In addition to their filtration function, the kidneys produce hormones—chemicals that act as the body’s messengers. These hormones help control blood pressure, control red blood cell production, and keep your bones strong.
Two healthy kidneys are more than enough to filter waste from your blood and make urine.
Inside each , about one million tiny units called nephrons rid the body of excess and unwanted substances. Each nephron has two parts, the glomerulus and the tubules.
Inside the glomerulus large amounts of fluid, dissolved substances such as minerals, and waste products are filtered from the blood and form a fluid called filtrate. From the glomerulus, this filtrate flows into the tubules. Inside the tubules, most of the water is re-absorbed into the blood, in addition to the required amounts of minerals and other substances your body needs.
At the same time, excess substances and fluid flow into the tubules and are eliminated as urine.
Often, early kidney problems don’t have many symptoms — but if you or a loved one is experiencing any of the ones listed here, you will want to be checked by a doctor. Write down any of the symptoms you may have and bring that information with you to your doctor’s appointment.
Discovering your kidneys are okay will ease your mind, but even if you learn you have kidney problems, knowing about it sooner may allow you to take steps to slow the progress of kidney disease.