World Kidney Day is a yearly event that takes place on the second Thursday of March. It is aimed at promoting awareness of the importance of kidney health, risk management and dealing with kidney issues. This year provides an opportunity to recognize the significance of looking after our kidneys

Interesting Facts About the Kidneys

Your kidneys are responsible for many functions throughout the body. There are interesting facts about how much work these vital organs do to keep you healthy!

You Only Need 1 Kidney to Live

While most people have two kidneys, you only need one functioning kidney to lead a healthy life. Whether you only have one kidney or one functioning kidney, you may need to follow more strict precautions when looking after your renal health.

Some of the many reasons you may have one functioning kidney include:

• Being born with one kidney.
• Having had one removed due to injury or disease.
• You've donated a kidney to someone else.
• You have two, but only one is functioning.

Your Kidneys Pump More than 50 Gallons of Blood Daily

Your kidneys may be small, but they do quite a bit of work! The kidneys are responsible for removing waste and excess liquid from the body by filtering them out from your blood. Your kidneys filter through about 52 gallons (200 liters) of blood throughout a given day!

They Regulate Your Body's Salt Content

Along with filtering out waste from your blood, your kidneys also help regulate your body's sodium levels. However, it is important to keep in mind that it is possible to take in more salt than your kidneys can safely remove from your body. While salt is essential for your body to function properly, excess amounts can be damaging to your body, leading to heart disease, stroke, and even kidney failure.

One must develop a healthy lifestyle to keep the kidneys healthy. So here are some of the harmful practices that can damage the kidney.

1. Overuse of painkillers

Overusing over-the-counter painkillers can damage your kidneys if taken regularly and over a prolonged period. Whether you're dealing with headaches or arthritis, it is best to consult a doctor before consuming any painkillers.

2. High intake of sugar & salt

High salt and sugar intake can have serious impacts on health, such as hypertension and diabetes, thereby damaging the kidneys. To avoid these risks, it is recommended to limit the intake of sugary foods and replace salt with spices and herbs to flavour food.

3. Not drinking enough water

Not drinking enough water is dangerous for your kidneys. It helps flush out toxins and sodium from the body and can prevent painful kidney stones. Healthy people should drink 3-4 litres of water, but those with kidney issues may need to restrict fluid intake as advised by their doctor.

4. Not getting adequate sleep

Kidneys need a good night's sleep to remain healthy. Sleep-wake cycles regulate kidney function, so getting enough sleep is essential for keeping them working properly.

5. Smoking

Smoking can damage more than just the heart and lungs; it can lead to kidney problems. Studies have shown protein in the urine, a sign of kidney damage, can occur more often in smokers.

6. Heavy alcohol consumption

Heavy drinking (more than 4 drinks/day) increases the risk of chronic kidney diseases. Uric acid generation is also impacted, putting smokers who drink heavily at greater risk.

7. Heavy consumption of meat and processed food

Eating too much meat can create excess acid in the blood, damaging the kidneys. Processed food is loaded with sodium and phosphorus, which can be also damaging to the kidneys. It is important to balance your diet by adding fruits and vegetables for optimum health.

8. Not exercising

Sitting for prolonged periods harms kidney health, while regular exercise helps maintain it, by improving metabolism and regulating blood pressure and blood sugar.

The kidney is a vital organ in the human body and it is important we continually ensure we practice a healthy lifestyle, habit and diet to maintain the normal functioning of the kidneys and ultimately, our body.