Kidney disease is called a “silent killer” for a reason: a person can be ill, but experience no symptoms until significant damage takes place. In fact, nine out of 10 adults who have chronic kidney disease in the U.S. don’t even know they have it, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
March is National Kidney Month, so it’s a fitting time to learn about how your kidneys work, and why it’s so important to help them help you. Read on for some fun facts that may make you view these small but mighty organs in a whole new light.
- It takes just 30 minutes for your kidneys to filter all of the blood in your body. That’s right, in the amount of time it takes to make a simple dinner, take a power nap or watch the news, these two, fist-sized organs, which are made up of millions of teeny tiny parts called nephrons, have removed the waste from your blood, sent the cleaned blood back through your body, and passed along the waste materials to your bladder in the form of urine. Over the course of a day, your kidneys filter enough fluid to fill a big bathtub, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
- Your kidneys are team players. And despite their small stature, they have some big responsibilities. In addition to being a part of your urinary tract (along with your ureters and bladder), the kidneys also help control your blood pressure, make red blood cells and keep your bones healthy and strong.
- A doctor who specializes in kidney issues is called a nephrologist. They may treat any number of kidney-related conditions, including but not limited to diabetes, kidney failure, cystic kidney disease and kidney stones. A nephrologist may work with a person’s primary care provider and other specialists to provide treatment.
- Certain medicines may harm your kidneys. In particular, the National Kidney Foundation says that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin, could be damaging to your kidneys if misused; and for people who already have kidney disease, these medications may make it worse. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any concerns you might have, and ask what medications are safe for you.
- Most people can lead a full, healthy life with one kidney. Some people are born with one kidney (it’s called unilateral renal agenesis), others lose function in one kidney or have it removed, while still others donate a kidney to someone in need. According to the Cleveland Clinic, people with one kidney may face an elevated risk, especially as they age, for high blood pressure or an increase in protein in their urine. Even if they’re healthy, it’s especially important to protect the health of the remaining kidney. Do that by exercising regularly, eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water and limiting how much alcohol you drink. Also, if you smoke, you should quit.
- Certain chronic health conditions can impact your kidneys. According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the causes of kidney disease are health conditions such as diabetes (types 1 and 2), high blood pressure, polycystic kidney syndrome, other inherited kidney diseases and certain autoimmune diseases (see the full list of conditions here). It’s important to manage any health conditions you might have and talk to your doctor about any new or changing symptoms.
Kidney disease is a silent epidemic in the U.S. Now that you know how sneaky it can be, you should feel empowered to speak up and ask your doctor about whether you’re at risk. A blood test and/or urine test can tell them more about how your kidneys are functioning. And, if needed, they can refer you to a nephrologist who can help.
