The kidneys are a pair of fist-sized organs located at the bottom of the rib cage. There is one kidney on each side of the spine. Kidneys are essential to having a healthy body. They are mainly responsible for filtering waste products, excess water, and other impurities out of the blood. These toxins are stored in the bladder and then removed during urination. The kidneys also regulate pH, salt, and potassium levels in the body. They produce hormones that regulate blood pressure and control the production of red blood cells. The kidneys even activate a form of vitamin D that helps the body absorb calcium.
Symptoms
• fatigue
• difficulty concentrating
• trouble sleeping
• poor appetite
• muscle cramping
• swollen feet/ankles
• puffiness around the eyes in the morning
• dry, scaly skin
• frequent urination, especially late at night
• nausea
• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• changes in urine output
• fluid retention
But it’s better if you can ask your doctor about getting a blood test for kidney problems. Kidney problems generally don’t cause symptoms until they’re more advanced. So, don’t wait until the last moment.
How can we prevent from kidney diseases?
-Drink plenty of water
-If you have diabetes, control your blood sugar
-Control blood pressure
-Reduce consumption of salt
-Quit smoking
-Be careful when you taking too much of drugs (medication) such as aspirin
-Limit taking foods containing excessive sodium, animal protein such as beef and chicken, citric acid (found in lemon, oranges etc.), oxalate (found in beets, spinach, chocolate etc.)
