When you think about the organs that keep you going, your heart and brain probably come to mind first. Your kidneys—two fist-sized, bean-shaped organs tucked just below your rib cage—tend to get a lot less attention until something goes wrong.
That’s a problem, because kidney disease is both common and quiet. An estimated 36 million Americans have chronic kidney disease, and most of them don’t know it. In its early stages, kidney disease rarely causes noticeable symptoms. That means many people don’t find out they have it until it has already progressed.
Related: The ‘Healthy’ Food That Could Be Damaging Your Kidneys Over 60, According to Nephrologists
Most of us know the basics: Your kidneys filter your blood and flush out waste through your urine. But that’s only the beginning of what these hardworking organs do. They work around the clock to keep your fluid levels in check, balance key minerals in your blood and clear out toxins your body doesn’t need.
Some of the most important work your kidneys do happens behind the scenes, supporting parts of your body you might never think to connect to them. Understanding these lesser-known jobs makes it easier to see why protecting your kidneys matters—and why the habits that support them pay off far beyond your urinary tract.
So what else are your kidneys quietly doing for you? Here’s what a nephrologist wants you to know.
?SIGN UP for Parade’s health newsletter with expert-approved tips, healthy eats, exercises, news & more to help you stay healthy & feel your best self?
The Part of Your Body Your Kidneys Quietly Protect
Your kidneys play a key role in keeping your bones healthy. Dr. George Hart, MD, nephrologist and chief medical officer, Interwell Health, previously told Parade that the kidneys’ job goes well beyond filtering. “The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating fluid control and cleaning the body of certain toxins,” he said. “They also help maintain bone health and help manage our red blood cell count.”
A big part of that comes down to minerals. Dr. Hart explained that as the kidneys filter blood, they help manage the balance of sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus in the body. Calcium and phosphorus are the building blocks of bone, so keeping them at the right levels matters. Your kidneys also convert vitamin D into its active form, which your body needs to absorb calcium from food.
When the kidneys aren’t working well, that delicate balance can get thrown off. Over time, this can weaken bones and increase the likelihood of fractures. This complication of chronic kidney disease is known as mineral and bone disorder.
Related: A Urologist Says She Sees ‘Several Patients per Year’ Who’ve Injured Their Kidneys With This Medicine-Cabinet Staple
How to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy
The good news is that the habits that protect your kidneys also benefit your whole body. According to Dr. Hart, the most important one is what you eat. “Limiting your intake of processed foods, excessive salt and sugary beverages is important,” he said. Cutting back on these can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, which Dr. Hart said are two of the leading causes of kidney disease.
Moving your body helps too. Regular exercise supports a healthy weight and healthy blood pressure, and Dr. Hart has a clear target in mind: “Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.” He also recommended stress-reduction practices like meditation, deep breathing, yoga or time in nature. And he advised checking with your doctor before taking any medication regularly—including over-the-counter ones.
Related: The ‘Healthy’ Habit That’s Silently Damaging Your Kidneys
Finally, don’t skip your annual physical. “Regular medical checkups can help detect and manage any potential kidney issues early,” Dr. Hart said. Kidney disease is often silent at first, so routine blood and urine tests are one of the best ways to catch it. Later-stage warning signs include changes in urination, swelling, fatigue and back or side pain. “The sudden development of high blood pressure if it had been normal before is also a warning sign,” he added.
Adapted from Parade’s The #1 Habit That Can Make Your Kidneys Healthier, According to a Nephrologist by Leigh Weingus
Up Next:
Sources
Dr. George Hart, MD, Nephrologist and Chief Medical Officer, Interwell HealthHence then, the article about nephrologists say your kidneys quietly protect this part of your body and most people have no idea was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Nephrologists Say Your Kidneys Quietly Protect This Part of Your Body, and Most People Have No Idea )
Also on site :
- Macy’s ‘Stunning’ Diamond Necklace Adds ‘Lots of Sparkle’ to Any Look, and It’s Now 79% Off
- Liverpool vs Chelsea: Kick-Off Time, TV Channels, Live Stream and English League Cup Preview
- Simone Biles sold her Texas home for under $1.25 million this month as she and Jonathan Owens move into custom mansion