys also play a critical role in regulating blood pressure, balancing electrolytes, and producing hormones that stimulate red blood cell production and control calcium metabolism. They are located on either side of the spine and are responsible for more than just filtering waste from the blood. Their multifaceted functions make them the unsung heroes of the human body, tirelessly performing vital functions that keep us alive and well.
Facts about the kidneys
Did you know that your kidneys filter about 200 liters of blood every day, produce about 1.5 liters of urine, and weigh about 150 grams each? Your kidneys are amazing organs that perform many important tasks for your body.
kidneys love their blood flow. They reabsorb and redistribute 99% of the blood volume throughout the body, leaving 1% of the filtered blood to become urine.
An adult's kidney weighs about 5 ounces (142 grams) and is the size of a fist.
About 25% of all blood from the heart goes into the kidneys.
Kidneys clean your blood and keep your body chemically balanced through its filtration system.
Kidneys also activate vitamin D in your body – but only as a last resort. If your skin cells can't receive vitamin D from the Sun, then your liver takes over. And if your liver can't produce vitamin D, your kidneys get the job done.
Tips to keep your kidneys healthy
Stay active
Manage blood sugar
Monitor blood pressure
Monitor weight and eat a balanced diet
Stay hydrated
Stop smoking
Monitor OTC pill intake (Over-the-counter)
Test your kidneys
When should you be concerned about your kidneys?
Early detection matters. Kidney health is crucial, and recognizing warning signs can help you take timely action. Here are some symptoms to be aware of:
Dry and itchy skin
Fatigue and weakness
Increased urine frequency
Blood in urine
Cloudy urine
Disturbance in sleep
Loss of appetite
Oliguria (low urine output)
Risk factors for kidney diseases?
Kidney disease can arise from various factors; people at higher risk of kidney disease are people suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, and autoimmune diseases. Kidney stones and urinary tract Infections (they can spread to the kidneys, causing infection and potential damage.
Regular check-ups can detect early signs of kidney dysfunction. Visit a healthcare professional for routine check-ups.
If you are experiencing symptoms like changes in urination, back pain, or swelling, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
Guscare Specialist Hospital
In Guscare Specialist Hospital we have a Urologist and Nephrologist specialist who consult and handle conditions such as acute kidney injury, chronic kidney diseases, nephropathy syndrome, and hypertensive nephropathy, diabetic nephropathy with interventions such as hemodialysis.
If you have specific questions about kidneys or related concerns, feel free to contact us!
35b Orogbum crecent, GRA Phase3, Port Harcourt.
+234 802 290 0002
hello@guscare.com
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