{"id":847,"date":"2021-03-12T04:44:52","date_gmt":"2021-03-12T04:44:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/docintosh.com\/blog\/?p=847"},"modified":"2021-03-12T05:30:57","modified_gmt":"2021-03-12T05:30:57","slug":"world-kidney-day-2021-kidney-facts-to-filter-in","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/docintosh.com\/blog\/world-kidney-day-2021-kidney-facts-to-filter-in-2021-12-03\/","title":{"rendered":"World Kidney Day 2021: Kidney Facts to Filter in"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\n

Since way before Instagram filters were a thing, kidneys have been known for their most important function: filtration. They are a spectacular pair of organs that balance our lives-literally. This World Kidney Day 2021 let\u2019s dive into a few facts about our natural filters.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One is enough<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Though they are a dynamic duo, you only need one kidney to survive. Even if one is damaged\/removed, the other takes up the functional role of both the kidneys. <\/p>\n\n\n\n


A little lopsided <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The kidneys are not aligned straight, and the right one is usually located a little lower than your left one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n


They are a handful<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The size of your kidneys is about 10-12 cm or approximately the size of your fist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n


Filter check<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Kidneys work round the clock and filter about 200 litres of blood every day! However, only 1-2 litres makes up the urine(thank goodness- could you imagine the lines at washrooms otherwise?!). <\/p>\n\n\n\n


Jack of all trades<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Though their primary function is excretory, kidneys have a role in several other functions. This includes body fluid balance, the formation of RBCs, controlling blood pressure, and Vitamin D production which is important for immunity and maintenance of bone health. Kidneys do take multitasking to another level!<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Too much of a good thing can be bad<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Though drinking ample water can prevent kidney stones, drinking too much water can dilute the urine and may also lead to hyponatremia(low sodium levels in the blood). <\/p>\n\n\n\n


Say no to drugs<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Many OTC and prescription medications are filtered by kidneys. Taking an excessive amount of these drugs(for eg. Naproxen or ibuprofen) can harm the kidneys. Avoid them as much as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n


Climate change and CKD<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Consistently high temperatures and dehydration can cause kidney injuries and may also culminate in Chronic Kidney Disease. This is especially a cause for concern for people living in hot regions. Remember to keep yourself hydrated and avoid constant exposure to heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


These facts just go on to show that our kidneys are nothing short of a marvel. Let us all vouch to keep our kidneys safe and healthy, and protect them the same way they protect us. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

REFERENCES:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Your Kidneys & How They Work. Accessed from: https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/kidney-disease\/kidneys-how-they-work<\/a>   Accessed on 9th March 2021.
2. News – Top 5 Tips for Reducing Risk of Kidney Disease. Accessed from:https:\/\/www.kidney.org\/news\/monthly\/Top5_rrkd_tips#:~:text=The%20kidneys%20work%20’round%20the,and%20help%20maintain%20healthy%20bones<\/a> Accessed on 9th March 2021.
3. 6 Tips To Be \u201cWater Wise\u201d for Healthy Kidneys Accessed from: https:\/\/www.kidney.org\/content\/6-tips-be-water-wise-healthy-kidneys<\/a> Accessed on 9th March 2021.
4. Johnson RJ,  et al. Climate Change and the Kidney. Ann Nutr Metab. 2019;74(3):38-44. 
5. Living with One Kidney: What to Know. Accessed from: https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/can-you-live-with-one-kidney#about<\/a> Accessed on 9th March 2021. 
6. Why is the right kidney slightly lower than the left kidney? Accessed from: https:\/\/brainly.in\/question\/707656<\/a> Accessed on 10th March 2021. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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