Kidney is a vital organ in the human body. There are two kidneys at the back of the abdomen. Each is about 4 or 5 inches long. Their main function is to filter the blood. All of the blood in the human body passes through the kidneys several times a day. Each kidney has about 1 million nephrons, the kidneys’ microscopic units that filter blood to remove waste and produce urine.
Functions of the kidneys are:
1. Remove waste and drugs2. Maintain body’s fluid balance
3. Regulate the balance of electrolytes
4. Separate urine from the blood
5. Regulate pH balance
6. release hormones that regulate blood pressure
7. produce an active form of vitamin D that promotes strong, healthy bones
8. control the production of red blood cells
One of the problems in diagnosing a kidney condition is that one can lose up to 90% of the kidney function before getting any symptoms. When you get the symptoms it is already too late.
From your regular health check your doctor should be able to point out to you any telltale signs of kidney problems. Early detection will enable you to reverse the adverse condition.
Kidney Conditions
Kidney infection: - Bacterial infection resulting in back pain and fever. Untreated bladder infection is the most common cause kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
Auto immune condition - The immune system may attack the kidney. This may cause inflammation and some damage to the kidneys. In this condition blood and protein will be found in the urine. This condition (glomerulonephritis) may lead to kidney failure.
Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis):- Minerals in urine combine together to form blocks or stones. These stones may grow large enough to constrain urine flow. This can be painful at times. Most kidney stones will pass with the urine. If they are too big they will need to be treated.
Protein in the urine:- Kidneys allow large amounts of protein into the urine(Nephrotic syndrome). This may show symptoms like leg swelling.
Cists in the kidneys: - Large cysts may form in both kidneys (Polycystic kidney disease) that may impair the kidneys’ function.
Kidney failure:- A sudden worsening in kidney function. Dehydration, a blockage in the urinary tract, or kidney damage can cause kidney failure. This condition may be reversible.
A permanent or partial loss of kidney function may be due to diabetes and high blood pressure.
Complete loss of kidney function, is usually due to progressive chronic kidney disease. People with this condition require regular dialysis.
Papillary necrosis: Chunks of kidney tissue break off internally and clog the kidneys. This may be due to some untreated kidney conditions. If untreated, this may result in kidney failure.
Diabetic nephropathy: Over time high levels of blood sugar due to diabetes progressively damages the kidneys. If untreated this may lead to kidney failure. One of the symptoms of this condition may be protein in the urine.
Hypertensive nephropathy: Kidney damage resulting from high blood pressure. This may end up in kidney failure.
Kidney cancer: Smoking is known to be the most common cause of kidney cancer.
Inflammation of kidney tissues:- This may be due to allergic reaction or side effects of some drugs.
Minimal change disease: In this disease kidney cells look almost normal under the microscope. Symptoms such as leg swelling will be evident. Steroids are used to treat this condition.
Kidney Tests
There are many tests available for diagnosing all types of kidney ailments.
Urine and blood tests: - These tests will reveal any infection in the kidneys.
Urine Lab analysis: This analysis can detect infections, inflammation, microscopic bleeding, and kidney damage.
Computed tomography (CT scan) :- A CT scanner takes a series of X-rays. A computer creates detailed images of the kidneys from these X-rays. These images can be interpreted by specialists.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan): The scanner produces high-resolution images of the kidneys. These images can be interpreted by specialists.
Kidney ultrasound: Sound waves reflected off the kidneys, are used to produce images on a computer screen. Blockages in urine flow, stones, cysts, or suspicious masses in the kidneys can be diagnosed with ultra sound technology.
Endoscopy (Ureteroscopy):- A camera attached to a flexible tube is passed through the urethra into the bladder and ureters. The camera cannot reach the kidneys. But can help diagnose conditions that also affect the ureters.
Kidney biopsy: - A needle inserted into the back and a small piece of tissue is taken. This tissue is viewed under a powerful microscope to determine some kidney conditions.
