Table of Contents
What are the four main functions of the kidneys?
Their basic functions include:
- Regulation of extracellular fluid volume. The kidneys work to ensure an adequate quantity of plasma to keep blood flowing to vital organs.
- Regulation of osmolarity.
- Regulation of ion concentrations.
- Regulation of pH.
- Excretion of wastes and toxins.
- Production of hormones.
What are the first signs of kidney problems?
Signs of Kidney Disease
- You’re more tired, have less energy or are having trouble concentrating.
- You’re having trouble sleeping.
- You have dry and itchy skin.
- You feel the need to urinate more often.
- You see blood in your urine.
- Your urine is foamy.
- You’re experiencing persistent puffiness around your eyes.
How do you improve kidney function?
Here are some tips to help keep your kidneys healthy.
- Keep active and fit.
- Control your blood sugar.
- Monitor blood pressure.
- Monitor weight and eat a healthy diet.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Don’t smoke.
- Be aware of the amount of OTC pills you take.
- Have your kidney function tested if you’re at high risk.
How can I check my kidneys at home?
One of the best ways to test for CKD and assess kidney damage is a simple urine test which detects the presence of albumin. The smartphone app from Healthy.io enables lay users to conduct a urinalysis test at home and securely share results with their clinicians.
Where do you itch with kidney disease?
It can come and go or it may be continuous. It may affect your whole body or be limited to a specific area – usually your back or arms. Itching tends to affects both sides of the body at the same time and may feel internal, like a crawling feeling just below the skin.
What vitamins help kidney function?
Special renal vitamins are usually prescribed to kidney patients to provide the extra water soluble vitamins needed. Renal vitamins contain vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin and a small dose of vitamin C.
Why is kidney function so important?
Why are the kidneys important? Your kidneys remove wastes and extra fluid from your body. Your kidneys also remove acid that is produced by the cells of your body and maintain a healthy balance of water, salts, and minerals—such as sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium—in your blood.