The kidneys are bean-shaped organs on either side of the spine, designed to filter the blood, remove waste, control the fluid balance, and maintain proper levels of electrolytes in the body. When your kidneys can’t operate as they should, waste builds up, causing chronic kidney disease. Here is a guide to this small but mighty organ. 

Why Are Kidneys Important?

The kidneys are about the size of a large fist. However, they are responsible for eliminating waste, drugs, and excess fluid from the entire body. To filter the blood, each kidney uses nephrons, which are about one million filtering units of tiny blood vessels. 

The kidneys release an active form of vitamin D that supports strong bones and produces hormones that affect the function of other organs, including red blood cell production, regulating blood pressure, and controlling calcium metabolism. 

How Do They Function?

Blood comes into the kidneys using the nephrons and waste, salt, water, and minerals are assessed and adjusted. The filtered blood goes back into the body and waste is excreted through the bladder in the form of urine. Blood passes through the kidneys 40 times a day, filtering and returning 200 quarts of fluid every 24 hours.   

What Are Some Common Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease?

The CDC states that nine out of ten adults have chronic kidney disease and don't know it. It affects 15 percent of the U.S. adult population. This disease is diagnosed by either a genetic marker or protein in the urine with decreased kidney function for at least three months. 

It can be affected by diabetes, high blood pressure and genetics, but has many causes. With diabetes, the body either does not produce insulin or cannot use it properly, increasing blood sugar, causing kidney damage, kidney failure, and other issues. 

High blood pressure can result in a heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Any time the blood is not able to get to the kidneys, part or all of the organ dies. Avoiding the overuse of over-the-counter pain medications, toxins, pesticides, and street drugs are some of the best ways to prevent damage and failure.

Mt Auburn Nephrology is Cincinnati's own full-service nephrology clinic designed to provide dialysis as well as treatment for kidney stones and kidney disease. Their talented doctors use a patient-focused approach to diagnosis, paired with the utmost kindness, respect and confidentiality. Patients with kidney transplants, chronic kidney disease, acute renal failure and hypertension are welcome to receive the high-quality medical treatment they deserve. Visit their website for the satellite location nearest you and call (513) 841-0222 to schedule an appointment.