Why Are Your Kidneys So Important?

Your kidneys are important because they do three essential things:

1. Kidneys regulate water

For your body to work properly, it must contain just the right amount of water. One of the important jobs of the kidneys is to remove excess water from the body or to retain water when the body needs more.

2. Kidneys remove waste products and help to balance the body's minerals Many of the substances in the blood and other body fluids must be kept at the correct level for the body to function properly. For example, sodium (salt) and potassium are minerals that come from food. The body needs these minerals for good health, but they must be kept at certain levels. When the kidneys are working properly, extra minerals, such as sodium and potassium, leave your body in the urine. The kidneys also help to adjust the levels of other minerals, such as calcium and phosphate (which are important for bone strength, growth and other functions). Your kidneys help remove waste products, such as urea and creatinine, from your body. Urea and other wastes are made when the body breaks down protein, such as meat. Creatinine is a waste product of the muscles. As kidney function decreases, the levels of urea and creatinine in the blood increase. The creatinine level in the blood is a very useful measure of kidney function. It is measured by a simple blood test.

3. Kidneys produce hormones

Normal kidneys also make important chemicals in your body called hormones. These hormones circulate in the bloodstream like “messengers” and regulate blood pressure, red blood cell production and the calcium balance in your body.

At Miami Kidney Group, our approach to your renal disease is by looking and addressing all your risk factors. Our Nephrologist In Your Area having the experience and dedication that is needed to serve you. Contact our kidney doctors in Miami to make make your appointment today!