Kidney Function Quick Guide

What Do the Kidneys Do?

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on each side of the spine in the lower back. They play a vital role in maintaining the body’s internal balance.

Every day, the kidneys filter approximately 150–200 liters of blood to remove waste and excess fluids from the body.

Main Functions of the Kidneys

1. Filter Waste From the Blood

The kidneys remove waste products created during normal body metabolism.

Common wastes include:

• Urea
• Creatinine
• Toxins and medications

These substances leave the body through urine.

2. Balance Body Fluids

The kidneys regulate the amount of water in the body.

• If fluid intake increases → urine production increases
• If the body is dehydrated → the kidneys conserve water

This helps maintain proper hydration levels.

3. Maintain Electrolyte Balance

Kidneys regulate important minerals in the bloodstream.

Key electrolytes include:

• Sodium
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Phosphate

These minerals are essential for muscle function, nerve signaling, and heart rhythm.

4. Help Regulate Blood Pressure

The kidneys release hormones such as renin, which help control blood pressure and regulate blood flow.

Kidney function plays a major role in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.

5. Produce Important Hormones

Kidneys also produce hormones that support other body systems.

These include:

• Erythropoietin – stimulates red blood cell production
• Activated Vitamin D – supports bone health and calcium balance

6. Maintain Acid–Base Balance

The kidneys help maintain a stable pH level in the blood by regulating acids and bases.

This prevents the blood from becoming too acidic or too alkaline.

The Functional Unit: The Nephron

Each kidney contains about 1 million microscopic filtering units called nephrons.

Nephrons perform three main processes:

Filtration – blood enters the nephron and waste is filtered out

Reabsorption – useful substances such as water and nutrients are returned to the bloodstream

Excretion – waste products leave the body as urine

Signs Kidney Function May Be Impaired

• Swelling in the feet or ankles
• Fatigue or weakness
• Changes in urination
• Foamy urine
• High blood pressure
• Nausea or loss of appetite

If symptoms occur, medical evaluation may be necessary.

Kidney Health Tips

💧 Stay adequately hydrated

🧂 Limit excess sodium intake

🏃 Engage in regular physical activity

💊 Avoid excessive use of NSAID medications

🥦 Maintain a balanced diet

🩺 Monitor blood pressure and blood sugar levels

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