The kidneys are vital organs in the human body that play an important part in general health. Here are some important kidney facts:
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs positioned directly below the ribcage on either spine. They are located in the center of the back, one on the left side and one on the right.
The kidneys are around the size of a fist. They are divided into the renal cortex on the outside and the renal medulla on the inside. The kidneys comprise millions of microscopic functional units known as nephrons that filter the blood and create urine.
Various Functions of a Kidney
The kidneys serve various important roles in the body, including –
1. Waste Removal
Filtration in the kidneys permits waste products such as urea, creatinine, and uric acid, which are byproducts of normal metabolic activities, to be removed. Because these waste chemicals can be dangerous if they build up in the circulation, the kidneys filter them out and remove them through urine.
2. Fluid Balance
The kidneys maintain the body’s fluid balance by filtering excess water from the circulation. This aids in maintaining sufficient hydration and preventing fluid accumulation, which can lead to swelling (edema) and other issues.
3. Filtration
Filtration in the kidneys also helps to maintain the body’s electrolyte balance, which includes salt, potassium, calcium, and phosphate. These electrolytes are required for various body activities, such as nerve signaling, muscular contraction, and fluid homeostasis.
4. Acid-Base Balance
The kidneys assist in controlling blood pH by filtering out excess acids and bases. This is vital for the body’s general acid-base balance, which is required for normal cellular and enzyme functions.
5. Toxin Removal
Kidney filtration aids in the removal of toxins, medicines, and other potentially hazardous compounds from circulation. Medication, environmental pollutants, and metabolic wastes are examples of these chemicals. The kidneys safeguard the body against possible harm by filtering them out.
Through these functions, our kidneys purify blood and nutrients vital for normal body functioning.
Also Read: What is chronic kidney disease: Stages, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Precautions
Why Does Filtration Play an Important Role in the Kidney?
Filtration is an important function of the kidneys because it removes waste and extra fluids from the circulation. When blood enters the kidneys, it travels through minute units known as nephrons, which filter the blood and produce urine.
The glomeruli in the nephrons are microscopic filtering units of small blood arteries and tiny holes that enable water and small molecules to flow through while keeping bigger molecules like proteins and blood cells. This is known as ultrafiltration, and it aids in removing waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood.
Waste materials and excess fluids can accumulate in the body without effective filtration, causing major health concerns. When the kidneys do not work properly, waste products such as urea and creatinine can collect in the blood, resulting in uremia. Symptoms include weariness, nausea, and swelling in the legs and feet.
The kidneys, in addition to eliminating waste and excess fluids, manage the balance of electrolytes and acid-base levels in the body, aid in maintaining appropriate blood pressure, and create hormones required for numerous biological activities. As a result, effective renal filtration is critical for general health and well-being.
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Conditions in Which the Kidney doesn’t Function Properly in Allopathy
Various disorders can cause kidney malfunction, resulting in decreased kidney function or renal failure.
Among these conditions are –
- Chronic Kidney Disease: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term illness in which the kidneys gradually lose function. Diabetes, high blood pressure, glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, and some autoimmune illnesses can all cause it.
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): Acute Kidney Injury is a rapid and significant loss of kidney function. Dehydration, acute infections, kidney infections, certain drugs, kidney stones, and urinary tract blockages can all contribute to it.
- Kidney Infections: Kidney Infections, such as pyelonephritis, can cause inflammation and damage to kidney tissue, impairing its function.
- Kidney stones: Kidney stones can obstruct the urinary system and prevent adequate urine flow, resulting in kidney injury and reduced kidney function.
- Glomerulonephritis: Glomerulonephritis is a disorder that causes inflammation of the kidney’s filtration units (glomeruli). This inflammation may impede the kidneys’ ability to filter waste materials and water appropriately.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): PKD is a hereditary condition that causes fluid-filled cysts to form in the kidneys. These cysts can grow in size and affect kidney function over time.
- Kidney Cancer: Kidney Cancer Cancerous tumors that begin in the kidneys can interfere with normal kidney function, particularly if they develop and spread.
- Certain drugs and poisons: Chronic exposure to chemicals such as heavy metals or solvents can cause kidney damage and impede function.
Also Read: What is Chronic Kidney Disease? Symptoms and Solution
Conditions in Which the Kidney Doesn’t Function Properly in Ayurveda
Kidney-related illnesses are frequently associated with imbalances in the doshas (vital energies) and the accumulation of toxins in the body, according to Ayurveda, India’s traditional system of medicine. Ayurveda emphasizes a holistic approach to health and examines individualized treatment strategies based on an individual’s unique constitution and imbalances.
Ayurveda recognizes the following circumstances in which the kidneys may be dysfunctional –
- Mutrakricchra (Difficulty Urinating): This condition relates to urination issues such as decreased urine production, painful urination, or frequent urination. It can be caused by imbalances in the doshas, notably Vata and Pitta, and variables such as poor food, dehydration, and pollutants.
- Ashmari (Kidney Stones): According to Ayurveda, kidney stones are produced by a dosha imbalance and the buildup of poisons. The therapy aims to balance the doshas, improve digestion, and promote toxin evacuation.
- Renal Failure: According to Ayurveda, renal failure is a complicated disorder involving a variety of causes, such as dosha imbalances, poor digestion, reduced metabolism, and toxin buildup. The treatment aims to restore balance, enhance kidney function, and promote general health.
- Urinary Tract Infections: UTIs are referred to as Mutravaha Sroto Dushti in Ayurveda. The therapy includes balancing the doshas, boosting the immune system, and employing antimicrobial herbs and medicines.
- Glomerulonephritis: Ayurvedic therapy for glomerulonephritis focuses on lowering inflammation, increasing kidney function, and minimizing toxic buildup in the body. It usually consists of food adjustments, herbal medicines, detoxification therapy, and lifestyle changes.
How to Cure Kidney Diseases:
Here are some broad approaches to kidney failure treatment:
- Medical Management: Consult with a nephrologist, a healthcare expert specializing in kidney disorders. They can identify the problem, assess its severity, and give proper medical therapy. Medication may be used to treat underlying causes, regulate blood pressure, decrease inflammation, and address consequences.
- Dietary Changes: Follow a kidney-friendly diet as prescribed by your healthcare provider or a trained dietitian. This may entail restricting sodium (salt) intake, limiting protein consumption, and monitoring fluid intake to control electrolyte balance and avoid future kidney injury.
- Fluid Management: In some renal disorders, fluid intake may need to be monitored and restricted to maintain correct fluid balance and prevent fluid overload.
- Blood Pressure Control: Because high blood pressure can lead to kidney damage, it’s critical to monitor and control blood pressure by lifestyle changes and, if required, medication.
- Managing Blood Sugar Levels: If you have diabetes, you must control your blood sugar levels to avoid additional kidney damage. To properly manage your diabetes, collaborate with your healthcare team.
- Dialysis or kidney transplantation: Dialysis or kidney transplantation may be required in severe renal disease or kidney failure situations. These medical treatments entail artificial or organ transplantation to replace the functioning of the kidneys.
These are some ways to cure kidney diseases . Some minor kidney issues can be easily managed with lifestyle changes.
Conclusion –
Taking care of your kidney’s normal functioning is crucial to avoid many health issues. Kidney disorders or diseases can be cured if they are diagnosed and treated on time.