Kidneys: Their Functions and Diseases
What are the kidneys and where are they located?
Located in the lower back on either side of the spine, the kidneys are essential for several functions throughout the body. The bean-shaped organs primarily serve as a filtration system, removing excess fluids and impurities from the blood stream. Once the impurities have been collected, they are passed through the body as urine. This continuous filtration process is crucial to maintaining the internal balance of the human body, including the regulation of electrolytes, which play a key role in controlling blood pressure. In addition to the primary function of filtration, the kidneys are also responsible for the formation of red blood cells, distributing vitamin D, and stimulating skeletal marrow.
How do the kidneys work?
Blood enters the main area of the kidney through the renal artery, located on the side of the kidney, and then passes through the outer renal capsule. The excess fluids and impurities are extracted and then pass through the renal columns toward the renal pelvis. Subsequently, urine is produced, and then passed along to the bladder for storage.
Once the fluids and impurities have passed, the blood continues through the renal capsule making its way to the renal vein, eventually leaving the kidney. The two kidneys together are able to filter approximately one-fifth of the blood supply at any one time. However, like any prominent organ system required for the function of the body, the rigorous demands of the kidneys make them vulnerable to damage.
Possible kidney Problems
One such example of the damage that can occur is when impurities, toxins, and chemicals accumulate in the tissue of the kidneys, hardening over time. Commonly known as kidney stones, this accumulation causes blockage, and encourages improper functioning of the kidney. This, combined with the inability of the pancreas to produce glucose-regulating insulin, is the cause of diabetic nephropathy.
When the function of the kidneys is impaired, the resulting effects can cause more severe problems, even in a short amount of time. Without a way to remove unhealthy impurities and toxins, excess fluids can build up, causing serious medical problems, including premature death. Kidney diseases tend to become more prevalent later in life, as the body begins to deteriorate naturally. Additionally, the intake of excessive alcohol or other toxins over the course of a lifetime also plays a major role in the overall health of the kidneys.
Kidney transplants have become more and more common as part of the treatment for curing kidney disease. The availability of donors and the high success rate, along with kidney dialysis, has lead to thousands of lives being saved. In dialysis, the patient is connected to a machine that acts in place of the kidneys, cycling and filtering the blood flow, while also performing additional regulatory functions.
Like other diseases, there are various degrees, or stages, of kidney disease, with continuous treatment being necessary for all of them. Certain kidney conditions may be treated with regular administration of an oral medication, while others may require more drastic measures, such as surgery or ongoing dialysis. In that late 2000s, regular doses of thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, were determined to benefit those suffering from kidney-related urinary disorders, and aid in the healing of the kidneys.
umm.edu’s Early Renal Insufficiency Program Kidneys/Kidney Disease
uc.edu’s information about kidney disease including symptoms and treatments.
As part of the vitamin B complex, thiamine is responsible for many of the metabolic functions in the body, as well as the maintenance of organ tissues and the creation of red blood cells. As such, thiamine can reverse the effects of kidney disease in non-diabetic individuals. Without the complications that arise from having diabetes, the enzyme fortified by thiamine, combined with thiamine’s natural regenerative properties, can help the kidneys gradually return to providing their normal function.
Trusted Resources about the Kidneys and Diseases
More information about the kidneys.
Dialysis of the kidneys. Wustl.edu’s article “Maintaining the Body’s Chemistry: Dialysis in the Kidneys”
This problem set is designed to help you understand renal toxicology of metals. You will learn basic anatomy and physiology of the kidneys, properties of metals, and the effect of metals on the kidneys and on kidney cells.
Rush.edu: The Division of Pediatric Nephrology and Hypertension at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, provides comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for children with acute or chronic kidney problems.
Annalise Kaylor is a freelance writer, editor, and consultant specializing in search engine optimized content for the web. As a writer, her work has appeared across the United States in print ads for Whirlpool, Maytag, Home Depot, and Lowe's, among others. As a consultant, she has worked primarily in the education sector, helping universities increase their web visibility and construct and implement social media strategy. Annalise is an avid reader, knitter, organic gardener and baker, as well as the author of the popular baking blog, Knead To Be Loaved. Annalise enjoys fly fishing, camping, and hiking.
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