March 2012 - Keeping your Kidney's Healthy

Q: Did you know that Kidney function is essential for life?
Research shows that a person can live quite well with only one functioning kidney, but whilst bones can break, muscles can waste away and the brain can sleep without risk to life - if both kidneys fail, all of the above functions cannot carry on - without any kidney function, our body dies.

What do kidneys look like, and how big are they?
Kidneys are small, the size of a fist and are located below the rib cage on either side of the spine. Their actual dimensions are about 11.5cm long, 5-7cm broad and 2.5cm thick weighing about 150grams.


What do our kidneys do?
Our kidneys are the amazing master chemists of our bodies! They have a huge role in keeping our body balanced by filtering 200 litres of blood daily, removing wastes, and producing three important hormones; erythropoietin, rennin and active Vitamin D. Erthropoietin stimulates the production of red blood cells, Rennin is involved in the control of blood pressure and Active Vitamin D controls calcium and helps make strong bones.


The process of removing waste & extra water;

• Food & drink enters the stomach & is broken down into nutrients
• Solid waste products are removed and nutrients enter the bloodstream
• Nutrients are used by the body for energy, growth, repair and maintenance of body functions
• This process creates waste which is removed by the kidneys
• Extra nutrients not immediately needed by the body are also removed by the kidneys
• Waste products and extra water move from the kidneys to the bladder then leave the body as urine

What can go wrong with our kidneys?
The “Silent Disease,” is what kidney disease is often known as, because there are often no warnings.

• It is not uncommon for people to lose up to 90% of their kidney function before getting any symptoms
• When symptoms do occur the initial signs may be general, such as feeling tired or generalised itching
• As kidney disease progresses, the symptoms can include changes in the urine i.e. volume Discoloration), nausea and vomiting and appetite loss.
• Other symptoms include swollen or numb hands and feet (because of water retention), weakness & lethargy, darkened skin & muscle cramps.

Urinary Tract Infection also commonly known as UTI’s. UTI should treated promptly as a kidney infection is serious. It is important to see a doctor if a kidney infection or kidney stones are suspected because lasting damage or even kidney failure can occur if these conditions are left untreated. Infection which has spread from cystitis or pyelonephiritis can be life threatening.
Chronic Kidney Disease also known as CKD, means that the kidneys have been damaged and not working as well as they should normally. There are about 50 people a day that die of kidney related disease so early detection and treatment can help prevent kidney failure.
Why do kidneys fail?
Each kidney is made up of one million tiny units called nephrons. Nephrons filter the blood - as blood passes through the nephron, water and waste products are removed. Most kidney diseases attack the nephrons and destroy their ability to filter blood.
What can I do to keep my kidneys healthy?
Maintain and healthy weight - being overweight or obese can lead to other lifestyle disease such as Diabetes & High Blood Pressure, which are also factors that could lead to Chronic Kidney Disease.
Eat Healthy - food plays a huge role.

• Don’t over eat - always leave a meal feeling like you could eat a little bit more
• Eat breakfast - a good breakfast activates your metabolism first thing in the morning
• Avoid Fad Diets
• Drink plenty of water - it’s GREAT stuff! (try to keep hydrated as much as possible)

Stay Fit - physical exercise leads to increased strength, stamina & energy! By completing 30 minutes of physical activity at least three times a week, you will feel better and you will see great results.