Antibiotics are used to treat kidney infections. If there is any blockage in passing of the urine sometimes a tube is inserted into the kidney to let the urine come out bypassing the blockage. Ultra sound is used to break the kidney stones that are big to enable the broken pieces to pass out with the urine. Dialysis is performed to filter out the impurities from the blood.
Kidney from a living or recently dead person can be transplanted where no other treatment is available.
Urine and blood tests: - These tests will reveal any infection in the kidneys.
Urine Lab analysis: This analysis can detect infections, inflammation, microscopic bleeding, and kidney damage.
Computed tomography (CT scan) :- A CT scanner takes a series of X-rays. A computer creates detailed images of the kidneys from these X-rays. These images can be interpreted by specialists.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan): The scanner produces high-resolution images of the kidneys. These images can be interpreted by specialists.
Kidney ultrasound: Sound waves reflected off the kidneys, are used to produce images on a computer screen. Blockages in urine flow, stones, cysts, or suspicious masses in the kidneys can be diagnosed with ultra sound technology.
Endoscopy (Ureteroscopy):- A camera attached to a flexible tube is passed through the urethra into the bladder and ureters. The camera cannot reach the kidneys. But can help diagnose conditions that also affect the ureters.
Kidney biopsy: - A needle inserted into the back and a small piece of tissue is taken. This tissue is viewed under a powerful microscope to determine some kidney conditions.
Kidney Treatments
Most kidney diseases are treatable. We have two kidneys. We can survive with only one kidney.Antibiotics are used to treat kidney infections. If there is any blockage in passing of the urine sometimes a tube is inserted into the kidney to let the urine come out bypassing the blockage. Ultra sound is used to break the kidney stones that are big to enable the broken pieces to pass out with the urine. Dialysis is performed to filter out the impurities from the blood.
Kidney from a living or recently dead person can be transplanted where no other treatment is available.
1. Keep your blood pressure below 130/90
2. If you are diabetic keep your blood sugar level under control with medication and diet control. Keep your blood glucose levels as close as possible to the normal levels. The normal levels are 4-6 mmol/L before meals and 4-8 mmol/L two-hours after meals.
3. Keep your cholesterol levels as close as possible to the normal level. The normal level is no higher than 5.5 mmol/liters.
4. If you are overweight, reduce your weight. This will reduce the workload of your kidneys. They will then last a lifetime.
5. Stop smoking
6. Exercise regularly.
7. Limit your alcohol consumption.
8. Get your kidney function checked at least once in 2 years.
These foods will promote the health of the kidneys.
Water melon, red bell pepper, fish, olive oil, cabbage, cauliflower, garlic, onion, lemon juice, pumpkin seeds, apple, berries, cherries, red grapes, egg whites, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B-6, and calcium.
If you have a kidney condition you should limit the intake of potassium. Many foods contain potassium.
Some foods may do harm to your kidneys. Some of them are meat, salt, genetically modified food, artificial sweeteners, fizzy drinks, dairy products, and caffeine.
2. If you are diabetic keep your blood sugar level under control with medication and diet control. Keep your blood glucose levels as close as possible to the normal levels. The normal levels are 4-6 mmol/L before meals and 4-8 mmol/L two-hours after meals.
3. Keep your cholesterol levels as close as possible to the normal level. The normal level is no higher than 5.5 mmol/liters.
4. If you are overweight, reduce your weight. This will reduce the workload of your kidneys. They will then last a lifetime.
5. Stop smoking
6. Exercise regularly.
7. Limit your alcohol consumption.
8. Get your kidney function checked at least once in 2 years.
These foods will promote the health of the kidneys.
Water melon, red bell pepper, fish, olive oil, cabbage, cauliflower, garlic, onion, lemon juice, pumpkin seeds, apple, berries, cherries, red grapes, egg whites, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B-6, and calcium.
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| Apple |
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| Lemon |
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| Red bell pepper |
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| Cauliflower |
 |
| Red grapes |
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| fish |
If you have a kidney condition you should limit the intake of potassium. Many foods contain potassium.
Some foods may do harm to your kidneys. Some of them are meat, salt, genetically modified food, artificial sweeteners, fizzy drinks, dairy products, and caffeine.
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