Kidneys : Parts of the body

                                          

The Kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs on either side of the spine, below the ribs and 

behind the belly. Each kidney is about 4 or 5 inches long, roughly the size of a large fist.

The kidneys' job is to filter the blood. They remove wastes, control the body's fluid balance, 

and keep the right levels of electrolytes. All of the blood in the body passes through them 

several times a day. Blood comes to the kidney, waste gets removed and salt, water and 

minerals are adjusted. The filtered blood goes back to the body. Waste gets turned into urine 

which collects into the bladder. If blood stops flowing into a kidney, part or all of it could 

die. This could lead to kidney failure.

 CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

The term “chronic kidney disease” ( CKD ) means lasting damage to the kidneys that can 

get worse over time. If the damage is very bad, the  kidneys may stop working. This is 

called kidney failure, or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). If kidneys fail,  needs dialysis or 

a kidney transplant in order to live.

                                                      Causes of CKD

Diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease are some of the chronic causes .

                                                       Symptoms 

Symptoms may not appear till the kidneys are damaged. In kidney failure the 

symptoms that are caused by waste and extra fluid building up in the body are noticed.

some of the symptoms when kidneys are beginning to fail : Itching, muscle cramp, nausea 

and vomiting, not feeling hungry, swelling in feet and ankles, too much urine or not 

enough urine, trouble catching the breath, trouble sleeping.

                                                 Complications of CKD 

Some of the common complications of CKD include anemia, bone disease, heart disease, 

high potassium, high calcium and fluid buildup.

                                                        Prevention

The best way to prevent CKD is to keep blood sugar and blood pressure under control. 

follow a low-salt diet, exercise regularly, abstain from tobacco , limit alcohol and last 

but no the least have regular check-ups with the doctor.

Kidney diseases are silent killers, which will largely affect the quality of life. There are 

however several easy ways to reduce the risk of developing kidney disease.

                                                    Care of the Kidneys

                                                               Exercise

Engage  in light physical activities , walking and exercises. Being active and fit helps to reduce the blood pressure and therefore reduces the risk of Chronic Kidney Disease.

                                Keep regular control of the blood sugar level.

People who have diabetes develop kidney damage, so it is important for people with diabetes to have regular tests to check their kidney functions.

Kidney damage from diabetes can be reduced or prevented if detected early. 

                                        Blood pressure 

BP is the most common cause of kidney damage.

The normal blood pressure level is 120/80. Between this level and 139/89, you are 

considered prehypertensive and should adopt lifestyle and dietary changes. At 140/90 

and above, you should discuss the risks with your doctor and monitor  blood pressure 

level regularly. High blood pressure is especially likely to cause kidney damage when 

associated with other factors like diabetes, high cholesterol and Cardio- Vascular 

Diseases.

                                     Eat healthy and control weight 

This can help prevent diabetes, heart disease and other conditions associated with 

Chronic Kidney Disease.

Limit the amount of processed and canned food. Do not add more salt to food. Consume 

home-cooked food with minimal oil and salt. Use fresh local ingredients. Consult a 

dietitian.

                                      Drink more home-made fluids

Drink sufficient water or homemade drinks. Patients suffering from kidney stones are advised to drink more water or barley water to lessen the risk of forming stones.

                                          Avoid smoking

Smoking slows the flow of blood to the kidneys. When less blood reaches the kidneys, it 

impairs their ability to function properly. Smoking also increases the risk of kidney cancer 

by about 50 percent.

                                  Do not take over-the-counter pills 

 Consult your doctor before buying drugs/medicines over the counter.

Common drugs such non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen are known to 

cause kidney damage and disease if taken regularly.

If you are dealing with chronic pain, such as arthritis or back pain, talk to the doctor to 

find a way to control your pain without putting the kidneys at risk.

If one is diabetic, obese or suffering from hypertension the risk factors increase. If one of the family members or parents suffer from kidney disease then talk to your doctor.

                                        

                                        Kidney transplant

A kidney transplant is an operation that places a healthy kidney in the patient's body 

whose kidney is not working and is on dialysis. The transplanted kidney takes over the 

work of the two kidneys that failed, so the patient no longer need dialysis.

During a transplant, the surgeon places the new kidney in your lower abdomen and 

connects the artery and vein of the new kidney to your artery and vein. 

Many transplanted kidneys come from donors who have died ( cadaver). Some come from 

a living family member. The wait for a new kidney can be long.

In case of a kidney transplant , the patient must take drugs for the rest of the life, to 

keep the body from rejecting the new kidney.

Check the yogasanas for proper kidney functioning.

Yogasanas are to be practiced under proper guidance in consultation with the doctor.



                                                                Trivia

They were travelling along the country-side road. John said that this road is a kidney-

buster. He would never drive on this road again.

                                                   Saving lives

Hari was declared brain-dead. Renuka was devastated. They had just begun their married 

life and her happiness was nipped in the bud. Her parents tried to console her but in 

vain. 

"How can you think of such a thing?", almost rebuking Hari's parents. Her parents were 

baffled as how could Hari's parents be so practical. Hari's parents were doctors and knew 

the importance and the urgency.

"Give me the papers. I will sign the Organ donation Form", said Reunka wiping her tears 

and suppressing her sobs. 

"Are you sure, Reunka?", her father not in line with her decision.

"Hari will be born dumb , deaf or blind in his next life if his organs are retrieved", 

cautioned her mother.

"Appa, Amma. This will be the highest form of 'daan'. Hari's kidneys will be harvested in 

another failing life. Hari will 'live'in some other body. A few more lives will be saved", 

said Renuka addressing her parents.


Readers, do you feel that everyone should donate their organs after they cease to 

live? Let me know your view/s.


                        I am participating in the A to Z Challenge. 

A to Z Challenge - Day 1. Arms : Parts of the body

A to Z Challenge - Day 2. breasts : Parts of the body

A to Z Challenge - Day 3.Chin & Cheeks : Parts of the body

A to Z Challenge - Day 4. Dimples : Parts of the body

A to Z Challenge - Day 5. Eye : Parts of the body.

A to Z Challenge - Day 6. Feet: Parts of the body

A to Z Challenge - Day 7 . Gums/Gingiva

A to Z Challenge - Day 8. Hair : Parts of the body

A to Z Challenge -Day 9. Intestine : Parts of the body

A to Z Challenge - Day 10. Kidneys - Parts of the body

(Information courtesy Google)

(video courtesy YouTube)