Fast Facts

about our
Kidneys
Healthy kidneys:

 Regulate the body’s fluid The kidneys filter about

levels
 Filter wastes and toxins
from the blood
 Release a hormone that
regulates blood pressure
113 to 144 liters of blood
to create 1 0.94 to 1.8 L of
urine every day, according
to the National Institutes of
Health (NIH).

 Activate Vitamin D to
maintain healthy bones

 Release the hormone that

directs production of red Most people have two
blood cells kidneys, but it is possible to
live with only one.

If you have ever seen a

kidney bean, then you know
what the kidney is shaped
like. Each kidney is about
the size of a cellular phone,
or a computer mouse.
Two main causes of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) are diabetes
and high blood pressure:
-Diabetes happens when blood sugar is too high, causing
damage to many organs in the body, including the kidneys
and heart as well as blood vessels, nerves and eyes.
-High blood pressure or hypertension occurs when the
pressure of the blood against the walls of the blood vessels
Kidney
increases.If uncontrolled, high diseases,
blood pressure can be a leading
cause of heart attacks, strokesespecially Endcan alsoand alcohol make your
and CKD. CKD Tobacco
cause high blood pressure.
Stage Renal kidneys work harder, and can
even damage them.
General Ways of Protecting Our Kidneys
1. Exercise regularly
2. Eat healthy diet
3. Maintain ideal body weight
4. Avoid smoking
5. Avoid taking medications or herbal
supplements without advice of physician
6. Consult doctor right away if with symptoms
7. Drink lots of water and avoid excessive salt
8. Have annual physical check-up especially if
with or with family history of hypertension, diabetes
or renal failure
9. If hypertensive and diabetic,
 Take medications regularly
 See the doctor regularly
 Know blood sugar and blood pressure goals and make
sure targets are met
 Make sure the doctor checks the kidneys regularly

Source: https://www.kidney.org/news/newsroom/factsheets/FastFacts
https://www.kidney.org/kidneydisease/howkidneyswrk
http://www.nkti.gov.ph/patients-and-visitors/kidney-health-plus