Waste removal in the human body necessitates many systems working together to eliminate material that can be dangerous to your health. Waste comes from many sources, including the foods and drinks we consume, the air we breathe, and the microscopic particles that come into contact with our bodies.
Our urinary system, or urinary tract, filters waste products from our blood and converts them into urine, which is excreted from the body. The primary organ responsible for this is the kidneys, located on both sides of your abdomen. Together, they work tirelessly to keep you healthy, and to help them along, let’s review some basic tips you can follow.
Riverside, California, residents looking to maintain long-term health, including protecting their kidneys, can find help with Melanchton A. Mangoba, MD, and his dedicated medical staff.
When you eat and drink, the nutrients your body needs travel through your bloodstream, and the materials you don’t need are filtered by your kidneys, which return clean blood to your circulatory system through the over 1 million nephrons that reside in these organs. The urine it creates then travels to your ureters and is excreted through your urethra.
The two bean-shaped organs that initiate the filtration process are also responsible for producing hormones, balancing mineral levels in your body, and regulating blood pressure and water levels.
These and other illnesses can compromise kidney function and endanger your health:
Chronic kidney disease is caused by heart disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, and some genetic conditions.
Also called renal calculi, these crystalline deposits form from minerals and salts in your kidneys.
Acute renal failure can be caused by severe dehydration, excessive bleeding, major burns, and shock.
A type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that can happen anywhere in your urinary system.
The growth of abnormal kidney cells caused by high blood pressure, family history, and smoking.
These sac-like structures can damage the kidneys, causing pain, hematuria, and fever.
To keep your kidneys in good health, these essential hints can be very useful:
Drinking plenty of water daily helps flush sodium and toxins from the kidneys and reduces the risk of illnesses such as kidney stones and chronic kidney disease.
Hypertension and diabetes can affect many parts of your body, and to keep them from harming your kidneys, you should get regular blood pressure checks and monitor blood sugar levels to avoid hyperglycemia.
Losing weight, quitting smoking, and eating a more balanced diet can improve overall health and reduce your risk of kidney problems.
More walking, running, and exercising help your heart, blood pressure, and kidney health. Discovering a physical activity you enjoy can make this tip easier to do regularly.
If you have existing kidney problems, a family history of such issues, or medical conditions that pose a risk, routine kidney testing can help you stay ahead of potential illness.
Kidney health is vital to your body, so if you think you’re dealing with renal illnesses or want to keep them from happening, make an appointment online or by phone with Dr. Mangoba and our team today.
