Topical health issues: what are the functions of the kidneys and what is needed to maintain them in good condition?

What are the functions of the kidneys and what are they? The question is very interesting. We all know approximately what kind of body it is, but it is unlikely that most can give an accurate definition. Well, it is worth it to fix it and tell all the most important and important about this body.

Short definition

Telling about what functions are performed by the kidneys, the first thing is to give a full definition of this term. It will be right. The kidneys are a paired bean-shaped organ that regulates the chemical homeostasis of the human body. And it happens due to the function of urination. For the same reason, this organ is part of the urinary system. It is located in the retroperitoneal space (to be more precise, in the region of the waist, on both sides of the spine). And finally, the kidneys are the organ that plays the most important, the main role in the process of urine production. And this, as you know, is a liquid containing substances that are essentially waste products.

Urinary fluid formation

Discussing what functions are performed by the kidneys, this must be told first. Since the formation of urine - the main "duty" of this body. Initially, water and other liquid is filtered through three layers of the glomerular filter (kidney body, a kind of "sieve"). Through it, mainly proteins and plasma pass. Then the primary urine is collected in the tubules. Of these, the liquid necessary for the body is absorbed, as are the various nutrients. The last stage is called "tubular secretion." During this process, all substances unnecessary to the body pass from the blood into the secondary urine, which then accumulates in the bladder. In simpler terms, everything that can be of use to us remains in the blood and is distributed along the vessels. And harmful substances that can harm the body or provoke a disease, malaise, a virus - comes out in the form of urine. Thus it becomes clear why the kidneys are often called our filter.

What is interesting to know

What are the functions of the kidneys in addition to removing the end products of metabolism from the body? In fact, many. In total, there are five of them - excretory, homeostatic, metabolic, endocrine and protective. The one that was described above is the first. And I would like to focus attention on it.

It is interesting that in the 24 hours through our kidneys there are about 1500 (!) Liters of blood! And very few people know that out of them comes about 180 liters of urine. The figure seems incredible. But really - 180 liters of urine from 1500 liters of blood. However, this is only the initial stage. Then the body absorbs water. In total at the final stage, a maximum of two liters of urinary fluid is formed, which the person emits. By the way, the composition of this liquid is as follows: 95% water and 5% solid solids. But this, of course, a normal person. So, for example, in people suffering from alcoholism, the urine contains protein (and alcohol processing products). This is due to a violation of normal kidney function. Alcoholics these organs look terrible, and it was possible to find out it at anatomy. The kidneys are wrinkled, blackened, with yellowish spots and large swellings (enlarged connective tissue). Such organs are not able to function normally. As a consequence, all poisonous substances simply remain in the blood. And accordingly, serious diseases arise and develop, the worst result of which is a lethal outcome.

Homeostatic and metabolic functions

These are also very important processes. Discussing what function the kidneys of a person perform , one should not forget about homeostatic and metabolic. This body regulates the exchange of blood, namely it removes excess ions and protons of bicarbonate from the blood. In addition, it affects the balance of fluid in the human body, controlling the content of ions.

And the exchange of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, cleavage of peptides, amino acids - that's what the kidneys do! It is in this organ that a useful vitamin D is converted into a D3 form, which is so necessary for a person to maintain healthy immunity. And the kidneys are actively involved in the process of protein synthesis. So not only the formation of urine is the "responsibility" of this body.

Synthesis and protection

This is the last thing to be mentioned, telling about the function of the kidneys in the body. In addition to the above, this body is also involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins, renin, calcitriol and erythropoietin. In simple and understandable language, it helps to form different hormones and enzymes, which are vitally necessary for us. These substances regulate pressure in the arteries, stimulate blood, maintain a balance of circulation and control the amount of calcium in the body.

And finally, protection. Here is another function that kidneys perform in humans. With their help, neutralization of various alien substances (or simply harmful ones) that are in the body. It's alcohol, nicotine, drugs and powerful medications. It is desirable to minimize the amount of these consumables. Completely, of course, it will not work: if a person does not smoke and does not drink, then he sometimes takes medicine, and this also creates a burden on the kidneys. So it's worthwhile to take care of them. To do this, you need to drink clean water (you can have mineral water), green tea, penguin and cranberry moraines, a drink made of honey and lemon, a parsley broth. In general, liquids need at least 2 liters per day. If you follow this simple advice, you will be able to maintain the kidneys in excellent condition and also to stop the formation of stones. And it is desirable to give up coffee, alcohol and soda. It only destroys the kidney cells.