March 2008 National Kidney Month

Don't Take Your Kidneys for Granted
You know when you have a headache, a sore throat, a cold or the flu, but do you know if you have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)? CKD is a potentially fatal condition that's often called 'the silent disease' because it frequently isn't detected until it has reached the later stages. The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining overall health but are rarely appreciated until they become damaged and can no longer do their jobs.

10 Life-Sustaining Things Healthy Kidneys Do
  • Filter 200 liters of blood a day, removing 2 liters of toxins, wastes and water.
  • Regulate the body's hydration and water balance.
  • Regulate blood pressure by controlling fluid levels and making the hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict.
  • Support healthy bones and tissue by producing the active form of Vitamin D.
  • Produce the hormone that stimulates bone marrow to manufacture red blood cells.
  • Keep blood minerals in balance.
  • Keep electrolytes in balance.
  • Regulate blood acid levels.
  • Remove certain drugs from the blood.
  • Eliminate excess water-soluble vitamins.
When kidney function is impaired, these processes are thrown off and serious health conditions follow: kidney failure, heart atttacks and stroke. Fortunately, early detection, through blood and urine tests, and kidney health can prevent further kidney damage and reduce the risk of kidney disease.