Functions of the Kidneys

Many people don't realize how much work their kidneys do day in and day out. In addition to producing urine, kidneys have the following functions:

• Filtering the blood. Each kidney contains filtering units known as nephrons. These units remove excess fluid and waste products from the blood.
• Maintaining healthy bones. Your kidneys contribute to your bone health in two important ways. First, they convert the inactive form of vitamin D to an active form of vitamin D (calcitriol). Vitamin D makes it easier to absorb calcium, one of the most important minerals in the human body. Second, your kidneys regulate the amount of calcium and phosphorus in your bloodstream.
• Producing red blood cells. The kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO), which prompts the bone marrow to manufacture new red blood cells. People with reduced kidney function often develop anemia because they don't produce enough EPO.
• Regulating blood pressure. When it comes to regulating blood pressure, your heart and blood vessels get much of the attention. What many people don't know is that the kidneys also play an important role in preventing hypertension. If your kidneys don't receive enough blood flow, they release a hormone called aldosterone. This hormone tells your body to retain more fluid and sodium.

How Your Diet Affects Your Kidneys

As you age, your kidney function naturally declines, making it more difficult to maintain the right balance of fluid and minerals. Your doctor may recommend adjusting your diet to prevent health problems associated with reduced kidney function.

Sodium Intake

Although sodium helps the nerves and muscles work properly, too much of it can cause fluid retention, high blood pressure and other complications. To preserve your kidney health, consider limiting your intake of these high-sodium foods:

• Soups
• Breads
• Ketchup
• Chips and pretzels
• Pizza
• Luncheon meats
• Cheeses
• Salad dressing
• Frozen meals

Ask your doctor if it's safe to use a salt substitute instead of reaching for the saltshaker. Salt substitutes contain potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride, so they're helpful for reducing your sodium intake. However, people with certain heart and kidney problems need to limit how much potassium they consume, so it's important to ask a health care professional before switching.

If you enjoy cooking, learn how to season food with low-sodium herbs and spices rather than using plain table salt. Garlic powder, oregano, basil, chili powder and ginger are just a few of your options. These ingredients add flavor to everything from soups to stews, allowing you to enjoy your favorite meals without increasing your sodium intake.

Protein Consumption

Your body uses protein to repair cells and generate new tissues, so it's important to eat a protein-rich diet. However, protein is difficult to metabolize (break down), so too much can be hard on your kidneys, especially if it comes from animal sources. Your doctor may recommend reducing your daily protein intake or switching to plant-based sources of protein to protect your kidneys from damage.

You can get protein from the following plant products:

• Beans
• Legumes
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Chickpeas
• Oats
• Tofu
• Spinach

If you can't eat these foods due to dietary restrictions, another option is to eat smaller servings of cheese, chicken, pork, beef and other animal products.

Kidney-Friendly Habits

Adjusting your diet is just one of the things you can do to preserve your kidney function. You may also benefit from exercising regularly, quitting tobacco use and losing excess weight.

Exercising Regularly

Exercise has many heart-related benefits, but it can also help the kidneys function properly. When you exercise regularly, it's easier to control your blood pressure and blood sugar, both of which have an impact on how well your kidneys work. Regular exercise also promotes healthy sleep, which is essential for regulating kidney function. The Gardens at Barry Road has exercise programs to help you strengthen your body while enjoying the social benefits of getting out of your assisted living apartment and mingling with other people.

Quitting Tobacco Use

Using tobacco products puts extra stress on your kidneys, increasing the risk of damage. Some of the chemicals found in tobacco products also damage the blood vessels, forcing the heart and kidneys to work harder. If your blood vessels don't function properly, you have an increased risk of developing high blood pressure, which can damage the kidneys over time.

Losing Excess Weight

If you're carrying a few extra pounds, losing weight can help you preserve some of your kidney function. Excess weight affects kidney health in two ways. In people with obesity, the kidneys have to work harder to filter the blood. Additionally, excess weight increases the risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes. Both conditions increase the risk of kidney damage.