Important Functions Of A Kidney

The kidney is one of the most vital organs of a human body. Despite the fact that people have two kidneys, a human being can survive only on one. They are small bean shaped organs located at the backside of the abdominal cavity, one on either side of the spine. Mentioned below are a few functions of a kidney.

Removal of Waste Products

According to the best kidney hospitals in Hyderabad and other cities, kidneys play a crucial role in removing waste products from the body. It helps to keep the blood purified. The proteins people consume are necessary for the growth and repair of the body. However, when protein is utilized, the body produces waste products. If these waste products start accumulating in the body, it can lead to several problems. The two main waste products found in blood are creatinine and urea. To determine the performance of the kidney, their content is checked in the blood. When the kidneys function properly, the amount of creatinine and urea gets higher.

Removal Of Excess Fluid

Besides excreting waste products from the body, the kidneys are responsible for regulating balance in body fluids. This is done by draining out the excess water from the body as urine and maintaining the necessary amount required by the body for functioning properly. If the kidneys fail, the body fails to remove the excess amount of water that leads to swelling.

Balance Minerals And Chemicals

The body requires various minerals and chemicals like sodium, potassium, hydrogen, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and bicarbonate. Kidneys help to regulate and maintain their normal composition in the body.

Control Of Blood Pressure

Renin, angiotensin, aldosterone, prostaglandin, etc. are some of the hormones that are produced by the kidneys. These are very essential in regulating the water and salt balance in the body so that the blood pressure stays normal. Change in the hormone secretion content disbalances the salt and water in a patient with leads to kidney failure and high blood pressure.

To Maintain Healthy Bones

The kidneys have the ability to change vitamin D into its active form so that it can easily absorb calcium from food. This helps in building stronger and healthier bones and teeth. In the case of kidney failure, the amount of active vitamin D in the body falls and the bones gradually become weaker with time.