Kidney function is very important for humans. Without the two kidneys, various systems in the body will not work properly and humans cannot survive. Therefore, kidney function and health must always be maintained.
The kidneys consist of a pair of organs, namely the left kidney and right kidney, which are located in the lower back area. This organ is shaped like a kidney bean and measures about 10–13 cm or about the size of a fist.
The kidneys have about one million nephrons, which act as filters for the blood. In addition, this organ also consists of the renal cortex, renal marrow, and renal pelvis, which also have their respective roles.
Know Kidney Function
The following are some of the functions of the kidneys for humans:
1. Filter the blood
It was previously mentioned that one of the main functions of the kidneys is to filter the blood. The filtering process will produce waste and excess fluid that will be removed from the body through urine.
2. Filter and dispose of waste
Another function of the kidneys is to filter and remove waste, such as toxins, excess salt, and urea, which is nitrogen-containing waste resulting from protein metabolism.
Urea formed in the body will be transported through the blood to the kidneys for disposal. Without kidneys, waste and toxins will accumulate in the blood and cause various health problems.
3. Control the water balance in the body
The kidneys ensure that the body's tissues receive sufficient water to function properly. This organ will react to changes in water levels in the body. When water intake in the body is reduced, the kidneys will retain water, not excrete it.
4. Regulate blood pressure and salt level in blood
The kidneys produce the enzyme renin which is responsible for regulating blood pressure and salt in the blood. This is because the kidneys need stable blood pressure and flow to be able to filter blood.
5. Regulate red blood cells
When the body doesn't get enough oxygen, the kidneys secrete the hormone erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of more oxygen-carrying red blood cells. When oxygen levels or red blood cells have returned to normal, this hormone will stop being produced.
6. Regulate the acid-base balance (pH) of the blood
One of the important functions of the kidneys is to ensure that the pH of the blood remains normal. It is important to maintain the pH balance of the blood so that the metabolic processes of cells in the body can run properly. Normal blood pH is 7.35–7.45.
7. Maintain the concentration of minerals and electrolytes
Kidneys play a role in maintaining the concentration of important minerals and electrolytes in the blood, including sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. Electrolytes function to support the activity of cells and body tissues, such as nerves and muscles.
8. Produces the active form of vitamin D
Kidneys also function to produce vitamin D, which the body needs for bone health and chemical balance in the body.
Once the important role of the kidneys in the body, then it is appropriate if both kidneys are always kept healthy so that they can always function properly.
Although a person can live a normal life with only one kidney, in the long term, it will be more at risk of experiencing various health problems. Therefore, having two healthy kidneys is certainly better.
Maintaining kidney health and function can be done by eating low-salt foods, increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, meeting the body's fluid needs, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and maintaining an ideal body weight.
Regular visits to the doctor and undergoing kidney function tests are also important steps to detect kidney disorders early.